Steppin' Out, the College's newest dance group, is striding into the foreground on campus. The students involved in the organization have taken up the art form of tap dance to create their own niche among dance groups on campus.
Steppin' Out performed for the very first time at the Rhythm Fest on Green Key Weekend to a receptive crowd in Collis Common Ground.
Erica Chong '97 and Kristin Johnson '98 founded Steppin' Out earlier this term. The Council on Student Organizations recognized the group on May 1.
Chong and Johnson met through a mutual friend who spotted their common love for tap dancing.
Johnson said, "Erica and I really missed tap. We figured that there had to be other students at Dartmouth like us."
Chong, who is directing the group this term, said she sent out a BlitzMail message to much of the campus soliciting interest in creating a tap dance group.
After Chong received responses from interested students, she and Johnson proceeded to hold "very informal auditions," she said.
Jesse Kearney '97, this term's assistant director of Steppin' Out, said he decided to audition for the group when he heard about the idea.
Chong said after the auditions the group found an advisor, elected officers and approved the constitution, which she drew up.
Kearney said that after much brainstorming the members selected the title of Fred Astaire's song "Steppin' Out" as the name for their new group.
Johnson said the number of students participating fluctuates around 15 "people looking for a fun way to continue tap dancing."
She said the members of Steppin' Out are drawn from the freshman, sophomore and junior classes. She added that the participants all have some background experience in dance.
Chong said there are no "beginner-beginners," although some participants are currently taking Collis Miniversity tap-dance classes.
Christine DuRocher '98, the business manager of Steppin' Out, said, "Most of us tapped before coming to Dartmouth, and I think we have missed it. We're excited to be tapping again."
Chong said that among the members, different styles dominate.
For instance, some students have a more classical, Broadway-style while others prefer a more "flatfooted, syncopated style" that can be likened to that of world renowned tappers Savion Glover and Gregory Hines, Chong explained.
In recent years, several other dance groups have sprung up around campus, such as Sheba, Sassy Sisters of Soul and Roots of Rhythm.
Chong said she felt the need to start another group because only ballet and modern dance are taught as courses on campus.
Julie Sloane '99, the group's secretary, said she was also dismayed by the absence of tap or jazz instruction.
Sloane said, "I was upset that there was no way to continue tapping at Dartmouth, and then someone forwarded me a blitz from Erica [Chong] asking if anyone was interested [in joining]."
The group also allows those students participating to gain from the experiences and bond with their fellow dancers.
Despite their short existence, the group has "clicked," DuRocher said.
"We get along and work well in practice, and all of us are enjoying what we're doing," she said.
The dancers in Steppin' Out said they are all looking forward to the future.
"The group is still in its initial stages, but I think we have a lot of potential," Johnson said.
Kearney said, "We hope to become an institution on campus."
