Music, lights and screaming fans filled the Newton Chapel for the Zeta Phi Beta stroll competition on Friday, Oct. 26.
Participants from three fraternities and two sororities threw themselves onto the stage and performed dance routines to impress the judges and the crowd. The Omega Mu Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. hosted the event and invited the organizations to come together, compete and continue the tradition of strolling.
“So You Think You Can Stroll” is an annual event for the Zeta Phi Beta sorority. “Typically, it’s in the spring but because of the popularity and demands of Stompfest, we decided to move it to the fall to increase participation,” said Morgan Ashley, a member of the chapter. “It gives Pan and IFC an opportunity to participate in a friendly competition each semester.”
Strolling involves a group of people packing rhythmic, precise dancing and music into one performance. “Strolling and stepping are unique to NPHC, and many IFC and Panhellenic organizations are fascinated with the concept. Therefore, we decided to flip the roles and see what they can do...thus the name, ‘So You Think You Can Stroll,’” said Ashley.
The show opened with the performance of the Phi Delta Theta pledges, followed by the brothers of Alpha Tau Omega, who immediately got the crowd screaming for their energetic performance.
The ladies of Chi Omega were next and presented a creative routine, followed by the sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha and the entertaining performance of the Omega Psi Phi brothers. All routines were judged based on style, precision and crowd noise.
The judges announced a speed round after all the organizations performed and the groups had 10 minutes to come up with a new routine. The winners were announced after the second part of the show. Chi Omega’s performance got first place by four points and the Alpha Tau Omega routine was announced as the crowd’s favorite.
The event raised $300, which will be donated to the March for Babies organization, the Zeta’s primary philanthropy. This was considered an opportunity for Greek organizations to bond and support other philanthropies. However, “So You Think You Can Stroll” had a high attendance from students of all organizations.
The Omega Mu Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta is one of the most philanthropic organizations on campus. Within the semester, the five member chapter has completed over 250 hours of community service, including Ronald McDonald House, LEAP, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk, the Central Georgia Walk to End Alzheimer’s and the Music City Classic created by Francar’s.
Additionally, the chapter has worked to expose the campus to the issues of domestic violence, breast cancer, hazing, and premature babies and collected clothing for the Crisis Safe House of Macon. “We also registered over 200 students to vote and distributed even more voter absentee forms,” said Ashley. “Our chapter is active with philanthropies in many ways!”
The Zeta Phi Beta sisters thanked everyone who came to support their cause and are planning to keep making contributions to the Mercer Campus and the Macon community.