March 16, 2023

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On March 13th, Nottingham High School (NHS) Step Team of Nottingham High School (N.J.), one of New Jersey’s best high school step teams, begins its quest for the 2023 National High School Performing Arts (NHSPA)

 “Steptime at the Apollo” Step Championship. In a “March-Madness” type bracketed tournament, the competition’s first round matches will occur virtually, with the final four teams scheduled to compete at Harlem’s World-Famous Apollo Theater in April.

The Nottingham HS Step Team, based in Hamilton, N.J., has been stomping the Hamilton grounds with the Nottingham school spirit for several years. NHS Step Team actively performs at basketball games and various events at the school, throughout Hamilton Township and in Trenton, N.J. This year, the 13 active members are advised by Trish Tammaro and coached by NHS alumna Rachel Sanchez.

The competition begins with eight seeded teams paired off in head-to-head matches, with online fan voting battles to determine the top four teams. The third seeded NHS Step Team will face off against face sixth seeded Vision Steppers of New Rochelle (N.Y.), which has grown to more than 60 members strong and have performed and competed in many different cities across the country. The victor will advance to the NHSPA National Step Championship final four at the “StepTime at the Apollo” event on April 22nd. 

Co-produced by NHSPA and the World of Step (WOS), the championship will feature action-packed “Mano a Mano” excitement, empowering steppers with the opportunity to compete like athletes for $3,000 in cash prizes, a National Championship, NHSPA Step All-American recognition and school pride.

“The NHSPA Step Championship is an important event for showcasing the talents of young performers on a national stage,” said Victoria Duruh, Chief Talent Officer of UEG. “Fostering this new talent is significant to UpStaged, as we are dedicated to supporting the growth of the next generation of performing artists – this championship in particular is an incredible platform for celebrating student performers who deserve the same recognition and celebration as athletes.”

WOS is the Nation’s preeminent youth step producer, platform, and educator. NHSPA and WOS are working together to create a truly exceptional championship weekend event to highlight the talents of these incredible performers.

“These talented high school steppers have an unbelievable opportunity to compete for a National Championship at the Nation’s most storied historically black theater in the most world renowned black cultural Mecca, Harlem,” said WOS Founder and CEO Jessica Remo. “This is the Superbowl of Step, being played out in the Madison Square Garden of Performing Arts Venues.”

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