STEP TEAM!

Wednesday, Lara and I held our first Step and Dance class.  We had about 20 people show up--about 15 women and 5 men, including Pierre!  I started by taking attendance and then explaining what step is.  Then Lara discussed the 6 principles of dance: balance, force, flexibility, memory, discipline, force.  Next, I had everyone stand up, organize themselves into 2 lines, and I began the first step!!!  I was so excited and nervous - I wasn't sure how easily they would learn the step, how long it would take them, if they would understand me, if they would enjoy it!  But it was GREAT!  I think they really loved it!  We learned 4 different step combinations and then put them together.  I taught each step separately to the whole group, then had people practice individually as I went around to help, then we brought it back together - doing our best to step in sync.  After we learned the second step, and put it together with the first, I had everyone stand in a circle, looking at the person across from them.  The direction was to do the steps as a group, but making sure to look with attitude at the person across the circle.  This was so fun!

Next, before teaching the last half of the step, I asked the class to come up with their own step that had the same rhythm as the first step.  I wanted them to think creatively about the rhythm and be able to create their own step to show them that they have the creativity and knowledge to create steps on their own. Everyone broke out into his/her own little space to make their own step.  We came back together and anyone who volunteered shared and taught their new short step to the class.  This really got people riled up!  Even Pierre showed his step!  People were nervous and shy to share their step, but people did it!  And it was GREAT!  It was a great feeling of camraderie and support.

Then we learned the last two steps, then tried to put all four steps together.  Once we practiced them as a group, I separated everyone into two teams.  Each team had to perform all four steps and come up with a name.  Team 1 called themselves Tout Champyon (Champion of all) and Team 2 called themselves Zetwal (Star).  They each performed for the other, while they became competitive, they also were very supportive.  To end, we did all 4 steps together.  Then, I announced, "Nou se ekip premye etap nan Corail," which I hope translates to, "We are the first step team ever in Corail!"  We ended with a team photo, and with Lara explaining that Saturday's class will focus on dance.  I can't wait!!