The Tau Omicron chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. won against the Omicron Pi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at the National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show on Nov. 5 at Southeast Missouri State University. The show took place in Academic Hall as a main event for Southeast’s homecoming.

Each sorority was required to choose a theme for its performance. The themes, which were the movies “Jumanji” for Delta Sigma Theta and “Set It Off” for Zeta Phi Beta, served the purpose of engaging the audience while also incorporating thematic elements into the organizations’ step routines.

Costumes, props and sound effects all were included in each organization’s show to further the storytelling element of their performances. Both sororities included introduction videos as visual aids prior to them coming to the stage. During both performances, the sororities paid tribute to each of the historically black incorporated fraternities. This was done by performing “strolls,” or movements, identical to the ones performed by each fraternity to music that is characteristic of their individual personas. At the conclusion of each participating organization’s performance judges brought in from outside of Southeast deliberated to choose the winners.

NPHC step shows usually are judged based on several categories, including but not limited to the introduction, energy, showmanship, synchronization, complexity and creativity.

According to senior Lauren Taylor, there is an immense amount of time put into making a step routine run smoothly, which ultimately led to her and the other members of Tau Omicron to grow closer together.

“We worked so hard as sisters to put on a great show,” Taylor said. “We actually bonded more than usual after spending so much time together.”

This was the third year Zeta Phi Beta won the sorority segment of Southeast’s NPHC step show.

Junior Kiana Samuel said it was not only a huge accomplishment for their chapter, but also as individuals because of the uniqueness each member was able to bring to their show.

“We got the opportunity to embrace each other’s creative ideas,” Samuel said. “And we also were able to utilize each other’s strengths.”

Southeast’s NPHC fraternities also competed in the step show. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. placed first against Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Like the sororities, the fraternities paid tribute to the other divine nine sorority organizations by emulating their specific strolls and personas. The show also featured an intermission performance by Southeast’s hip-hop dance team, The Showstoppers. For more information on NPHC greek events and their organizations, visit semogreeks.com/nphc.