Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the world’s leading authority on the art form of stepping. Under Mr. Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 60 countries across the globe and ranking as one of the top 10 African American Dance Companies in the US.

Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding. 

Step Afrika! promotes stepping as an educational tool for young people, focusing on teamwork, academic achievement, and cross-cultural understanding. The Company reaches tens of thousands of Americans each year through a 50-city tour of colleges and theaters and performs globally as Washington, DC’s one and only Cultural Ambassador.

Step Afrika! has earned Mayor’s Arts Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Arts Education, Innovation in the Arts, Excellence in an Artistic Discipline, and was inducted into the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) Hall of Fame, the first Dance Company to earn this honor. Step Afrika! headlined President Barack Obama’s Black History Month Reception and performed at the first-ever Juneteenth Celebration at the White House. The Company is featured prominently at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture with the world’s first stepping interactive exhibit and is the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title holder for the “largest STEPPING dance”.

Fun Facts

1. Founded in 1994 as a cultural exchange with Soweto Dance Theatre; now the world’s leading authority on stepping.
2. Among the top 10 African American dance companies in the U.S. and the largest African American arts organization in Washington, DC.
3. Serves as DC’s only cultural ambassador, representing the city nationally and globally.
4. Ensemble includes 17-20 full-time dancers, all college grads—many from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Black Greek organizations.
5. Engages 50,000 college students and 20,000+ K–12 students nationwide each year through culture-based arts education.
6. Promoted cultural dialogue and exchange in more than 60 countries, with tours to Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and South America
7. Featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture through the Explore More! interactive stepping exhibit.
8. In residence at Arena Stage through a five-year partnership supporting artistic and production development.
9. Founder C. Brian Williams was named a 2022 National Heritage Fellow; featured in Roots of American Culture.
10. In 2023, became the first dance Company inducted into the National Association for Campus Activities Hall of Fame.