NEW ROCHELLE, NY (May 10, 2023) — New Rochelle High School’s Trifecta Steppers recently competed in the National High School Performing Arts’ National Step Championship at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem. The competition, known as the “Superbowl of Step,” featured the final four top high school teams in the country.
Trifecta Steppers, comprising 17 girls, were only in their second year of competition, but they impressed with their precision, synchronization, and creativity. Their routine was based on the scary movie “It,” and their theme costumes added to the performance’s overall ambiance.
Coach Shante Dixon was thrilled with the team’s performance and proud of the girls’ hard work and dedication. “It was a wonderful accomplishment to be able to say they stepped at the world-famous Apollo Theater,” she said.
The Trifecta Steppers earned their place in the semifinals by upsetting a higher-seeded team with a 1,600-vote margin in last month’s NHSPA Quarterfinals. “We left our hearts on that stage,” said junior coach and stepper Mariah Smart, thanking the team’s coaches for guiding them through every competition and showcase.
Step dancing has its roots in African American competitive group song and dance rituals that incorporate stepping, stomping, and clapping to create musical rhythms and sounds. Step dancing teams create dynamic, energetic performances that incorporate aspects of cheer, gymnastics, breakdance, drill team, and call-and-response.
The girls also had a chance to watch collegiate-level teams compete during the event, including Mercy College, Howard University, Delaware State, and Lincoln University. Overall, it was a memorable experience for the Trifecta Steppers and an impressive national debut for the New Rochelle High School team.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was generated by ChatGPT based on a City School District of New Rochelle email newsletter.
