With support from the California Arts Council, The High Steppers Drill Team, Inc. will provide social-emotional creative experiences in safe and nurturing environments through our proposed project and core program, The High Steppers Drill Team. The High Steppers Drill Team empowers youth through the preservation, revitalization, and reclamation of the cultural practice of Step, a traditional artistic and cultural practice that dates to the aftermath of the slave rebellion of 1739 and is shaped out of the African American college movements at the turn of the 20th century. In addition, The High Steppers integrate Drill and Dance into their movement-based programs, with wraparound services such as mental health and wellness and academic support.
Our organization supports 3 core programs with wraparound services including, but not limited to, academic awareness and mental health support. Six staff members and 4 teaching artist alumni — all members of the Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) community — oversee and manage The High Steppers programs and day-to-day operations within the organization.
In service of our mission, our organization directly serves approximately 75 young people per year. One of our core programs is our Drill Team, which utilizes the art of military drill technique, dance, and step routines as an access point for creative youth development. Our team of 10-30 participants per semester, ranging from 3 to 17 years old, engages in 2-hour practice sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week during our 16 week-long spring semesters, 4 week summer boot camps, and 12 week fall semesters. Co-Founder and Executive/Artistic Director Charolette Patton-Logan leads the Drill Team program.
Grounded and rooted within their community, The High Steppers have a long-standing tradition of cultivating relationships with community members and service providers working across sectors. Student alumni and graduates from the organization’s programs work alongside The High Steppers Co-Founder and Executive/Artistic Director, Charolette Patton-Logan, as Junior Step Instructors and Step Masters in training.

