Fall Block returns for a twenty-eighth year
Fall Block will present its twenty-eighth annual step show for the VCU community on Sept. 28.
Taneasha White
Contributing Writer
Fall Block will present its twenty-eighth annual step show for the VCU community on Sept. 28.
Fall Block started in 1985, becoming the largest college step show in Virginia. The group of fraternities and sororities that perform in Fall Block each year are collectively known as the “Divine Nine,” said Gabrielle Young, the director of the show and a fellow Delta Sigma Theta.
These nine greek organizations are a part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, a group of historically African-American fraternities and sororities.
The Divine Nine consists of the sororities and fraternities: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Iota Phi Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho and Zeta Phi Beta.
Andrew Shipp, a senior in the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity who is performing in the show, said he is excited to see one of VCU’s oldest traditions continue.
“I enjoy the fact that it allows fraternities and sororities to display their talents on a big stage,” Shipp said. “Stepping has been around for many years now and it’s good to see the tradition continue.”
Two members of Delta Sigma Theta, Michelle Green, a junior, and Maureen Ogando, a senior, will participate in the performance. Although the step show originated as a competition, Ogando said it has maintained its familial atmosphere.
“(When it started) it wasn’t a paid event. It was a way to see the NPC (National Pan-Hellenic Council) organizations get together,” Ogando said. “We all love each other, and I love that we get to show everyone what we love.”
Though they agree that it’s a friendly competition, Green said she hopes her sorority’s current winning streak continues.
“Delta Sigma Theta has been the winner the past five years,” Green said. “I don’t want to jinx anything, but I have confidence in my chapter, and we’ve been working hard to make it a repeat.”
Fall Block is a week-long event, starting on Sept. 23 and ending with the step show as the finale at the Siegel Center on the Sept. 28. Tickets are available at Breakpoint in the Student Commons.
Students who are in a VCU fraternity or sorority can buy a ticket for $7. With a valid VCU ID, student tickets cost $10. General admission costs $15.
