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School Dayz: Steppin' from Detention to Distinction
It was that time of year again -- time for the annual step show at Georgetown, sponsored by the Georgetown University Step Team (or GUST, which I am a founder of). This year's theme was School Dayz: Steppin' from Detention to Distinction. The event, as in previous years, was held in Gaston Hall, which seats approximately 700. I would say that the venue was filled to 75 or 80 percent, but I'm not the best judge of such things.
Although GUST tried very hard for the show to begin promptly at 9:00pm, it really didn't start until 9:30. Gaston Hall was in use prior to the show, so the earliest teams could come in for their stage time was 7:00pm.
This was the first year that so many teams adhered to the theme of the show -- it was also the first year that GUST really incorporated the theme into every facet of the show, from the programs (which looked like composition notebooks), to the hosts DeVoia "Principal" Stewart and Jaiza "Hall Monitor" Page, to members of the team who were planted in the audience and sent to "detention" for talking and eating in class. In fact -- I've never seen ANY step show go to such lengths to bring the theme home.
Inside the composition-style programs was our class schedule. First up was Homeroom, "Growth & Development" which was presented by the Self-Esteem Enhancement (See) Youth Step Team. Clearly coached by a Sigma, these young ladies were on point. While many of their steps were familiar to the audience, their enthusiasm and unique DC flavor set them apart from all other step teams. With their SEE shirts and blue jeans, these ladies were an excellent beginning to the show.
Our First Period Math class, Iota 101, was cancelled due to the Iotas not showing up.
Third Period brought us to Science class -- Kappa Kemistry. I must confess that I am am really fond of two of these gentleman, Mark and Fred, who crossed in Spring '02. Out of nowhere, it seems, Kappa Chi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., went from a small (and from an outsider's perspective, struggling) chapter, to a thriving metropolitan chapter encompassing men from Georgetown, George Washington, and American Universities. I am really proud of them, and happy that strong Georgetown men like Fred and Mark have led this chapter to many accolades and accomplishments.
This was a really good performance, full of precision and excitement. While it was known that the Kappas had another engagement the same night and would have to leave immediately after their performance, many audience members expressed their desire to see more. In contrast to their performance in the 2004 GUST show, which I considered excellent, last night's performance was only very very good. Which ain't bad at all.
Next up was English class with the Zetas of Beta Zeta Chapter. Although I am not one hundred percent sure, I believe that their performance was meant to mimic the film School Daze. I was a little disappointed in this performance. From an aesthetic perspective, I felt there was too much "talking" and not enough stepping -- an opinion that was shared with the audience members sitting behind me. From a Greek perspective, I felt as though much of what the Zetas were parodying was only really understood by Greeks -- a tactic that won't really work at a Georgetown step show as much as it would at say a Howard show. I believe that their 2004 performance was better when it comes to style and precision.
Bonus points for incorporating "Da Butt" into the routine, though!
We had recess (intermission) and then came back strong for Physical Education -- The Omega Workout Plan!!!
I was so happy that the Ques made their triumphant return to Georgetown. Even though the Que style is different from most other step teams, I was happy it wasn't all simple hops. They sang, they marched, they did the damn thing. Yes, some of it was sexual, but it wasn't disrespectful to Georgetown or GUST or ladies in general.
And uh ruh..... yeah, let's just say it was gettin' hot in there. I had my favorite, lol. The Omega Men of Baltimore can come back to Georgetown any day.
I'm just sayin'....
Next we had study hall with the AKAs of Omicron Pi Chapter (Georgetown, Trinity, and Catholic). Primarily there were four steppers wearing pink sweaters and pink shoes. In the background were a number of girls wearing brand new crossing t-shirts. Apparently, these were the chapter neos. Toward the end of the show, the neos came out and did a step that was to the tune of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air theme -- it was an allusion to the crisis of 1913, if you know what I mean. Something like "It was Northwest DC, born and raised/Miner Hall was where we spent most of our days....then a couple of girls who were up to no good/started causing trouble in my sisterhood..." The sorors did really well! This was the first time O Pi performed in this show. One of them is a former member of GUST! I remember when she was a freshman and Shari and I had just crossed Alpha and Zeta, respectively.
The Alphas were next. They were a lot better than last year. A few missteps when it came to precision, but all in all, it was nice to let out an A Phi.
And finally.....the ladies and gentleman of GUST. THEY WERE GREAT!!!!! They are damn near of a professional caliber now. They were the epitome of precision, rhythm, class, humor, and they had the theme DOWN. I can't even explain it adequately -- I wish I had a video clip. It was a long performance with many parts, but not a lot of pauses.
Damn....GUST done got as good, if not better, than some of the best Greek teams I know of.
All in all, I had a good time. Can't wait 'til next year!
Posted by Rashid on April 24, 2005 12:21 PM
Comments
Yeah, I heard that from a friend there that the Zetas were not as on point as last weekend at the DST show...aww well, I'll Take the creative critism anyday :( I'll make sure we come back with something unique next year :D
Commented by Niki on April 27, 2005 6:20 PM