As part of Black History Month, Year 2 learnt about the history of stepping, a percussive, highly-energetic art form in which the body becomes an instrument, using footsteps, hand claps and spoken word to produce complex poly-rhythms.
Stepping has had a long tradition in African and Black communities and one of the biggest influences is noted as being the African ‘Gumboot’ dances. Stepping also originates from African American slave communities, where it was used as a means of communication.
Stepping is now a worldwide phenomenon practiced amongst people of all ages from drill teams, churches, high schools to college fraternities and sororities and many more. It helps to create a sense of unity and camaraderie.
Year 2 thoroughly enjoyed following some tutorial videos before taking their Stepping outside into the playground where they performed together in the sunshine.