StompFest takes campus by storm

A group performs during the 2013 StompFest. The annual step show competition between campus organizations is tonight at 7 p.m. in Waco Hall.  File Photo
A group performs during the 2013 StompFest. The annual step show competition between campus organizations is tonight at 7 p.m. in Waco Hall.
File Photo

By Bresha Pierce
Reporter

Campus will be shaken up tonight with the help of Student Productions, Zeta Phi Beta and some stepping students.

StompFest which began in 2001, is a step show featuring Baylor Greek life and other organizations. “Stepping” is a historical form of storytelling that is widely performed by organizations in the National Pan-Hellenic Council, said Round Rock sophomore India Fordham.

The event is a collaboration between Student Activities and Zeta Phi Beta sorority, said Fordham, the sorority’s executive producer.

“This year has had so much work put into it,” Fordham said. “I could not be more proud, especially because of the fact my organization has put on Stompfest for so many years and that it’s always evolving and every year it just gets better and better.”

StompFest helps raise funds for different causes.

“The money profited goes to our philanthropy, sickle cell anemia,” said Blakeslee, Pa., junior Brauna Marks.

Last year, $2,000 was raised for the cause through ticket sales,  said Marks, Zeta Phi Beta public relations chair.

Zeta Phi Beta members recruit step coaches to train each team for the event, which are split into two divisions — greek life and independent organizations.

The theme for this year’s event is “World Tour,” which will give teams the option to pick a location around the world and base their act around it.

“Our teams are very creative with their music and costumes depending on the location they have decided to use,” Marks said.

The winner of each division will win prize money to benefit the group’s philanthropy of choice. Several awards will be presented including first and second places in each division, people’s choice, captain of the year and overall winner.

Fordham said she has high expectations for the step show.

“I’m excited to see the show, and I’m excited for the public to see the creations of these organizations,” Fordham said.