LaSalle Springs Middle School Lady Steppers
How our step club team practice works is through weekly meetings, in a set location including 15-25 middle school girls (grades 7-12) primarily of African American descent from our city transfer program for dance, friendship, and community. The group meets twice a week because once a week does not provide enough connection or consistency among team members. A few core girls choreograph original step dance moves, then teach them to the rest of the group in small groups. Once a certain level of mastery occurs in the smaller groups, the whole group comes together to work out rough spots and timing issues. The group plans and orchestrates performances for school functions like basketball tournaments, variety shows, school assemblies and even literacy celebrations with both steps and vocal chants, adjusted accordingly. We also incorporate discussion opportunities relating to issues that concern them as middle school girls and minority students. The group also does their own fundraising for team uniform and snack needs. We have also begun to make connections with the high school girls' step dance team for future mentoring and community building opportunities.