Next up in our Arts + Culture Partners Spotlight series, we’re featuring Step Afrika! For 30 years, Step Afrika! has harnessed the power of rhythm, movement, and storytelling to engage students in active, joyful, and culturally rich learning. Through stepping—a percussive, polyrhythmic art form rooted in African American tradition—students build confidence, teamwork, critical thinking, and self-expression while connecting directly to classroom learning.
Why should teachers and students be excited about your program?
Teachers and students should be excited about Step Afrika!’s programming because it makes learning active, joyful, and culturally rich. For 30 years, Step Afrika! has engaged young people through the tradition of stepping—a percussive, polyrhythmic, highly energetic art form rooted in African American culture—while connecting it directly to classroom learning.
Our programs meet students at every stage. Step Afrika! Reads brings early literacy to life through rhythm, movement, and storytelling. Stepping with Step Afrika! and Step by Step emphasize teamwork, cultural history, and social-emotional learning. For older students, Step Up to College blends choreography with leadership, reflective writing, and college readiness.
Beyond academics, our programs build confidence, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students don’t just watch—they clap, stomp, and create alongside professional artists, discovering the connection between the arts, education, and their own potential. Teachers consistently find our programming to be a dynamic way to reinforce literacy, cultural competency, and wellness while inspiring students to lead.
Learn more about Step Afrika’s programs on their website, and check them out on their Instagram or Facebook page!
