Aiesha Gentry posted a blog post
Tigers in Preparation: Tiger Stomp 2013
Lights, camera, stomp! On April 12, 2013, Auburn University’s Black Student Union will host the annual Tiger Stomp step show in the student activities center. Auburn University’s BSU presents three formal step shows to the student body each year. The unity yard show and homecoming step show are held during the fall semester. Tiger Stomp is held in the spring. This event is used to showcase unity among the African- American sororities and fraternities and is presented in a traditional form of rhythmic percussive dance. Auburn University hosts 7 of the National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations. These chapters include: Omicron Kappa chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Kappa Chi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Theta Delta chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Sigma Delta chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Kappa Upsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Kappa Zeta chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and Omicron Iota chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Inc. Students from Auburn University and surrounding institutions fill the Student Activities Center for the event. Members of Auburn University National Pan-Hellenic Council devote their time and physical strength to this evening. Muyiwa Aladebumoye, spring neo of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., will experience his first Tiger Stomp as a member of NPHC this April. “I’m an Auburn native so Tiger Stomp is not new to me,” he said. “But, I am excited to actually be a part of it this semester.” Although the night is designed for entertainment, preparation for the event requires great dedication. “Omicron Kappa devotes hours to our stepping routines,” he said. “We practice in front of large mirrors because we value precision. Each move must be perfect.” The monetary award given to the first ranking sorority and fraternity of the show serves an incentive for each of the competing chapters. “Everyone wants to come in first place,” he said. “We all have the same goal.” Although the incentive drives the competition, Tiger Stomp provides opportunities of unity and furthering networking options of members of the organizations and visitors of the event. Events hosted by BSU and NPCH are often attended by students who are considering applying for membership to one of the of NPHC council organizations. “I think Tiger Stomp, or step shows in general, provide insight to what becoming a part of the NPHC really means,” he said. “Yes, we are stepping to put on a show but the true meaning lies behind the scenes.” Unity amongst members is essential. “I joined Omicron Kappa because I wanted to be a part of a brotherhood,” he said. “As brothers we support and encourage each other in every aspect of our lives.” The annual Tiger Stomp event will begin at 7:00 p.m. Friday evening. “We always work hard to put on a great performance,” Aladebumoye said. “The crowd will definitely be pleased with the acts in this semester's show.” See More