Imagine the energy of 40 students, parents, and staff from the CASE & Art Lab after-school program as they made their way to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) for an unforgettable cultural experience, immersing themselves in the vibrant rhythms of Step Afrika!, a renowned Black dance company celebrated for its powerful blend of rhythmic footwork, body percussion, and storytelling.
This enriching experience was made possible through the generous funding of the ECON grant, provided by the Nashville After Zone Alliance (NAZA), a long-time supporter of our after-school programs. NAZA’s commitment to fostering holistic youth development aligns with our mission to equip middle school students with the character and life skills they need to make positive changes in their communities. At CASE & Art Lab, we recognize the power of cultural exposure and arts engagement in fostering well-rounded, resilient individuals. Our programs aim to nurture the growth of character traits such as communication, unity, and empathy, which are essential for personal and academic success. The field trip to see Step Afrika! was a direct extension of this mission, offering our students and their families an opportunity to experience the universal language of dance while reinforcing the values we prioritize in our after-school programming.
Step Afrika! captivated our students with its energetic and interactive performance, which brought the tradition of stepping to life on stage. Stepping is a dance form deeply rooted in Black culture, with origins tracing back to African percussion traditions and evolving over time through influences from military drills, jazz, and other cultural expressions. The dancers used their bodies as instruments, creating rhythm through hand claps, foot stomps, and synchronized movement. For many students, this was their first time witnessing such a performance. The high-energy show included interactive segments where the dancers encouraged the audience to participate, helping our students feel involved and connected to the performance. As they clapped along with the rhythms and joined in the call-and-response exchanges, our students saw firsthand how dance can communicate stories, emotions, and history.
Beyond the performance itself, the trip created lasting memories for both students and their families. This field trip, which included a dinner stop at Golden Corral where families gathered and connected, allowed parents to share in the excitement and cultural learning alongside their children. Many parents, some of whom had never visited TPAC before, expressed their gratitude for being included. “We had a blast! So nice to be invited to join—thank you all so much!” shared one parent, reflecting the joy felt by all attendees. The excitement didn’t stop at the performance. On the bus ride home, students eagerly discussed the show and asked if they would have the chance to return for more performances in the future. This enthusiasm is a testament to the way cultural and artistic experiences spark curiosity, inspiration, and a desire to continue learning and growing.
At CASE & Art Lab, we understand that exposure to the arts and cultural experiences plays a significant role in shaping our students’ character and life skills. Through programs like these, we aim to teach our youth the importance of communication, collaboration, and respect for diversity—skills that are not only crucial for making friends but also for making a difference in their communities. The Step Afrika! performance highlighted the themes of unity, connection, and storytelling—values that align closely with our after-school curriculum. Through stepping, students saw how individuals from different backgrounds and experiences can come together, creating something greater than the sum of their parts. This lesson in teamwork and cultural appreciation mirrors the goals of our program, as we equip youth to build relationships and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Reflecting on this experience, we are reminded of the importance of investing in opportunities that allow students to engage in the arts, explore diverse cultures, and develop essential life skills. Thanks to the support of NAZA and other funders, our students are not only gaining academic knowledge but also becoming well-rounded individuals with the confidence and compassion to navigate the world.
The energy and connection they felt during the Step Afrika! performance highlights the power of cultural experiences in shaping their understanding of unity and communication. If we start children off on the way they should go, even when they are old they will not turn from it.' This experience has guided our youth on a path toward community, self-expression, and collaboration. We look forward to more opportunities—field trips, cultural experiences, and community engagement—that expand our students’ horizons and strengthen their sense of purpose. The excitement sparked by Step Afrika! will inspire them to continue learning, exploring, and making a difference in their communities.
A special thanks to NAZA and the ECON grant for making this opportunity possible.
If we start children off on the way they should go, even when they are old they will not turn from it. - Proverbs 22:6
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