The framework for the step was having students that were already a part of the program to meet on Wednesdays at 3:30 PM - 6: 00 PM once a week. Scholars who attended must follow protocol and turn in physical forms to verify their health status. During the first 30 minutes of step, scholars are to perform stretching, cardio, and calisthenics. This would help increase their heart rate, and loosen up their muscles before stepping. Scholars would practice the steps that I would coordinate for their shows that they would perform at the school, local schools, or libraries. Step practice is for a full two hours weekly. Scholars have to wear a uniform during their performances. Their uniform is their Original Dreamer Shirt, black pants, and black shoes.
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Scholars practice throughout the school year from October till the end of the school year in June. Scholars practice weekly except on holidays, school breaks, and during testing. Moreover, scholars began stepping with The Original Dreamers in 2017, and when we started we began with 6 steppers, currently, as of today, we have doubled our size to 12 steppers. Steppers gained a significant amount of self-esteem. They were able to gain self-confidence in schoolwork, speaking, and personable skills. Scholars felt like they were apart of something bigger than them. They were the first steppers of the school. They brought culture to E. Prep like never before, and the community supported them tremendously.
In the first video scholars needed to learn the basics of step. Scholars were taught the origin of step, simple step moves, and how to move as one. Scholars were given a four-count step and were taught to go up and down the gym floor to remember the step. Some scholars had difficulty learning the step. Scholars wanted to quit and discontinue the practice. I allowed them to know over time they would learn the step with practice, and become more comfortable with learning the moves with consistency. Some of the scholars were able to see some of their peers struggle, but they saw them persevere to learn the step so they wouldn't practice. These steps were given at the beginning of the year. As the year progresses scholars would begin to learn more difficult steps.
In the second video, scholars are becoming more confident while stepping. They are beginning to learn more difficult steps and implementing charisma and style in their moves. After scholars mastered the first four-count, they are given the death march step. This step requires scholars to work together to stay on the beat of the song and move on one accord together. The song the scholars' death marched to is called This Is America by Childish Gambino for their performance. The scholars chose this song because they wanted their performance to bring awareness to the hypocrisy that America perpetuates amongst African Americans in the judicial system. They wanted their school to know that in spite of the injustice African Americans may face in America that they still will rise and conquer their goals, and step shows their empowerment and faith as a team.
In the third video, scholars are now beginning to move past the beginner steps and death march, and are beginning to learn more complex steps. These steps require high concentration, precision, and discomfort. These steps were given to scholars after one month of training. I believed it was time to test their skills, patience, and teamwork. Scholars began to question the difficulty of the steps, but I kept informing them that they could do it, and I believed in them. After three months of sacrifice, commitment, and dedication scholars were able to put together a great show. The scholars wanted to perform for the school E. Prep Willard at the Black Excellence Showcase. Scholars received a lot of support and gratitude from their friends. The steppers were excellent in their performance at the school, and the talent director for the district was in attendance. They asked if the scholars wanted to attend the district-wide talent show. It would be multiple schools from all over the district, and they wanted The Original Dreamers to be the closing act.
I didn't know if my steppers were ready for such a huge stage. However, I wouldn't allow them to know about my doubts, because it would cause them to be doubtful about their steps. So, I told them that they were invited to be the closing act for the district-wide talent show, which was a month from the Black Excellence Showcase, and they went ballistic. During practices leading up to the district, wide talent show scholars were serious. They began to come to practice-driven, sharp and were anxious to practice their steps. Scholars knew that they had reached a point of their lives that the hard work they were putting in practice was beginning to show, and that the world was able to see all their hard work. The fourth video is the final result of the district-wide talent show. I believe the scholars were able to dismantle all nervousness, anxiety, and stage freight all at once. They zoned in and was able to complete the performance beyond my expectations. I was so proud of them, and so were their parents. |
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The first testimony from the scholar is expressing what she believes The Original Dreamers is to her, and how step has made her better. She has become a true leader in the organization. She is the president of The Original Dreamers and was voted by her peers for her leadership and nice personality. She is also on the step team, and has admitted that her grades have increased, she has gained more confidence in herself, and she believes that the program has made her a better person. This scholar has literally been seeking to be a leader since the first day of joining the program, and seeing her growth as a mentor and step coach is inspiring. Her parents have also confirmed that she is handling her priorities, and she is not giving up on completing her goals until they are accomplished.
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The second testimony is very touching because in TOD Testimony #2 the student admits that the program has stirred them away from gaining depression by helping them acquire more self-confidence. One major reason why I wanted to incorporate step was to promote physical education. Physical education has been known to help scholars lower their chances of gaining depression. Cleveland has one of the highest depression rates in the state of Ohio. When a scholar believes they have gained self-confidence, and they know that they don't need to be shy, but they can live life to the fullest it validates that I have met my goal from the program.
This student has had the most growth in the program. He is a step captain, and he is the Sergeant of Arms for The Original Dreamers. He has solos, calls out chants for his team, and commits himself to be an example to his peers. The Original Dreamers look up to him, and they always come to him for advice. After suffering from the loss of his mother at an early age, this scholar has leaped over boundaries that could've held him back. But, he didn't let it stop him. He embraces the pain with the support of his peers and became a role-model. Step has allowed him to feel confident in who he is, and free to express himself from judgement! |
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The third testimony was very informative on what the scholar has gained from The Original Dreamers. They believe the life skills they have gained are not just for now, but for the long run. In addition, the scholar said they have gained more confidence and has acquired the ability to express themselves. The sole purpose of step was for this very reason. I am able to witness scholars use mentoring and step as tools in unlocking their purpose and confidence. When scholars are able to take ownership of their lives, they become the transformational student. They gain happiness and begin to look toward the future. The scholar believes that as they prepare for high school they need to become stronger for the challenges they are going to face and remember the life lessons they learned from The Original Dreamers to help them succeed.
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