Step Afrika steps onto the stage at WCU

The dance company Step Afrika! will perform at Western Carolina University on Wednesday, Oct. 22. (Photo courtesy Step Afrika!)

The dance company Step Afrika! will perform at Western Carolina University on Wednesday, Oct. 22.
Photo courtesy of  Step Afrika!

There was a lot of shouting and hollering as the audience enjoyed the dances that Step Afrika performed on the stage of Western Carolina University’s Bardo Arts and Performing Center, on the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 22. The event was part of WCU’s Homecoming Week.

Step Afrika shocked the crowd when they pulled volunteers out of the audience to join them to dance on stage.

“Interesting. I wasn’t expecting it,” said Joshua Turnbull, a WCU student who was one of the volunteers.

As the event finished, the audience gave Step Afrika a standing ovation and Step Afrika performer Joe Murchison announced that audience members are eligible for the Step Afrika scholarship.

Assistant Director of Campus Programming Frances Ortiz said before the event that she wants people to walk away it with more with more experience of the lifestyle. From the crowd’s reaction, Step Afrika was a success.

“Pretty awesome, definitely cultural event,” said Turnbull.

“Loved it” added Connor Thompson, also a WCU student.

Step Afrika is a professional dance company promoting African traditional dance and influences from a variety of other dance and art forms.