The Heavy Steppas is a dancing organization that creates community and diversity by welcoming students from different backgrounds to create choreographies that celebrate African culture. The choreographies are made from a mixture of hand claps, footsteps and dance movements that match the beats of the songs that they are dancing to.
Junior Aniyah Davis, president of the Heavy Steppas, said that the club is a great place to meet new people and develop a sense of belonging.
“I love the friendships that I was able to build,” Davis said. “I also wish that people knew that anybody can join. I know we seem like the group has a dominant demographic, but it’s open for everyone who feels welcome and willing to learn.”
The Heavy Steppas do not require their members to have any previous experience. In fact, the club itself does not require tryouts.
Amiyah Woods, First-Year and current steppa, said that she hadn’t considered joining a step team until she arrived at Augustana.
“I have been stepping for the past four weeks,” Woods said. “I have friends who used to step outside of school, and I thought that was so cool. That’s why I wanted to join.”
From the beginning of the semester, Heavy Steppas have performed at Culture Fest, Homecoming, and also in the Heavy Steppas meet and greet.
“We put a lot of work and effort into our steps to make sure that we’re all in sync,” Woods said. “Occasionally, we do try to cram new stuff at the last minute, so we’re working extra hard.”
The focus of the club is to educate members on African culture while also teaching them dances in order to help keep the culture alive.
“We create a home for African culture by having a more central focus on the traditions that came from Africa and also by educating our peers on the arts of stepping along with the community that comes with it,” Davis said.
Many of the members also agreed that The Heavy Steppas club provides a safe environment in which they can feel supported and comfortable sharing their ideas.
First-Year Natavia Jones, a current member of the Heavy Steppas, expressed her love for dancing and also said that she really enjoys seeing the routines turn out smoothly.
“I enjoy being on the team because I always used to dance at home,” Jones said. “Also I feel like I can contribute to the routines. Sometimes, if things don’t look right or someone needs help, I always try to help.”
Aside from helping its members improve their dancing skills, this club also provides a place for relief and relaxation.
“I always come here to get everything off my mind, like the schoolwork when I be stressing out,” Jones said.
The Heavy Steppas place a lot of value on the voices of its members. This can be heard through their loud voices during the performances or even during practice as they socialize and share their different ideas with each other.
“Usually in other clubs you can show up and not have to talk to anyone,” Woods said. “However, here in the Heavy Steppas club everybody has to speak and come out of their shell a bit.”
Whether you are looking to learn more about the club or are interested in seeing one of their performances, the Heavy Steppas offers students a way to be immersed. Their next performance will be taking place on Nov. 18, in Centennial Hall at 7:00 p.m. The invitation is open to everyone.
“Join the step team, It’ll be fun for everybody,” Jones said.
