Believe it or not, Summer Break is practically over for us students. Yes, I too am sad to see that those days of internships and summer jobs….or lounging, partying, and traveling are nearing an end.  But one thing that is perfectly in sync with the upcoming school year is…….the upcoming step season!!! So in tradition, it’s time for us to rekindle those old rivalries, check to see who got Upgraded or downgraded, and figure out whether the heat can still be brought from Fall to Spring. Here are the Top 8 things YOU should be on the lookout for in Step Season ‘08 - ‘09:

1) Non-Greek vs. Greek Competitions

- YES! This year, the precious line WILL be crossed. Some folks are gonna be crushed, some will flourish. Either way, it’s about damn time!

2) Stepshows co-sponsored by iStep

- I mean, did you think we were playin’? Due to the fans, the support, and of course THE ISTEP TSHIRT, we’ve been deemed THE AUTHORITY on REAL STEPPING by REAL STEPPERS. Word must travel fast cuz iStep has been ASKED to be a part of 6 shows in 3 regions (how YOU durrrnn!).

3) The Impact of ABDC (America’s Best Dance Crew)

- With 2 seasons in less than a year, ABDC probably had the biggest come-up in the dance industry. I bet my whole last paycheck that you will see stunts from Jabbawockeez, SuperCrew, and Fanny Pack in SOMEBODY’S routine this fall.

4) Morehouse/ Spelman Homecoming; Howard Homecoming

- Mark your calendars NOW. Howard University - October 18, 2008; Morehouse/Spelman - October 25, 2008. Two CONSECUTIVE weekends of “itsgoindowndedness” (yea, i just made up a new word). Greeks at both schools have huge rivalries, so the step show will be a sell out performance.

5) Emergence of Latino Teams

- Yo, DON’T SLEEP! Latino Step Teams have proven themselves as a force in stepping. This year, I expect them to take down some of the big dogs, or at least make a valiant effort.

6) Straight to DVD movie, “How She Stomp & Move the Yard”

- LOL! I mean, dance movies are here to stay — insert….step movies. Producers aren’t dumb; they see trends too. I’m sure there will be another attempt to strike oil in the same field. Can we get a LESS-CORNY title though? C’mon dude.

7) A National Dorm Stepshow

- In church, they tell me to “speak things into existence”. So, applying the same formula…”This step season, there will be a National Dorm Stepshow!” Think about it — Hampton vs FAMU vs Tuskegee vs Howard vs CAU vs Morehouse vs NC A&T vs Spelman…..on ONE STAGE?!? Give me my Ticket NOW!

Commercialization of stepping

- Hell, I’ve seen a Gardasil Commercial with stepping, a Hot dog commercial with chanting….what’s next, a Baby Formula commercial with hopping and training? This year, you just might see it.