With its catchy rhythm and beat, the LAHS Steppers is a hard-to-miss attraction of campus life. Combinations of expressive body movements and rhythm define this form of dance that has recently emerged at the school.

Stepping is when dancers use their hands and feet to create a series of beats by clapping and stomping in unison. The team works together to create a unique performance that engages all viewers as well as provides an outlet for members to relax.

According to club adviser Kalinda Price, movies like “Stomp the Yard” and “Step Up” have roused interest in this particular form of dance, prompting step clubs to populate schools all over the country.

“Stepping provides an outlet for members to be themselves, have fun, be with their peers and not have to worry about what other people think of them,” Price said.

With a new set of members composing the majority of the club, the LAHS Steppers is training its new additions as well as re-working returning members.

“I wanted to try something new before I left high school,” junior Stephanie Cardenas said. “Step gave me that opportunity.”

Though the club is developing, members visualize themselves putting on shows at school as well as inviting other schools to compete. The team is currently preparing for upcoming performances it hopes to take part in, including the spring diversity assembly.

Frequent practices and step sessions during lunch give the team the opportunity to make progress.

“When the team got their first hard step down, it was one of the most exciting moments for them,” club president junior Sarah McGee said. “Seeing the progress they made was well worth it.”

Coordination is also a major aspect of the dance as well as a team goal for the future. With each additional performer added to a step routine, the finished product gets better and better.

“The more people added, the better the performance sounds and looks,” Price said.

In the future, the steppers hope to invite college sororities and their teams to show members how a real step team functions and to provide inspiration for the developing group of dancers.

“Step is an interesting thing to see,” Sarah said. “It’s fun and new to bring to the school, and I think people really like it.”