Stepping: Intense dance in which the feet and hands are used as instruments; often a synchronized line dance; rooted in African history and adapted by many black fraternities and sororities into a competitive art form.

Stomping: Synonym for stepping.

Step master: Captain of the step team, sometimes a choreographer, often a lead stepper and the caller in "call-and-response."

Call and response: A musical form sometimes embedded in step routines. The step master begins with a move, then cues other steppers to join in.

Grill face or mug face: The serious expression worn by steppers, especially when competing.

Pitty-pat: A word some steppers use for moves that involve slapping the hands across the thighs to create rhythms.

Skating: A step that involves sliding the feet side to side.

Precision: In stepping, precision is a measure of exactness and consistency. It plays a role in synchronization, and judges watch for it carefully.

Party stroll: The step team makes a circle lining around the stage doing the routine to the music, typically done as the team is entering or exiting the stage.

Call: Every historically black fraternity and sorority has one; it's always symbolic of the particular organization. Examples: The Delta Sigma Theta sorority's symbol is an elephant, so their call is meant to mimic an elephant; Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity calls "1-9-0-6" -- the year the fraternity was founded.

Chanting: Typically done at a step show or a party; a way to showcase your pride and your organization. Uses catchy and rhyming tunes.

NEWS ARTICLES, STEPHEN ALSTON, WILLIAM EVANS

RULES AND SCORING

Fans will have their favorites, but judges rely on certain criteria to decide the best step team of the day. Here are the judging standards for the Red District Stomp Show held over the weekend at Cedar Ridge High School in Hillsborough.

SHOW LENGTH

10 minutes minimum

13 minutes maximum

15 minutes = disqualification

DEDUCTIONS

5 points -- Lewd behavior

5 points -- Profanity

10 points -- Disrespect during the performance of another team

5 points -- Exceeding or not meeting the set time limits

JUDGING

(10 points each)

Overall presentation

Precision/accuracy

Energy/attitude

Coordination/rhythm

Unity

Creativity/Originality