In searching for an outlet that focused on cultural tradition and unity, Portage High School Senior Dawan Davis helped bring Steppaz to life. Steppaz is not only Portage High School’s first step team, it is also the district’s first step team. Through Steppaz, Davis and his teammates come together to perform step routines at football and basketball games, inviting the crowd to let go and enjoy the moment.
“We add excitement to the sporting events because nobody really knows what we're going to do,” Davis said. “Nobody knows what we're going to be bringing next to the table because we're the first ever step team at Portage High School. We are history in the making because we’re bringing a new element and positive attitude to the games.”
Steppaz creates its routines based on a variety of factors, including performances based on game themes and holidays. During Black History Month, the team wore all black and the coach performed an African tribal dance. Many of the step routines are choreographed by the coach or the coach's daughter, but, at times, the whole team comes together to try new moves and develop a routine. This whole-team approach has created a family atmosphere that Davis loves.
“We spread unity, positivity, and love amongst people who may not get that,” Davis said. “It’s a getaway if you're struggling with things in school or outside of school. We all come in and do our part, and it feels like a family. We laugh and crack jokes like a family. It’s an outlet where you can come and let things go and just be you.”
Sporting events may play host to many of Steppaz’s performances, but Steppaz will also perform in its spring recital on Friday, May 12 at 7 p.m.
While Davis was instrumental in starting Steppaz at Portage High School, he is also plugged into his school through a variety of other clubs, sports, and organizations. Davis is involved in the advanced choir called Chorale, the Choraliers, theatre, the dive team, the cross country team, the student council, the Principal’s Advisory Committee, and he is president of the National Honor Society.
“I'm a busybody. I do a little bit of everything. My family would describe me as a renaissance man,” Davis said. “Right now, I’m working on the up and coming show ‘9 to 5: The Musical.’ It’s my senior musical, and I’m trying to enjoy these last few months of high school.”
Even with so many high school activities keeping him busy, Davis still finds time to work his job at a local movie theater and spend time exercising at the gym, painting, and singing at his grandmother’s church.
After high school, Davis will attend Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., with a full-tuition scholarship from The Posse Foundation. He plans to major in law and society and minor in business to achieve his dream of becoming a prosecuting attorney with his own law firm.
If Davis has learned anything from all his activities, it is to be himself: something he hopes to encourage others to do as well.
“Never be ashamed of your identity,” Davis said. “I’ve learned that either people are going to love you for who you are or they’re going to miss out on the great person you are. Never stop being yourself.”