The Rise of Harambee’s Step Team

Kenjewel Hayes

By Sammantha Johnson
Texas State student

Harambee plans to stomp out the competition in the Non-Traditional Step Show at U.T. Dec. 2 with new step master Kenjewel Hayes.

Under the direction of Hayes, Harambee won their very first step show
hosted by the Texas State Delta Sigma Theta Chapter Spring 2011.

This Fall 2011 semester, the U.T. step show is an opportunity for
non-Greek steppers to showcase their talent as well the as the opportunity to
compete.

Harambee has entered twice before, but this year they believe they will
be victorious.

“We’ve been working really hard because we’ve never won this one before,
but we’re going to take it home this year,” said Hayes.

Texas State senior Hayes, has members learning an intricate routine where
they must land in a push-up position at the end of the step.

Creating tough routines is one of the difficulties of being a step master.

Being Hayes’ first time as a step master, she never thought this position
would be so demanding. Hayes knew of the hardships because she stepped ever
since high school, but now she has many obligations within her position.

“I could make up steps but I didn't realize that being step master required booking shows, creating themes, writing scripts, deciding and creating or finding where to buy costumes and so much more,” said Hayes. “Yet my team members helped me through it all.”

As a senior anticipating graduation, Hayes said she would miss the love
and the support from her team.

“I love being on a team that is like family,” said Hayes. “I'll miss just the
ability of performing for my classmates who have amazing talents of their
own. “We're certainly a group of divas but divas with hearts of gold!”