Spring Break
The Daily OrangeBlack Reign dance troupe embraces stepping phenomenon
By Paola Capó-García
Posted: 2/26/07, 11:13 PM EST Section: Feature
From its induction into the mainstream arena, stepping was slowly and progressively embraced, and admired by many, Fine said.
Black Reign's mission from the get-go was to bring step from its African roots and modernize it, Lindsay said.
When the group held its first auditions in 2005, Lawrence was quickly added into the mix.
"I had never really stepped before," said Lawrence, Black Reign's vice president. "I used to just clown around."
Lindsay, on the other hand, had been stepping since high school. A native of Queens, Lindsay performed and competed with her high school step team.
But Lindsay is in the minority. Most of the Black Reign members never stepped before coming to SU.
"We audition to see the potential," Lindsay said. "You have to know how to listen and apply it."
Black Reign has 17 members, which is just the right amount for the complicated stunts and props the group is used to employing, Lindsay said.
In some shows, the members toy with the audience and incorporate skits into their routines. They also mimic Hollywood films, such as "Drumline" and "Mortal Kombat," while stepping, Lindsay said.
During the "Drumline" sequence, several members were on their backs stomping and clapping, while others were hovering over them. Suddenly, drumsticks appeared, and they started tapping on each other's sticks, creating a complex and detailed percussive rhythm.
"We try to step in a way that no one's ever stepped before," Lindsay said.
Hollywood films have not had an influence on solely Lindsay and her choreographies. They have had an influence at the box office, too.
In January, Sony Pictures released "Stomp the Yard," a movie about a college-aged step dancer. The movie opened to sold-out crowds and became the No. 1 movie in America. All of a sudden, people were paying more attention to stepping.
Essentially, Black Reign is taking a page out of the movie's book by incorporating hip-hop, comedy and other dance styles. This is what Black Reign has been doing since its formation.
Black Reign's mission from the get-go was to bring step from its African roots and modernize it, Lindsay said.
When the group held its first auditions in 2005, Lawrence was quickly added into the mix.
"I had never really stepped before," said Lawrence, Black Reign's vice president. "I used to just clown around."
Lindsay, on the other hand, had been stepping since high school. A native of Queens, Lindsay performed and competed with her high school step team.
But Lindsay is in the minority. Most of the Black Reign members never stepped before coming to SU.
"We audition to see the potential," Lindsay said. "You have to know how to listen and apply it."
Black Reign has 17 members, which is just the right amount for the complicated stunts and props the group is used to employing, Lindsay said.
In some shows, the members toy with the audience and incorporate skits into their routines. They also mimic Hollywood films, such as "Drumline" and "Mortal Kombat," while stepping, Lindsay said.
During the "Drumline" sequence, several members were on their backs stomping and clapping, while others were hovering over them. Suddenly, drumsticks appeared, and they started tapping on each other's sticks, creating a complex and detailed percussive rhythm.
"We try to step in a way that no one's ever stepped before," Lindsay said.
Hollywood films have not had an influence on solely Lindsay and her choreographies. They have had an influence at the box office, too.
In January, Sony Pictures released "Stomp the Yard," a movie about a college-aged step dancer. The movie opened to sold-out crowds and became the No. 1 movie in America. All of a sudden, people were paying more attention to stepping.
Essentially, Black Reign is taking a page out of the movie's book by incorporating hip-hop, comedy and other dance styles. This is what Black Reign has been doing since its formation.
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