Tufts University is home to one of the best-loved step teams in the country, the all-male BlackOut Step Team. In case you were not aware, step is a form of African American percussive dance originating from historically black colleges. Their performances involve clapping and stomping in rhythmic patterns to create both visual and audible performances. Stepping has it origins in African American culture, and it is inspired by traditional African dance with hints of Māori haka dance and a whole lot of hip hop. Apparently, one of the genre’s root dances, a South African style called gumboot, was devised by miners who needed to communicate with each other from far away.

BlackOut has a system of mentorship by veteran members, called Step Dads, are paired with new members, called Step Sons. This way, not only are their signature moves and routines passed down from generation to generation, but their values and core principals of support and safe spaces are as well. The team members, both former and current, all seem to think of their team as a brotherhood, a family. I’m sure that’s good for everyone involved. And boy, can they step!

You can follow the BlackOut Step Team on their website and on Instagram and Facebook.