How to Run a Step Team

Stepping offers a unique opportunity to lead a team of individuals performing a spirited, passionate form of dance. Although step first gained popularity in the United States among African-American fraternities and sororities, the mix of dance and march has made its way off of college campuses and become popular among people of varying ages and ethnicities. The leader of a step team is essentially required to act as the coach and must be willing to commit ample time to the development of team members and step routines.

Things You'll Need

  • Team members
  • Step choreography
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get to know each member of the team. Establish a positive relationship with your teammates in an effort to gain their respect as a leader.

    • 2

      Establish a practice schedule for step-team members. Communicate the schedule to the team by providing members with a calendar outlining practice dates and times, as well as any performances, at the beginning of each month. Maintain a list of team members' contact information to ensure that you're able to get ahold of individuals if they do not show up to a scheduled event.

    • 3

      Choreograph step routines to teach the team. Work on choreography independently so that you are able to teach the completed routine to team members and utilize practice time efficiently. However, try to maintain an open mind and take choreography suggestions from other team members that may improve a routine.

    • 4

      Teach team members the choreography in short sections. After showing the group how the choreography should look and leading members through each step, watch the team perform the choreography, and focus on any steps that are confusing to members or appear sloppy during performance.

    • 5

      Schedule performances at step competitions and other venues, such as local fairs, festivals and schools. Depending on how frequently the team wants to perform, promote the team via social media and print, such as local newspapers, to let people know about the team and expand performance opportunities.

    • 6

      Address any issues within the team as they arise. Talk to members that are tardy or absent from practices and performances, and work to recruit new members as others drop out or the team expands. As a leader, it is your job to maintain a positive attitude within the group by cheering the team's successes and holding members accountable for their commitments to the team.