Keys to Making a Winning Step Show

When you get to the highest levels of stepping, the stepping ability of a team isn't enough to warrant a victory. You have to present that judges with a complete package to seal the deal. Victory is usually in the details; to ignore the details will usually mean defeat. If you want your team to begin winning more competitions, here are some things to keep in mind.

Theme

A theme gives your show a sense of cohesion and purpose that can really score you some points. You'll want to incorporate a theme that is catchy, involves the crowd, and is easily noticed in a show.

Pick a theme that will enable your team to show their stuff. For example, the DC Metro Step Team of Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Incorporated decided to use the theme "America's Best Step Crew." This is a play off of MTV's hit show, "America's Best Dance Crew." The idea behind the show was that the audience was viewing a practice session. During the show, the steppers used steps that had the beats of popular songs, and they were able to break dance.

To get inspiration for a theme, look at recent pop culture. What shows are popular? What songs are in heavy rotation? If you can find a way to weave these into your show, your show will have that oh-so-helpful crowd pleasing factor. Be mindful of your crowd, however. For example, if the theme of your show is taken from the show, "Who's the Boss," your audience might be too young to know about it.

Difficulty

The reality is this: if someone can watch your show from the stands and copy it with no trouble, no one will care. You can adjust the difficulty of your show in many different ways. For example, if there is a step that is in your line up that is relatively simple, try to change formations with it. Can you do it blindfolded?

The difficulty aspect of your show can also come from doing tricks. The sky is the limit with things like this. Just make sure that your show doesn't contain more tricks than stepping.

Be smart about how you make your show difficult. You have to factor in the skill level of your team. You want to leave plenty of time for practice and adjustment as well.

Precision