In one giant stomp, the members of Culturama/ Pink Ice captivated the audience.

As the first group of the night, the Pink Ice ladies danced and stepped, opening the stepping competition as part of the Bridge Crossing Jubilee on Friday.

Stepping became popular because of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the organization of nine historically African-American fraternities and sororities.

The dance style features cheerleading, military and drill-team moves, which are mostly synchronized.

Other forms of step dancing include tapping and clogging.

The five groups of the competition had one challenge: “They have to include in it something about voting rights,” said event volunteer Lillie Jones-Osborne.

Groups traveled from Northport, Wilcox County and Selma to display their talent in hopes of bringing home a trophy.

“It’s about the trophy, prestige and money won, but mostly there’s prestige to win this competition,” Jones-Osborne said.

Crystal Jackson, representing Alpha Kappa Alpha, served on the panel of judges.

This is her first trip to the Jubilee festivities, and the first time the members of Alpha Esquire, Inc. have traveled to compete in the step show. The young men in grades seventh to 12th, wore sweaters and bow ties.

“I think it’s so beautiful for these guys to be a part of the Jubilee celebration,” said David West, mentor, president and CEO of Alpha Esquire Inc. “The guys enjoyed it and loved showing that they can do this.”