268 dancers get together in Washington D.C. for largest ever stepping dance
Dance Company Step Afrika! (USA) celebrated African American cultural heritage by achieving the world record for the largest stepping dance, featuring an impressive 268 dancers.
The National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., was the ideal setting for the remarkable stepping class on 15 February.
A Guinness World Records Adjudicator was present to observe the impressive dance performance and officially verify the new world record.
This moment is bigger than just breaking a record—it’s about honouring a tradition that has been at the heart of Black college life and culture for generations. The Step Classic was created to celebrate this legacy, and this achievement is a testament to the passion and commitment of our stepping community. - C. Brian Williams, Founder and Executive Producer of Step Afrika!
The record-breaking class took place during Step Afrika!’s Community Day, which included other activities such as face painting, dance workshops, live demonstrations, reading areas, and expansive play zones for families and children.
Step teams from middle schools, high schools, and universities came together to participate in the record-breaking class.
Some teams journeyed all the way from Texas, North Carolina, and Florida to join the local dancers in the Washington D.C. area.
The synchronized dance lasted approximately 5 minutes and 40 seconds, fulfilling the minimum duration.
After verifying that all guidelines had been followed, Sarah Casson, the Guinness World Records Adjudicator, announced the achievement to an excited crowd.
Following the announcement, celebrations broke out, and teams took the opportunity to perform their unique routines for the audience.
According to Step Afrika!, stepping is a percussive, highly energetic art form first developed through the song and dance rituals performed by African American fraternities and sororities. In stepping, the body becomes an instrument, using footsteps, claps and spoken words to produce complex polyrhythms.
This dancing tradition is deeply rooted in the history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Black Greek-letter organisations, Black fraternities and sororities.
Step Afrika!’s mission is to preserve, expand and promote an appreciation for stepping through professional performances and to educate, motivate and inspire young people in and out of school through arts education programmes that emphasize teamwork, commitment, and discipline.
Today, Step Afrika! honours that mission with a touring company of 18 full-time artists, recognized worldwide for its engaging performances and innovative arts education programmes.
Congratulations Step Afrika! You are Officially Amazing!