Canes will be twirling and feet will be stomping, as the TCU campus is set to host the first Funkytown Stompdown step show competition.The brothers of the Eta Psi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., with the assistance of the women of Zeta Tau Alpha, are organizing the show.
The show is a stepping competition that will consist of six competing teams and two exhibition routines. At a step show, teams perform a choreographed routine, which normally involves steps and chants.
Jerret Holmes, an Eta Psi chapter member, said he hopes the show will be enough of a success to lead to more elaborate programming between organizations on campus.
“We want the teams and audience (members) to have fun,” Holmes said. “We’re looking to start a tradition that is seen at other universities, but not at TCU.”
Teams from the University of Texas, SMU, Baylor University and the University of Houston will compete, Holmes said.
The Paul Laurence Dunbar High School step team and the University of Texas at Arlington Black Student Association will perform the two exhibition routines.
Sarah Thompson, Zeta Tau Alpha chapter president, said when she heard about the show, she thought it was a good opportunity to start a new partnership.
“We’ve been wanting to get involved with some of the other organizations on campus,” Thompson said.
Alan Royal, president of the Eta Psi chapter, said he is excited to be able to bring an event of this caliber to Fort Worth and is pleased Zeta wanted to be a part of the event.
“Hopefully, this will be a real positive start to seeing more coprogramming,” Royal said. “The ladies volunteered their time and helped with the ticket-sales table to help with promotion.”
Portions of the proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, as well as the general, and Black and Gold scholarship funds of the Eta Psi chapter, Holmes said. Black and Gold scholarships are awarded to the winners of the annual Black and Gold pageant organized by the Eta Psi chapter.
Judges for the step competition will consist of alumni from each of the participating organizations, Holmes said.
The show starts at 7 p.m. Saturday in Ed Landreth Auditorium. Tickets are $10.
