Stepping: Stomp-and-Clap Step Routines
Stepping is a body percussion dance rooted in African American communities in which the group creates rhythm with stomps, claps and body slaps, in formation and with calls from a leader. Students work on rhythm, unison, precision and stage presence.
How to play
- Briefly explain the origins of stepping and teach the four basic sounds: right stomp, left stomp, clap and thigh slap (3 min).
- In lines of 5, practice the base 8-count pattern: stomp, stomp, clap, slap, stomp, clap, slap, clap, repeating until it sounds like one person (5 min).
- Teach two more 8-count patterns, one with a clap under the leg and one with a rest, and connect them to the base pattern (6 min).
- Add call and response: a leader says a short rhythmic phrase such as "Are you ready?" and the line answers with its pattern (4 min).
- Each line arranges the three patterns in any order with an opening call and a final pose, then rehearses (4 min).
- Showcase: each line performs for the others, and the class finishes with every line stepping the base pattern together (3 min).
Rules
- Stomp with the whole foot and soft knees, never by slamming the heel.
- Body slaps are loud but gentle; they should never hurt.
- Keep an arm's length between teammates in the line.
Variations
Easier
Work only on the base pattern at half speed with the teacher as leader.
Standard
Combine three 8-count patterns with call and response by line.
Harder
Add a canon between lines and a moving formation change without losing the rhythm.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: replace stomps with leg slaps or taps on the armrest and let the student lead the calls.
- Hearing impairment: stomps can be felt through the floor; place the student in the middle and signal count 1 with a gesture.
- Shyness: the student can stand in the middle of the line, never on an end, and join the calls when ready.
Learning goals
- Create body rhythm patterns in unison with the group.
- Learn about the cultural roots of stepping.
- Show confidence and stage presence when performing as a group.
Teacher tip
A gym floor or smooth court works best so the stomps ring out. The typical mistake is speeding up, so clap the beat yourself the first few times and ask for "slower and cleaner."
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