‘Sophisticated’ girls step ‘Onstage’
This is the 14th in a series of profiles highlighting the finalists of Morristown Onstage, to be held Feb. 24 at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.
MORRISTOWN – Eight girls will make music with their feet this month, bringing their step beats to the Mayor Performing Arts Center stage.
The Sophisticated Steppers are an extracurricular drilling group open to girls ages seven to 17. It currently features 40 girls, split into three different squads based on skill level. The advanced group, featuring eight of the girls, will perform in Morristown Onstage.
The Sophisticated Steppers have been around for about 15 years, part of the nonprofit People Helping People in Need, a social services organization started in 1999 by Budd Lake residents Abu-Bakr Sakhu and his wife Qadriyyah Sakhu.
Sandra Mintor heard about the steppers while working at the Neighborhood House and quickly enlisted her granddaughter Ivy Simmons to participate.
“This is really about sisterhood, not just drilling,” Mintor said. “The girls are good in the community and keep their grades up in order to participate.”
The Steppers meet after school for practice twice per week, but plan to add an extra weekly practice leading up to the show. The group is coached by two Steppers alumni.
“The girls absolutely love it,” Mintor said. “If we tell them they’re not going to drill the tears start flying.”
If – or when, according to Mintor – they win, the money will go back to the team.
“We’re really, really excited about this opportunity,” Mintor said. “We’re also hoping that maybe someone will see it and want to sponsor our girls or this will be a stepping stone to something else. The girls love to perform.”
Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636;mizzo@GannettNJ.com
Morristown Onstage
What: A show featuring the best amateur talent from Morristown, Morris Township and Morris Plains, presented by and benefiting the Morris Educational Foundation.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 24
Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St. in Morristown.
Tickets: On sale now. Prices range from $25 to $75. For information, call MPAC at 973-539-8008 or visit www.mayoarts.org.