CAMBRIDGE — On May 18, Mace’s Lane Middle School’s Tiger A.M.B.U.S.H (Ambitious – Motivated – Bold – Motivated – Scholarly – Humble) Step Team hosted the inaugural Eastern Shore Steptacular at Cambridge -South Dorchester High School. This was the first step show that was hosted on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

The gymnasium floor became the battle ground for four teams: BeMore Step Team from the Ryan Institute, LLC (Baltimore, MD), Choptank Steppers from Choptank Elementary School (Cambridge), Lethal Ladies from the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women (Baltimore) and the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Step Team (Baltimore). Cambridge’s own ABM Dancing Divas participated as well.

The art of stepping is a form of percussive dance where the performer uses their hands, feet, and chants to create multilayered rhythmic patterns. Elements of this genre can be found in African and Caribbean dance. Commonly, Black Greek organizations adopt this artform as a means of fellowship and identity with signature steps and moves unique to each organization.
Jennifer M. Lake, guidance counselor at Mace’s Lane Middle School founded the Choptank Steppers in 2015 with Thomas Ward, Tiana Robinson, and Patricia Hawkins.

The group has competed and performed at various competitions around the State of Maryland. Ms. Lake founded the step team as a positive behavioral incentive for female students at Mace’s Lane. This year is the second year of the Mace’s Lane Middle School’s Tiger Ambush Step Team.

Competing teams for the inaugural Eastern Shore Steptacular performed for a number of audience members who were eager to witness their hard work and dedication. After a heated battle, the Lehtal Ladies were awarded first place, the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Step Team (second), Choptank Elementary School (third), and the BeMore Step Team received Honorable Mention.