NYU has had a Step Team sporadically over the years, in the form of a student club. NYU’s Step Team was restarted in 2023 thanks to Bella Bucknor, who shares her experience with step and the core values of the team.

Bella Bucknor is a dedicated senior at New York University, where she is pursuing a major in Psychology. With a passion for rhythm and unity, Bella serves as the Captain of the university’s step team, showcasing her leadership skills and commitment to the art of stepping.

Beyond her involvement in the step team, Bella is an active member of the Organization of Black Women at NYU, where she contributes to fostering a sense of community and empowerment among fellow students. Additionally, she is engaged with the Opportunity Programs at NYU, demonstrating her dedication to academic excellence and creating opportunities for underrepresented students.

In 8th grade, I started stepping and it quickly became a passion of mine. I’ve been doing it for 8 years now and it’s something that I truly love. When I began attending NYU during the height of the pandemic, everything was shut down, including the step team. As things started to improve and in-person meetings resumed, I discovered that all the previous members of the team had graduated and it had been deactivated. That’s when I took it upon myself to bring the step team back during the Fall 2022 semester so that it could be up and running by Spring 2023.

Mission Statement

The E.L.I.T.E. Steppers are a dynamic and spirited student organization at New York University dedicated to the art of stepping. Stepping is a form of percussive dance that combines intricate footwork, handclaps, vocal chants, and body movements to create rhythmic and synchronized performances. The NYU Step Team practices and hones their skills to deliver captivating and high-energy performances that often incorporate elements of hip-hop, African, and Caribbean dance traditions. Beyond the artistic aspects, the team also focuses on building a sense of community, leadership skills, and personal development among its members. The NYU Step Team serves as a platform for creative expression, cultural appreciation, and camaraderie among the university’s students, adding vibrancy and a unique cultural perspective to the NYU community.

Our Core Values

E: Empathetic:

Empathy fosters trust and collaboration within a team. When team members show understanding and compassion toward one another, it enhances communication, resolves conflicts, and promotes a supportive and harmonious team environment.

L: Lasting:

A lasting team is one that can weather setbacks and adapt to changes. It means the team can maintain its cohesion, purpose, and effectiveness even in the face of adversity, ensuring long-term success.

I: Integrity:

Integrity is fundamental for trust and credibility within a team. It helps maintain a culture of transparency and accountability within the team.

T: Togetherness:

A strong sense of togetherness promotes synergy within the team. When team members feel connected and valued, they are more likely to work cohesively, share knowledge, and leverage each other’s strengths, leading to improved team performance.

E: Excellence:

Striving for excellence drives continuous improvement and innovation within the team. When team members are committed to delivering their best, it results in superior outcomes, increased productivity, and a reputation for high performance.