Provider Details
Provider: Step Afrika!
Contact Details
Address
1333 H Street Northeast
Washington, 20002
Washington, 20002
Primary Contact: Milen Matthews
Cultural Organization
For 30 years, Step Afrika!’s school-based programs have used the power of rhythm, movement, and storytelling to spark curiosity, build confidence, and connect the arts directly to academic growth. From early literacy through college readiness, each program is designed to meet students where they are—whether reinforcing vocabulary and motor skills in our Step Afrika! Reads program, exploring cultural history and social-emotional learning in Stepping with Step Afrika! and Step by Step, or fostering leadership, collaboration, and reflective writing in our residency Step Up to College. By blending performing arts with academic standards in literacy, cultural competency, and wellness, our workshops and assemblies engage students in joyful, active learning while strengthening skills in teamwork, critical thinking, and self-expression. With every beat, clap, and step, we inspire students to see the connection between the arts, education, and their own potential.
Events and Programs Offered
Stepping With Step Afrika!
Focus: Arts Integration, Cultural History, Social-Emotional Learning This 45-minute, high-energy performance introduces students in grades K–12 to the history, cultural significance, and artistic discipline of stepping. Through rhythm, movement, and interactive engagement, students explore themes such as teamwork, discipline, and academic achievement. The program includes…
Program/Event Format:
In School Performance
Art Forms:
Dance and Movement, Theater, Storytelling, Music
Step by Step
Focus: Performing Arts, Cultural Awareness, Team Building This 35-minute assembly-style workshop engages students in grades PreK–12 in the fundamentals of stepping while exploring its cultural roots and artistic expression. Students participate in choreographed movement that promotes physical coordination, unity, and rhythm. The workshop connects stepping…
Program/Event Format:
In School Workshop, In School Performance
Art Forms:
Dance and Movement, Theater, Storytelling, Music
Step Afrika! Reads
Focus: Early Literacy, Movement Integration, Family Engagement This 35-minute interactive performance promotes foundational literacy skills by integrating reading, creative movement, and storytelling. Designed for PreK–2nd grade students, Step Afrika! Reads encourages physical activity while reinforcing the importance of daily reading at home. The program supports…
Program/Event Format:
In School Workshop
Art Forms:
Dance and Movement, Theater, Storytelling, Music
Step Up To College
Focus: College and Career Readiness, Health and Wellness, Performing Arts Step Up to College is a weekly in-school or after-school residency designed to engage students in grades 3–12 through a dynamic blend of step instruction, college and career readiness, and personal wellness. Students explore the historical and…
Program/Event Format:
In School Residency
Art Forms:
Dance and Movement, Theater, Storytelling, Music
Masterclass
STEP AFRIKA! MASTERCLASS is a 75-minute workshop catered for students who have previous stepping/dance experience. One – two artists teach a maximum of twenty students choreography that is appropriate for their skill level. A 15-minute talk back concludes the session, where students can ask dancers…
Program/Event Format:
In School Residency, In School Workshop
Art Forms:
Dance and Movement
Performance Training
STEP AFRIKA! PERFORMANCE TRAINING is a masterclass that will help any grade school step team prepare for an upcoming performance. Step Afrika! will review the choreographed show, suggest edits, and train the students on performance elements such as stage presence, precision, voice projection, and staging.…
Program/Event Format:
In School Residency, In School Workshop, After School/Weekend
Art Forms:
Dance and Movement