Sean Burns’s “Step With Soul” youth move with purpose across any hardwood floor, where the rhythmic sounds of hands clapping against thighs and feet striking the ground in precise formations echo through the space. As the founder of Step With Soul, Burns has transformed the traditional African American art form of stepping into a vehicle for youth empowerment in Minnesota. The program has reached hundreds of students, teaching them the intricate choreography of step routines and instilling values of discipline, teamwork, and cultural pride.
Burns recently spoke to rolling out about his step ministry.
How did you develop the concept of combining ministry with step dancing, and what inspired you to create Step with Soul?
In 2009, I was to teach a step routine to young boys at Wayman AME Church in Minneapolis. As I created this routine, I found myself creating chants and steps in the Lord’s name and creating excitement for the Lord’s love.
Beyond teaching choreography, what spiritual principles do you emphasize when working with young performers?
We focus on three spiritual principles with our young people: the power of prayer, being kind to others, and serving the community.
What challenges have you encountered in maintaining the step’s artistic integrity and its use as a ministry tool?
Convincing our young people that their music is not conducive to healthy development. When we select songs to incorporate into our routine, our young people often want to include popular music that represents the wrong message. I expose them to inspiring vs. deteriorating music.
How do you select music and develop routines that resonate with your youth performers and diverse audiences?
I consult with others in the step industry. When selecting songs, we select them as long as they don’t represent a negative message and align with our message.
Can you describe a particularly memorable performance where you witnessed the impact of Step with Soul’s ministry on either the performers or audience members?
After we performed in St. Louis, Missouri, a lady came up to introduce herself and ask if her son could join our organization. I mentioned to her that we were out of town and recommended another group. She responded, “Yeah, I know about that group you speak of, but it’s not like your ministry; I need and want more for my son.”
What specific techniques do you use to help young steppers connect their physical movements to spiritual expression?
My style is exact, sharp, and clean. Before I dive into the actual step, one of the first things I do is teach the technical parts of the step and drill those parts until they feel like second nature. The second thing I do is have candid conversations with young people about ministering and looking a certain way when stepping for Christ.
How has leading Step with Soul influenced your spiritual journey and ministry approach?
It has strengthened my faith and relationship with Christ. I know Him on so many levels. It has given me a blueprint for living a Christian life. I’m not perfect; we all fall short of the glory, but my faith walk is intentional and essential to me.
What vision do you have for expanding Step with Soul’s reach and impact in the step community and ministry field?
We will partner with schools, churches, and community organizations throughout the Twin Cities to offer after-school step programming. We will also provide a step camp either this summer or next summer. We were asked to develop a chapter of Step with Soul in a different state and St. Paul. Lastly, the last phase of expansion is a step production team that would tell wonderful and impactful stories through the art steps.
