Steel Valley students take in "Step Afrika" in trip to Byham Theater

Some Steel Valley students sure got their "steps" in on Thursday, February 2.

Barrett Elementary students as well as a group of Steel Valley Middle School and Steel Valley High School students attended the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust School Day Matinee performance of "Step Afrika!" The touring professional company performs shows dedicated to the art of stepping - which they describe as a "polyrhythmic, percussive dance form that uses the body as an instrument."

Step Afrika! has deep roots in traditionally African American fraternities and sororities, but it also incorporates elements of dance, percussion, and call-and-response sequences found in a variety of African dances and music. The high energy show included plenty of audience interaction, helping the students gain an understanding of the basic stepping techniques, its relationship with Greek Life at colleges and universities, and much more.

Along with kindergarten through fourth graders from Barrett, select students from the Middle School and High School who will be helping out with the 2023 Barrett Black History Month Living Museum also were able to attend the show.

The Barrett Black History Month Living Museum will be on display on Thursday, February 23 from 12:30 to 2:45 p.m.