The stageplay Step Afrika! last stepped on Duval soil ten years ago for a performance inside the Ritz Theatre. Returning to Duval for performances February 9 – 10th, the Step Afrika touring company is back to showcase their stepping talents. Founded by Houston, Texas native Brain Williams, his travels throughout South Africa inspired the Step Afrika! production. Combining the gumboot dance (or Isicathulo), a ‘South African dance that is performed by dancers wearing wellington boots’ or in America there’re called combat boots or timberlands!!
The Gumboot dance and the historic divine nine stepping antics merge in this production for ‘synchronized movements and cultural traditions, that originated among Black fraternities and sororities in the mid-1900s.’ “This art form introduces the cultures from Africa to America. “As a divine nine member, this is for the culture. We are excited to be back in north Florida,” said Williams. Cited as a civic/community visionary, Williams, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity has received a plethora of awards highlighting the show’s success. For tickets and more info /www.floridatheatre.com/events/detail/step-afrika
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