Hot off of setting a Guinness World Record, Step Afrika! is bringing its high-energy, multi-percussion show to LeFrak Concert Hall at Queens College on Friday, March 28, at 8 pm.
This show, which is actually the troupe’s self-titled, signature work, introduces audiences to stepping through a traditional and contemporary lens. Eighteen performers mix songs, storytelling, humor, audience participation, and rhythm. A lot rhythm.
Admission is $35.
Founded by C. Brian Williams in 1994, Step Afrika! is a world-leading authority on an art form during which the human body becomes an instrument, using footsteps, claps, and spoken word to produce complex poly-rhythms. In the early 1900s, African-American college students created Greek-letter organizations to provide academic and social support and serve their communities. Stepping then developed as a way for members of these groups – known today as the “Divine Nine” – to express love and pride.
Now about that world record.
On Feb. 15, 2025, steppers headed to the National Building Museum in Northwest, D.C., where a Guinness adjudicator was on hand to count the 268 participants and ensure that they danced in sync. Everything went went and the result is the largest stepping dance ever.
LeFrak Concert Hall’s address is 153-49 Reeves Ave. in Flushing. It’s in the vicinity of Horace Harding Expressway and Kissena Boulevard and several parking lots are nearby.
Editor’s note: The Divine Nine consists of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity.
Images: Step Afrika!