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For the F.U.S.I.O.N. Step Team at Millersville University (MU), stepping is only natural. After earning first place in the collegiate division of the National Step Competition for the second year in a row, it seems winning is only natural, as well.
From March 30 to April 1, MU’s step team competed with approximately 15 other teams in Memphis, Tenn. at a competition run by the National Stepping Association. The steppers were joined by advisor Keisha Patterson and three former steppers, Debbie Stanback, Marissa Thomas and Ra’Nyah Oden.
“For most of our members, nationals was a new experience,” explains vice president Markisha Peace. “For the returning members, we felt pressure because we had to work diligently to reclaim our national title. Through it all, we worked together as a team and alleviated the pressure by encouraging each other.”
In preparation for the competition, the team increased their practices from three days a week for a total of about six hours to five days for a total of 14 hours. The steppers first decided on a theme for their performance and then added dialogue, props and costumes to bring that theme to life.
“Preparation for the National Step Competition required long hours of dedication, determination and diligence,” says Peace.
All that hard work paid off when the team of nine steppers including Peace, Shatae Pugh, Francis Miliano, JaLonda Harris, Ahmade Gordon, Daja Williams, Mikia Crawford, Kimberlie Golden and Titiana Robichaw brought the first place trophy home to Millersville. As a result of their national success, the team’s social media following has more than doubled and they are recognized more around campus.
But the real prize for the members of F.U.S.I.O.N. goes beyond trophies and fame. “The most rewarding part about being on the team is that not only have we become a nationally ranked team, but each year we become a part of a family,” says Peace. “Being a part of the F.U.S.I.O.N Step Team has given us a great sense of belonging, acceptance and friendship.”
F.U.S.I.O.N. was founded at MU in October 2013 by Tatiana Baker, Anyae Broomer and Cherelle Dessus and stands for “For Us Stepping Is Only Natural.” Stepping is a percussive dance that mixes elements of gymnastics, break dancing and marching to produce complex rhythms through footsteps, spoken word and hand claps. Each step of about 20 to 50 seconds is a segment of a routine, and those steps come together to create a performance.
When the team first started in 2013, they introduced the Millersville community to their art form with campus performances and flash mobs. After gaining popularity and winning championships, F.U.S.I.O.N. now performs at weddings, schools and fundraisers. They put on an annual step show, FUSIONfest, and hosted the first National Collegiate Club step competition, FUSION’s Step Explosion.
“The mindset behind the team was to create a space for students to develop their interest for stepping with no strings attached while adding excitement to campus life at Millersville University,” explains founder Baker. “We want individuals to feel comfortable joining our team and stepping, without the lifelong commitment and lengthy initiation process that is necessary to become a member of Greek life.”
The F.U.S.I.O.N. Step Team welcomes MU students of all levels of expertise to join their coed club. Open houses at the beginning of each semester introduce students to the art form and the club team. Interested individuals can contact the team at mu.fusionstep@gmail.com for more information.
