Ciara, Top Black Fraternities, Sororities Stomp at 2011 ‘Sprite Step Off’

Step teams have always played an intricate role in Greek life and the black college experience. Sprite has decided to give the stepping culture national recognition with the 2011 Sprite Step Off.

Hosted by DJ Rock T, the competition made its way to Atlanta’s Fox Theatre yesterday as six local fraternities and sororities got a chance to win $5,000.

Delta Sigma Theta of Clark Atlanta University used a rag doll theme to advance as first-place winners in the sorority division. And the men of Alpha Phi Alphi of Morehouse won first place by incorporating an old-school hip-hop theme into their performance. Both groups will take a trip to Washington, D.C., and compete to earn $100,000 in scholarships.

Shortly before the winners were announced, audience members rose to their feet as Ciara closed the show by singing her hit songs “Goodies,” “1,2 Step” and “Ride.”

“We wanted to bring this to different markets to encourage students who are in college to express their creativity and highlight the impact they leave in the community,” said Bobby Oliver, brand manager for Sprite. “We have been to three cities, and we will go to Houston, L.A., and Chicago. The championship is in Washington, D.C., in May. People are excited about the tour. We are giving away scholarship money and allowing the participants to give back to the community with our partnership with the Boys & Girls Club.” –amir shaw