Step Afrika! performs at Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center in Benton Harbor

BENTON HARBOR — Step Afrika! performs at 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center, 2755 E. Napier Ave.

Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping and ranks as one of the Top 10 African American dance companies in the U.S.

Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, traditional western and southern African dances, and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling, artistic experience.

More than a dance show, the immersive event integrates songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation.

Step Afrika! promotes stepping as an educational tool for young people, focusing on teamwork, academic achievement and cross-cultural understanding.

The company headlined President Barack Obama’s Black History Month Reception and performed at the first-ever Juneteenth Celebration at the White House.

Tickets are $80-$35.

For more information, call 269-927-8700 or visit themendelcenter.com or stepafrika.org.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Step Afrika! performs at the Mendel Center in Benton Harbor