Putnam City High School Groundbreakers step team hosted a competition in the school’s gym on Friday November 8th. There were 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place cash prizes.
“The competition was pretty good and a lot of teams came out. I liked Hefner middle school because they were the only middle school and they did really good. I ended up slipping up while doing the circus because I was looking at someone else while they were also dancing, It was pretty crazy” junior Jahari McDonald said.
Step dancing is a form of percussive dance in African American culture. The steppers’ entire body is used as an instrument to make rhythms and sounds through footsteps, hand claps, and spoken words.
“I found the competition to be very nerve-racking but it was all worth it in the end. Edmond Santa Fe high school won and they were also my favorite performers. My overall favorite moment of that night was when we were all strolling, it was really fun.” sophomore Tai Moore said.
Besides entertaining the crowd, the Groundbreakers develop a sense of pride, gain leadership skills, and also develop bonds between their teammates. The family they have formed makes for great a source of support along the way.
“I slipped up at the beginning because I forgot to speak and the words I was supposed to say, but other than that competition was great. I knew my team would support me,” senior Deavionne Lloyd said
The Groundbreakers show how working together builds for success through performance and production and also growth as a strong team.
”The competition was good. Everybody came with the energy and of course us Groundbreakers represented and did our big one and I’m proud of everyone who came and showed out. Strolling was the best moment of the night for me because we all came together” senior Shaniya Franklin said.
