UAC to host their annual hit, Step Tease

The Troy University Activities Council (UAC) is holding its annual Step Tease on Wednesday, Aug. 27. The event will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Janice Hawkins amphitheater. 

Step Tease is held every fall and has proved to be one of the National Pan-Hellenic Council’s (NPHC) most popular events, drawing in large crowds each year. The event allows each NPHC organization to showcase their uniquely choreographed step routines. 

Stepping, which is a long-held tradition, has its roots in traditional African dance. The tradition started with the founding of each NPHC organization in the early 1900s and has now become a staple in Black Greek life. 

Kathryn Clark photo

Sigma Gamma Rho holds a lean at Step Tease 2024.

“Step Tease is a short performance where members of the Black Greek letter organizations give their audience a step show,” said Jamie Parker, UAC president and junior nursing major from Millbrook, Alabama. “It’s typically high-energy and symbolic. 

“The purpose is to hype up the crowd and set the tone for the organizations throughout the school year.” 

Tayjo Oppong-Adjei, UAC vice president and senior sports management major from Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, said that different groups can be seen strolling, doing dances and sometimes performing skits. 

“It could be an ensemble in a sense,” Oppong-Adjei said.  

As the event is held early in the school year, it gives many new students an important first impression on NPHC organizations. 

“Step Tease is just a great way to get the new students introduced to NPHC,” Oppong-Adjei said. 

Parker agreed, saying it is a great way to put the organizations out there. 

“The best outcome [of Step Tease] would be to build excitement around the Black Greek life on campus and to put each of the organizations out there for the incoming students,” Parker said. 

Parker and Oppong-Adjei also shared what they are most excited for at this year’s event. 

“I’m mostly excited for the atmosphere,” said Parker. “The atmosphere at Step Tease is always fun, high energy.” 

Oppong-Adjei shared a similar sentiment. 

“I really enjoy seeing different sororities and fraternities put on their performances, and it leaves you kind of wanting more,” said Oppong-Adjei. 

Parker would like to encourage all students to come out and enjoy not only this event, but future UAC events as well. 

“I’d like for everyone to come out, enjoy themselves, see all of the organizations that are performing and attend all UAC events coming up,” Parker said. 

Anyone interested in staying up to date with UAC and their events can follow them on Instagram @troyuac.