The Stompdown will be at 7 p.m. March 3 at Godby High School Auditorium
Photo credit: Djuan Ballinger
The nation’s largest step show competition is coming to Tallahassee. Ballinger Productions and Entertainment will be presenting The Stompdown with host Jay Fever from the hit show “Bring It.”
The Stompdown is a step competition that features step teams of all kind. The competition allows high school, independent and Greek lettered step teams an opportunity to showcase their talent.
Djuan Ballinger, a Florida A&M University alumnus and the organizer of The Stompdown, explained why this event means so much to him.
“I want to use this platform to inspire and educate the youth. That’s what this is all about, giving back to the community. We’re investing in their future,” Ballinger explained. “Stepping is my heart and desire. I want this to be a movement.”
Ballinger was a member of the Paddyfoote step team and was also the step master for his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. while attending FAMU. His love for stepping came while in high school and continued into college. While traveling the world, Ballinger had the opportunity to experience step teams from all over and decided to bring it back home.
The Stompdown will feature step teams from FAMU, Bethune-Cookman University, Clark Atlanta University, and Valdosta State University. The teams competing from FAMU will include Attack Dance Crew, Rampage Step Team, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and the Strikers.
The event will also include scholarship giveaways and a “Meet the Greeks” portion for youth to learn more about the respective organizations.
At The Stompdown step competition previously held on Jan. 25 in Jacksonville, members of FAMU’s Upsilon Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. had the opportunity to step and won the competition. Michael Hutchinson, a member of the Upsilon Psi Chapter shared his experience.
Members of the Upsilon Psi Chapter Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at The Stompdown
competition on Jan. 27 in Jacksonville
Photo credit: Djuan Ballinger
“It was my first performance on a stage like that. It was a good experience, and the audience made it even better,” Hutchinson said.
Kiana Reaves, a member of Rampage Step Team, said the organization has been practicing rigorously since being invited to perform at the competition and individuals should support stepping.
“I think people should come out to this event to see the passion these organizations have for stepping and the creativity we put into our performances,” Reaves said. “I also think people should always support step shows and competitions because they might fight a love or interest in it that they never knew they had.”
The event will also offer raffle drawings, giveaways, red carpet interviews and food. Ballinger said, “This will be some of the best stepping they have ever seen in the country. Edge of your seat performances.” Because of its reputation of having thousands of people in attendance in the past, this year’s competition is sure to bring a crowd.
The Stompdown step show will be held at 7 p.m. March 3 at Godby High School Auditorium. Ticket information can be found at www.ballingerproductions.com