Mercy College Step Team Performs at the Apollo Theater for the National Collegiate Step Championship
Mercy’s Prestigious Divas will face off against seven top step teams as they vie for the national title and a $10,000 cash prize.
On April 22, the Mercy College step team will perform at New York’s historic Apollo Theater for the National Collegiate Step Championship. Mercy’s Prestigious Divas will face off against seven top step teams as they vie for the national title and a $10,000 cash prize. The championship competition, which also features a competition for high school teams, is produced by the National Collegiate Performing Arts (NCPA)™ and the National High School Performing Arts (NHSPA)™.
“We are so proud of the Prestigious Divas step team for being a finalist in the National Collegiate Step Dance Team Championship,” said Kevin Joyce, vice president of student affairs at Mercy College. “Their achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these talented students. Go Mavs!”
“Winning a 2023 Step National Championship, and forever being NCPA and NHSPA Step All-Americans, will be a great accomplishment for any team, as it showcases their skills, creativity, and teamwork on a national stage,” said Victoria Duruh, UpStaged Entertainment Group’s Chief Talent Officer. “The competition will be an empowering experience for all teams involved, regardless of the outcome. We wish each team the best of luck!”
Mercy’s Prestigious Divas will face off against the top collegiate teams, which this year includes Cornell, Delaware State, Howard, Lincoln, Syracuse, and a men’s and women’s team from Tufts. The road to Harlem’s world-famous Apollo began last fall, with the NCPA’s review of videos submitted by each team that were judged based on precision, synchronization, creativity and overall performance.
“Being the coach for the Prestigious Divas step team has been an honor,” said Eli Hunter ’23, captain of the Prestigious Divas step team. “Along with that, having the opportunity to perform at the legendary Apollo Theater has not only been a blessing and a dream come true, but also an opportunity to put our team on the map! We are excited to compete in the finals and are working around the clock to take the championship home! We hope this opportunity allows Prestigious Divas to leave a mark in the Step World as well as on Mercy College campus.”
Step dancing is rooted in African American competitive group song and dance rituals that incorporate stepping, stompin, and clapping to create musical rhythms and sounds. Step dancing teams create dynamic, energetic performances that incorporate aspects of cheer, gymnastics, breakdance, drill team and call-and-response.
With over 150 steppers passionately competing, the championships at The Apollo Theater will be packed with intensity and stepping action. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22. For more information on the event go to https://www.upstagedu.com/#more-info. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com and The Apollo Theater box office.