The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department’s step show exhibition and health fair scheduled for Feb. 17 has been postponed until Feb. 24 because of bad weather and school cancellations.

 

The free step show exhibition and health fair will be held 1:30-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Tates Creek High School in recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Lexington on the Move and Black History Month. The health department is sponsoring the event with Tates Creek High School, AIDS Volunteers Inc., the Bluegrass Care Clinic and the state’s HIV/AIDS program.

 

Stepping, which is currently featured in the popular movie Stomp the Yard, is a dance formed by traditionally black college fraternities and sororities. The dance involves clapping, stomping and chanting along with choreographed moves. Steppers often use acrobatics and gymnastics in their routines.

 

“This exhibition showcases the only minority-created and minority-run extracurricular program in the Fayette County school system,” said David Clark, a TCHS social worker and step team sponsor. “Each team strives to support their students, many of whom aren’t involved in other extracurricular activities.”

 

Step teams from the following schools will perform 7-minute routines: Tates Creek Middle, Southern Middle, Morton Middle, Bryan Station Middle, Lexington Traditional Magnet, Tates Creek High, Bryan Station High, Lafayette High, Dunbar High and Madison Central High. The exhibition will be held 3-5 p.m.

 

Jay Alexander, of 107.9 The Beat, will serve as emcee, and John “Daddy” King will DJ.

 

The health department will use the event to target young people and their parents during the health fair. Displays will include information on HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, postponing sexual involvement, physical activity and nutrition. Free flu shots will also be available from the health department.

 

“By participating and attending the step show and health fair, children will benefit from knowing how to take care of their own bodies and avoid disease,” said Mark Johnson, health equity team leader for the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department. “We want to modify risk factors in childhood and start shaping a child’s perception of health and well-being in fun, exciting and interactive approaches.”

 

For more information on the step show, contact Mark Johnson at (859) 288-2391 or David Clark at (859) 321-3725.