The Union Theater walls shook Saturday night. Sororities and fraternities stomped through the aisles while anxiously awaiting the start of the annual step show. In a continuing effort to diversify, the traditionally white Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council and the historically black National Pan-Hellenic Council joined together for the University’s first ever multiracial step show. The shows celebrated diversity with the theme of “unity.” Ashlon Albert, Kappa Alpha Psi member, waited backstage for his fraternity’s performance with the predominately white fraternity, Phi Delta Theta. “We’re trying to bring everyone together,” Albert said. “The IFC boys and NPHC girls really need to have better relations.” No IFC or PHC members participated in the impressive step performances, but they did perform with NPHC members in “strolls.” Each mixed fraternity and sorority group danced across the stage twice, usually in matching outfits. Onlookers showed their pride for their fraternities and sororities with screams and applause. Some covered their ears as Delta Sigma Theta members let out their signature high-pitched squeals. Kristopher Francisco, a performer, said the steps were judged according to creativity, preciseness, costumes and conciseness. “We put a lot of work into this,” Albert said. “We’ve been practicing together everyday for the past three weeks.” NPHC Fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha won for best step after their Ron Burgundy-styled performance. Other events have been staged in recent years to help fade racial lines within the councils, but they had less success. In 2005, a Salt ‘N’ Pepper event was cancelled after one of its co-sponsors, Tau Kappa Epsilon, dropped out. The step show was diverse in attendance with a good turn out from all three councils. Cassie Alsfeld, Kappa Delta member, said she loved the event. “I just think it’s a shame that we haven’t come together for more things like this in the past,” Alsfeld said. The Union Theater, which holds 1,250 people, was overcrowded because of students who sneaked through the back entrance without a ticket. Ryan Ashby, Union employee, said he turned away at least 20 people with tickets for fear that fire marshal codes would be breached.
—–Contact Kristine Breithaupt at kbreithaupt@lsureveille.com