BIG-C plans Relays step show

For the first time in its nearly 20-year history, the BiCultural InterGreek Council and the Undergraduate Assembly will co-sponsor Saturday's annual Penn Relays step show at the Class of 1923 Ice Rink, according to Big-C Program Director Larry Moses. Nine BIG-C fraternities and sororities will participate in this weekend's step show -- consisting of historically African-American rhythmic dances that involve clapping, stomping, cheering and precise dance steps -- which was previewed in a teaser event Wednesday night at the Class of 1920 Commons. With extra support this year from the UA and the InterFraternity and Panhellenic councils, step show organizers are hoping this year's event will be a popular one, drawing around 1,000 people -- as opposed to the 600 who attended last year -- to the eastern end of campus. The event typically draws Greek and non-Greek Relays participants from all over the country. Moses, the show's stage manager and a Phi Beta Sigma brother, said he and BIG-C President Ramon Marmolejos, a Wharton junior and Lambda Upsilon Lambda brother, sought out the $3,000 UA grant before spring break in the hopes of drawing participation from "a wider cross-section of the student body." And this year, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Director Scott Reikofski noted that the Greek system is urging its members to buy blocks of tickets in advance and either attend the show themselves or donate excess tickets back to OFSA for distribution to underprivileged children at Wordsworth Academy, a local youth organization. "[We are] pushing for chapters to go and support the show," Reikofski said. Panhel and IFC leaders encouraged ticket purchases via e-mails to chapter presidents. "This is an opportunity for different [BIG-C] organizations to get exposure," Moses said, adding that the umbrella group, which represents minorities from Penn and surrounding universities such as Villanova and Drexel, currently has 59 members and is always seeking to increase its numbers. Panhel President Becca Iverson, a College junior, said that with the semester drawing to a close, Greek formals and exams may be already filling weekend plans. But the Chi Omega sister added that she is encouraging sorority houses to buy at least 10 tickets. "If people can't go, we do want support for the BIG-C event," she said. Proceeds from the performance will go toward the individual scholarship funds of each of the nine BIG-C chapters.

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