As the Emerald City Stepshow moved into the HEC Edmundson Pavilion for the first time in 4 years, it jumped off in full color. Pink and Green. Crimson and Cream. Blue and White. Black and Gold. Whatever your color of choice, they were all representing. The ladies and the fellas came with one goal in mind and that was to take the crown. The hosts, Marcus Harden and Jantelle Reid, kept the crowd engaged between acts with comedy and clowning. There was plenty of dancing, chanting, and, of course, stepping.

The crowd showed up in all its splendor. The females were looking good and the men had their “A” game in tact. All ages were represented from the babies to the baby’s momma’s mommas.

Often times the outfits themselves are a show in itself. Saturday was no exception. The Women of Zeta Phi Beta, Inc. sported platinum wigs to match there white jeans to add a flare of attitude to their presentations. The Nupes of Kappa Alpha Psi came out donned in ‘Red Shiny Suits’ to borrow a phrase from the emcee. And speaking of clean, the Men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. came out in Cream suits with black shirts and matching Panama style hats. They proved that looks can make a huge first impression, as the crowd gasped with approval as they took the stage. Let’s not forget the Men of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. emerging from all sides of the arena in black hooded robes before undraping to show off their abs to the ladies delight.

The preferred song of the day was no doubt Cam’ron’s “Oh Boy.” Four out of the six groups used the song, prompting the emcee to ask the crowd ‘if they EVER wanted to hear that song again.’ But Amongst the intros and outros and sprinkled throughout each performance, there were many hip hop and R&B anthems that provided the soundtrack. The Zetas of UW each came in to there own theme song. From India Aries’, “Video” to Tweet’s “Oops.” Even a bit of Old School graceD the scene when The Alphas hit the spectators with a segment to Michael Jackson’s R&B classic, “Billie Jean.”

With all that said…the clothes, the music, the crowd, the spot…when it all boils down, what really matters is the routine. Execution, precision, and showmanship. Dancing, stepping, and showboating. All the usual suspects were there, and some not so usual. The Brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi had the canes twirling, and the Alphas had the train going strong, but then in a different move showed the crowd they too could use props. So they brought out gold crowbars…yes…crowbars. The Ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., also brought out the canes. While the Zetas performed rhythmic beats and steps with their now signature sticks.

Everyone came to play, but only two could go home victorious. And after waiting and watching all the Greeks get their stroll on, the judges came back with a verdict. And the winner was…The Ladies of Zeta Phi Beta from UW, and the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha, also from the University of Washington. So, it was platinum wigs for the ladies, and perhaps the tightest move of the day, when the Alphas pulled off the Smooth Criminal lean and brought the crowd to an uproar.

So, in cased you missed it. That’s how it went down…with maybe just a little more drama, but for that, I guess you had to be there.

After the the show there was 2 after parties, one at the Sea-Tac Raddisson Hotel and one at the Marina Club.  The Seaspot.com crew checked out the Marina Club Party that was hosted by the Alpha's and AKA's. 

Winfield Ezell
All Photos by Carlos