BY: RYAN WEISSER

Stomp-stomp! Clap! Stomp! Slide. Clap-clap! Stomp!

Sounds from the National Pan-Hellenic Council “Divine 9” fraternities and sororities of George Mason University’s Annual Step Show will resonate in the concert halls of the Center for the Arts on February 26.

Stepping has been a tradition among black fraternities and sororities across America since the mid-1900s, and is a very rigorous form of dancing using the body to create music and performing stunts.

“Last year we literally trained for our step show,” said Britt Wright, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. who is a 20-year-old junior from Richmond, Va., studying communication at Mason. “And this year, we’re not holding back. We’ve been training since before Winter break.”

And while the fraternities and sororities are training and preparing for the step show, other Greek organizations are getting excited about the show.

“I’m really looking forward to the step show this year!” said Bridget Drain, a member of Zeta Tau Alpha who is a 20-year-old junior from Falls Church, Va., studying psychology at Mason. “I missed it last year which was a major bummer, but I went to the show my freshman year and it was AMAZING. They were doing all these crazy flips and dance moves, and it was just super awesome!”

Stan Heaney, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, is rallying up the rest of his fraternity to go to the event on Sunday.

“I want as many of my brothers going to the show, so that NPHC knows we support them and absolutely love their event,” said Heaney, a 20-year-old junior from Remington, Va., who is studying government and international politics.

Even students outside of the Greek system know about this event and are getting pumped for the performance.

“I bought my tickets online for the show last week,” said Colleen Wilson, a 19-year-old sophomore from Centreville, Va., who is studying communication. “It’s a huge deal on campus, and I’m definitely not going to miss it!”

The NPHC Annual Step Show will be at 6 p.m. (doors will open at 5:30 p.m.) and tickets are being sold at http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?agency=TDC&pid=7176442 for $10. Tickets will be $15 on the day of the show.