Hand in hand, the sisters of Delta Sigma Theta and Phi Mu sororities formed a circle in anticipation of the seventh annual Unity Step Off held in the DUC Theater Saturday.
“We are all just sisters from another mother,” said Tiesha Crawford, a senior Delta Sigma Theta member from Columbia, Tenn.
In an effort to unify the Greek organizations, the traditionally African- American National Pan-Hellenic Council sororities and fraternities pair with Pan-Hellenic sororities and Inter Fraternity Council fraternities for the show.
Beginning in February, the NPHC Greeks teach the Pan-Hellenic and IFC Greeks how to step and begin to choreograph routines for the competition.
“It gives us an opportunity to share something unique to our organization,” said Sean Hopson, a junior Alpha Phi Alpha member from Madisonville. “Stepping together makes us all closer and stronger.”
Stepping refers to the form of dance in which participants use their bodies as instruments, creating rhythms through different variations of steps and vocals.
“These practices are more rigid in comparison to Greek Week preparation,” said Jesse Caylor, a Lexington sophomore and member of Sigma Nu.
“They are business. I’ve had bruises on my hands, arms, legs, but it’s totally worth it.”
The black and green paint on the faces of Sigma Nu members matched their Army-inspired camouflage pants and leather boots as they stepped and somersaulted to a jungle theme.
Omega Psi Phi brothers, clad in khakis and safari attire, were incorporated into the performance that they collaborated on with Sigma Nu.
Sigma Nu was paired with Omega Psi Phi; Kappa Delta sorority paired with Alpha Kappa Alpha; Phi Mu sorority paired with Delta Sigma Theta; and Omega Phi Alpha service sorority paired with Zeta Phi Beta.
“We hope to continue to unite the different Greek organizations through other programs on campus,” Crawford said.
The Omega Phi Alpha sisters were the first to step on stage, their faces shadowed by fedoras and pants held up by sequined suspenders.
Strutting with their canes, they chanted: “We came here . to show you . just how gangsta . we are.”
During intermissions the NPHC organizations danced and strolled through the aisles, maintaining the electric energy of the auditorium at full capacity.
The ladies of Kappa Delta took home the first place trophy with their insane asylum-themed performance.
Their heads twitched and their heavily-painted eyes glazed as they stepped in unison, ripping off their already tattered over-shirts for the final act.
Together and teary-eyed, the Alpha Kappa Alpha and Kappa Delta sisters rushed the stage to claim their second consecutive first place title.
“We couldn’t have done this without the AKAs,” said Lexington senior Kate Blake, a Kappa Delta member.
“You can just tell by the way they step that their sisterhood is strong.”
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