R.I.S.C.- National Step Championship

RECAP OF 2011

On July 15, R.I.S.C.  (Remo Inc. Step Championship) kicked off its 3^rdyear with full anticipation of making 2011 the best event to date. This event took a full year of planning in conjunction with the Step/Stroll Coalition, which consists of: *Chi Ups

ilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Incorporated (CUS), Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc., (SIA), Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated (LPC), Lambda Pi Upsilon Sorority, Inc. (LPU), Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Incorporated (LUL), Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (OPB) and Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Incorporated(SLB). The 3^rdyear was focused on not only maintaining the expected step show component, but also to highlight all aspects of stepping and strolling intertwined with a learning experience to ensure that those who attended could keep the movement of artistic expression moving forward after leaving the show.

RISC WORKSHOPS: With sponsorship from The Sourcemagazine, Bobble, and in partnership with Mun2, we began the weekend with workshops on Saturday, July 16.  Workshop attendees were treated to salsa presented by Gina Peterson, Stepping by Remo and the Art of Stepping Staff, and strolling by J-RoMeO, A-Dott and Josie Bee.  Later in the day, members of the Art of Stepping Board of Directors hosted two critical workshops on healthy living and an open forum on the state of stepping and strolling in our communities. Immediately thereafter, the pre-game carnival began with carnival booths and games including ring toss, fat cats, and basketball. Carnival attendees could even enjoy a snack from the popcorn stand.

RISC STEP SHOW:  The event, which is the culmination of months of preparation, was underway with great anticipation from a sold out crowd.  However, this year R.I.S.C. was designed to be quite different. The show opened up with the introduction the Art of Stepping Board of Directors and the launch of their 1^stCampaign with Remo Production, Inc. and in partnership with Chris Duhon Stand Tall Foundation: Sneakers 2 Succeed. Thereafter we opened our minds to the eclectic performance from poet Frank E. Brady and songstress Michelle “L’Chelle” Garcia as they combined piano playing, singing and performance poetry as an homage to the love of stepping. The R.I.S.C. event was hosted by our resident MC, Dennis “The Swagnificent” Latimore, brother of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

EXHIBITIONS:To introduce the audience to the stepping component of the show, was the opening presentation of the Art of Stepping chapters from California, New York and New Jersey. These groups grace the stage by demonstrating that no Greek letters, age, nor color would be able to construct barriers against those who wanted to step. They began their performance to Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” making the statement that Remo, Founder of AOS, had given birth to a new era of steppers. Those in attendance could easily see that this movement is growing across the country with performers of all ages.

Next we had the dominating performances by the top National Stroll Teams in the nation: Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc., Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. and Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. All three organizations demonstrated that although this was a step competition, strolling is just as an important component to this show and their routines were prepared as if it were a strolling competition.

Lastly, UNITY CLASH, choreographed by J-RoMeO, took to the stage. This montage of styles and difficulty levels was comprised of five performance pieces and 80+ performers.  This 20-minute segment focused on the necessity of having a place where performers can perform on the stage as one group simply for the love of the arts. There were various ages, dance styles, and skill of performers that were choreographed so well that it was difficult to determine where one group started and another group ended.

SORORITY COMPETITION: Next began the competition. First up to bat were the women of Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. (CUS) – Se7en Step Team. On this night, we not only welcomed back this organization to the national competition, but witnessed the rebirth of their National Step Team. With their unique creative style, they demonstrated that they would not be content with only being known as strollers. Stepping lived in the hearts of their organization and they were ready to take back their rightful place amongst the national step teams. Spearheaded by Yessenia Dessis, also a member of the Art of Stepping Chapter of New York, these women are here to stay.

Second to compete were the women of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Soul Steppin Divas.  This performance gave viewers a glimpse of why this NST has been said to dominate stepping for several years even though this was a new team with younger members than usual. They treated the audience to clean execution of movement, seamless transitions and an overall unique performance. If there was any question as to whether these ladies were riding the coattails of the past dynasty or creating their own, it was made very clear that they were creating their own.

FRATERNITY COMPETITION: On the men’s side, things were a bit different because there were simply more groups competing. First up was Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. – National Step Team.  The gentleman of the Brown and Gold were originally slated to compete but unfortunately did not because they were still in preparation mode. Although saddened, they stepped on the stage “as is” with the introduction of the new National Step Team, comprised of young, vibrant men who were stepping for the 1^sttime on this level. Coached by Andres Marrero, the men performed and impressed upon the audience that they were on the road to regaining their place as one of the top NSTs. One has to give it to LUL for getting their feet wet at a National Competition but the men have ensured us that they will be competing next year and will spend the year in preparation.

Next were the men of Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity, Inc. – New York Step Team. New to R.I.S.C., the men performed as if they were veterans. Entering the stage in their military theme, they made it clear to the audience that this was not their first step show. From start to finish they performed their routine cleanly and precisely. The question was posed: How many 1^stplace teams could there be?

Following Sigma Phi Rho were the ever-entertaining men of Beta Kappa Psi Fraternity, Inc. – T.S.T.Words cannot truly express what these gentlemen bring to the show. Who would think of combining Rock and Stepping? You guessed it, the men of BKP. These men not only combined both worlds but kept the audience going by carrying their act throughout the entire show. With intricate beats, great comedy and clean executions, this was one of the most well-rounded and entertaining step teams to date.

Last on the men’s side were the reigning National Champions – Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. – STAMPEDE STEP TEAM. Coming straight off a championship win, these men were not taking any chances in this competition. They started their routine by combining an artistic element consisting of the four core elements: Fire, Earth, Wind and Water. The entire routine clearly was held down by young stepper and new captain Zaccary Belliveau, but there was no pressure on that stage. Their tricks, jumps and thought-out beats truly demonstrated how artistic this art form is when influenced by various genres.

PRESENTATION:The Art of Stepping Hall of Fame Class of 2011 were inducted on this night as well. AOS recognizes the efforts of those individuals who have been dedicated to promoting, educating and enhancing the art of stepping. These individuals have been a staple in making this event grow year after year and have impacted the stepping world tremendously. The Class of 2011 honorees were: Nicole Washington (Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. ) Ode Hoppe (Beta Kappa Psi Fraternity, Inc.) and Renata McNeill (Lambda Tau Omega Sorority, Inc.).

THE ANTICIPATION: As teams waited backstage for the outcome, we had a special performance by upcoming artist Hugga Rockz who sang his single. Then came the Nike/Department of Youth and Community Development- Step It Up Dance Competition – 2^ndplace winners – The Class, which gave a break out performance of why they placed so high in the competition.

Immediately after, our host joined Art of Stepping Founder Jessica ‘Remo’ Saul and Art of Stepping Board Member Andrea Duhon, to announce the winners.

Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Soul Steppin’ Divas

2011 National Champions

Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. – Se7en – 2^ndPlace

Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. – STAMPEDE

2010 & 2011 National Champions

Beta Kappa Psi Fraternity, Inc. – T.S.T. – 2^ndPlace

Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity, Inc. – New York Step Team – 3^rdPlace

At the end of the day, the goal and responsibility of RISC is to ensure that the fraternal organizations have a place that they can call home. A home that they look forward to year after year to see the best of the best, learn from the best of the best and now work with our younger generation so they, too, can be the best of the best. Remo Production, Inc. believes that RISC is a life choice not a lifestyle. We hope to see everyone there next year for RISC 2012 – July 13 – July 15, 2012 in New York City

For more information visit: www.ArtofStepping.org

 *As of 2011 Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. is no longer a member of the Step/Stroll Coalition.