On the evening of Oct. 24, Humphrey Coliseum buzzed with excitement as the lights dimmed for the 2025 National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Homecoming Step Show. With half the arena closed off, the focus was concentrated, attracting all the onlookers’ attention to the stage below.

The first face on stage was that of the emcee LaDarius Watkins, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, welcoming all the contestants and attendants. Much of the crowd was dressed to impress, with the chapter members donning their letters and Greek pride for all to see.

The show began with the sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha and ended with the sorority Sigma Gamma Rho. In between the two came Phi Beta Sigma, Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi and Alpha Phi Alpha. Each organization produced a themed routine, based on movies such as “ATL,” “House Party” and “Sinners.”

Every performance brought palpable energy, incorporating elements of the movies but putting their own Greek spin on it. They evoked the nostalgia and excitement of many audience members through their theme selection alone.

The lights shone on the participants, illuminating their hard work and beckoning the crowd’s eyes toward them. The stomps shook the stage, and the music’s bass rocked the arena as they left no room to be unheard. In synchronized rhythm, each organization gave it their all and left it all on the stage.

Jaylen Grays, a senior psychology and sociology double major and member of Phi Beta Sigma, shared his experience as the Theta Iota chapter’s step-master. For Grays, this meant directing the entire show and coming up with the routine for his brothers.

Grays described the primary emotions that consumed him on stage like “relief” and the “fire of determination.” He recounted the process of preparing for such a show, sharing that they spent up to five days a week perfecting the routine with an average of two hours each practice, a process that began in July.

When asked what it takes to conduct a show of that magnitude and even performing blindfolded, Grays spoke about the sense of community required. 

“It takes getting everyone on the same page,” Grays said. “You have to trust in each other and have time to get it right.”

Phi Beta Sigma came in second place with their theme of “Like Mike,” and although this will be Grays’ last show as an undergraduate, he says he would be willing to assist in the next show.

In between each transition, emcee Watkins urged the DJ to keep the good tunes rolling, inciting sing-alongs and keeping the crowd on their toes for the next act. Some non-participant chapter members even came down to the floor to perform strolls.

This all came to its climax during the intermission. Roderick Davis, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life NPHC advisor, encouraged the crowd to come down to the floor for a good “cookout” moment. The crowd poured down from their seats, eager to join in on the fun. Line dances ensued, and smiles littered the participants, embracing the fun moment.

Sloan Parker, a senior economics and marketing major, excitedly spoke about her first experience at the step show. Parker found the show “entertaining and fun.” She mentioned that the show was different from her normal events, but that she would definitely go again and recommends that others do the same. When asked about her expectations, she said they were exceeded.

“I didn’t know it was as much of a performance,” Parker said. “They really put on a show.”

For Alpha Kappa Alpha, this performance even included skating. Kaci Clark, a sophomore business administration and marketing major and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, recounted her experience as a step show participant.

The Lambda Eta chapter, the name of the Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter specific to MSU, began the show with a theme of “ATL,” focusing on the skate competition element for their performance. The sorority got a bit of a later start in September, but hit the ground running after the chapter settled on its theme.

As far as the process, Clark admitted that the preparation required commitment.

“It definitely takes a lot of determination,” Clark said. “Stepping is a skill that has to be acquired.”

The team practiced restlessly, and Clark even did so virtually for half their preparation time. She also talked about her experience on stage.

“The feeling never gets old. It felt good,” Clark said.

Overall, Clark appreciated all the support she felt from her sorority — her line sisters and prophytes alike.

The event ended on a bang with Alpha Phi Alpha and Sigma Gamma Rho winning the competition, and all the organizations’ representatives congratulating one another with high spirits. The show occurs annually, with the participants and onlookers celebrating this year’s performance and looking forward to next year as well.