HIST 405-01, Performative Cultures in Historical Context: Creating a Documentary Film on Black Greek Step Dance, Spring 2010

Abstract

Stepping‟ is a performative tradition created by African-American fraternities and sororities during the mid and late twentieth century. It continues today at the University of Memphis, with Step Shows drawing enthusiastic crowds. Innovation is the hallmark of stepping; dancers incorporate references to current events and contemporary advertising as well as to their own lives. At the same time, stepping reaches back into African-American folk traditions such as the dozens, military jodies, signifying, and hand-clap games. In this course, students will research, write, direct, and edit a documentary film about stepping.