I want to join a step team.

Seriously.  It looks that much fun.  And going out to watch three step teams in action — one of them at a grade school — didn’t seem like working and reporting.  It was pure entertainment. 

 Today’s front page story about area step teams (it’s a happy contrast to the other front page story about the national financial crisis — yikes) talks about the dance form, which has its roots in African-American fraternities and sororities, and just why it’s such a good thing for kids to learn.  It takes discipline, concentration, and persistence — and though it’s a good workout, you don’t necessarily have to be an athlete or a dancer to be a stepper. 

Some school step team coaches have wisely turned stepping into a form of school leadership, and made students promise to keep up good grades and behavior to stay on their step team.

Be sure to check out the teams at Alton High and Arrowpoint Elementary featured on video links next to the story.  If you can’t get enough, YouTube offers tons of video clips.