Step Afrika!: The Body as Instrument

A stage transformed into a giant drum. Bodies that pound, resonate, and vibrate with an almost supernatural energy. For the very first time, the Step Afrika! collective is setting up shop at Place des Arts, promising to shake the venue’s walls!

Imagine a group of 17 dancers, each one a virtuoso, merging percussive African American dance and traditional African rhythms. On stage, with precision choreography and bursts of improvisation, they carve the air with their movements. Each step is a note, each strike, a cry. Their bodies do not simply dance, they speak, tell stories, and challenge. In one moment, they unite in a hypnotic rhythm. In the next, a performer breaks free. Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is much more than just a dance company, it is a global cultural ambassador and a leading authority on the art of stepping.

Body Language that Combines History and Physical Expression

Stepping, rooted in African American fraternities, is a percussive dance in which every part of the body becomes an instrument. Dancers stamp their feet on the ground, clap their hands, and play with their breathing to create complex rhythms, often accentuated by collective cries and chants. At Step Afrika!, this tradition is taken to artistic heights through the choreographic direction of Jakari Sherman, a key figure in bringing an innovative approach to this discipline. With works such as Drumfolk, the company delves into significant moments in African American history—including the Stono Rebellion of 1739 and its cultural repercussions—, providing a profound context to its practice.

A Cultural and Spiritual Journey

The roots of stepping take on a universal dimension with Step Afrika!. The percussive dance form, in which each movement resonates like a drumbeat, is taken to another level with the inclusion of songs, stories, and a touch of humor. Each performance becomes a true celebration of rhythm, blending contemporary techniques and traditional African dances.

An Impact that Resonates Far Off-Stage

With tours to more than 60 countries and educational programs reaching tens of thousands of young people, the company is not simply limited to artistic performance. Its educational programs, like the Summer Steps summer camp, introduce young people to essential values: discipline, teamwork, and self-improvement. Each year, the troupe travels to more than 50 cities in the United States and reaches thousands of students.

World-Renowned Heritage

Recognized as one of the top 10 African American dance companies in the United States, Step Afrika! continues to make history. It is the first dance group to be inducted into the National Association for Campus Activities Hall of Fame. It is also featured in an interactive exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, where visitors can learn about this unique art form.

A Must-See in Théâtre Maisonneuve

On February 23, 2025, immerse yourself in a breathtaking bodily symphony, in which each rhythm celebrates the richness of shared heritages. A happening that cannot simply be described but must be experienced first-hand!