Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show, coming to Arena Stage next month, is the second time Arena will present a Step Afrika! production since the multi-year partnership officially kicked off (Drumfolk in Spring 2022).
As the world’s first holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of stepping, Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Show is a feast for the eyes and ears. Not only will you be getting a phenomenal step show, you’ll also get to meet some fabulous and furry friends from the Arctic Kingdom. Popper the Penguin, Polo the Polar Bear, and DJ Nutcracker will create an entertainment extravaganza for the entire family and – spoiler alert – the kids might even get to dance on stage!
When you think of “stepping,” you may think of movies like Drumline or Stomp the Yard. What you might not know is that it grew out of percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities. Step Afrika! is the first professional company dedicated to this tradition. They blend these percussive dance styles with traditional African dances and an array of contemporary dance and art forms, for a cohesive, heart-pounding, and awe-inspiring artistic experience.
Listen to C. Brian Williams (Founder of Step Afrika!) talk about how stepping is a uniquely American dance tradition with Jospehine Reed on Artworks.
If you haven’t experienced a Step Afrika! show yet, it’s a one of a kind experience we HIGHLY recommend; our audiences were absolutely blown away by Drumfolk!
In previous years, audiences have LOVED Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show:
🥁 “YESSSS I saw the show with my 11 year old son and it was EVERYTHING! We came from Connecticut just to see it. It was everything I expected and so much more! What a phenomenal show. My son enjoyed it so much he asked if we can see it every year.”
– Falandria B.
🎵 “So much fun! 2yrs later my 8yr old still talks about this being her favorite”
– @dreamsforvictoria
❄️ “[Step Afrika!] never fails to give me a phenomenal performance!”
– @dijondabassman
Having Step Afrika! back at Arena Stage will be a double celebration, as its leadership has received two prestigious awards:
- Founder C. Brian Williams was recently named a 2022 NEA National Heritage Fellow Launched in 1982, the NEA National Heritage Fellow is the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts; and
- Executive Director Lamar Lovelace was just awarded the Alumni Meritorious Service award from his alma mater Carnegie Mellon. This award highlights alumni who are doing great work in their chosen fields and are positive ambassadors for Carnegie Mellon.
- Lamar and Brian – we are so proud of you!
Catch a sneak peek of Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show below, and then be sure to get your tickets for an Arena Stage holiday experience you and your family will be talking about for years to come. The production runs for just 12 performances between December 9-18, so don’t delay! See you at the show!
