By Staff Writer Dempsey Bilotta
Production by Kevin MacGregor

Energetic, loud, and spirited – these are just a few ways to describe Naperville North’s step team. With hard work at practices and show-stopping performances at competitions and NNHS assemblies, step team brings a completely unique environment to NNHS.

Junior Deja Bishop is now a three-year member of the step team. She said the people around her inspired her to join.

“At first, I wasn’t even going to join the step team,” Bishop said. “[But] a whole bunch of my friends were on the step team so then I just tried it out.”

According to sophomore stepper McKenna Freund, the diverse people and personalities are her favorite thing about being a member of the team.

“I like it because it’s really diverse and [more] unique than any other club and so many different people from all different walks of life are here,” Freund said.  “We incorporate a lot of dance into it, and it’s just a lot of fun.”

According to Bishop, practices prove to be another aspect she loves about the step team. She said that the more relaxed atmosphere leads to a fun environment.

“The practices are not like normal practices that most people have, like cheerleading and football, which have to be strict. In step, you just do whatever you want, and eventually everything gets done,” Bishop said.

Though the team participates in other performances, it is best known among the student body for its high energy performances during assemblies. Freud said the excitement of the crowd makes these assemblies among their favorite performances.

“Everyone loves the step team. We get so much cheering, and it’s just a lot of fun,” Freund said. “I love performing; it’s my favorite part about step.

As second place winners at this year’s DVC, step team gives a vibrant and exciting presence to NNHS.

Bishop could no be prouder of her unique team.

“Nobody else has it; nobody else does step. The dance, the type of routines we do, the moves we do, and everything [is all different],” Bishop said.