World's Largest Stepping Dance, world record set in Washington, DC

March 12, 2025

Washington, DC, United States--With 268 steppers at the National Building Museum in Northwest, D.C., Step Afrika! set the world record for the World's Largest Stepping Dance, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"Step Afrika! is the new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title holder for the "largest STEPPING dance"! The record was achieved just moments ago at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC," Step Afrika! says.

"Thank you to the 268 dancers who came out and made history with us! #StepAfrika #GuinnessWorldRecords."

"The largest stepping dance consists of 268 people, and was achieved by Step Afrika! (USA) in Washington, District of Columbia, USA, on 15 February 2025," the Guinness World Records says.

"Step teams from all over the U.S. came to break the record to celebrate the Step Afrika! group's 30th anniversary."

"For more than 30 years, Step Afrika! has worked to uplift the legacy and tradition of the African American art of stepping, and on Feb. 15, with 268 steppers at the National Building Museum in Northwest, D.C., the celebrated company furthered this mission by setting a Guinness World Record," The Washington Informer says.

"The participants were divided into three groups to review the routine with Step Afrika! company members, who led the charge in practice.

"Then it was time to combine forces with all 268 people to break the record of more than 250 steppers at once. An official Guinness World Records adjudicator was present to count all the participants and ensure they were in sync."

"The Omega Lamplighters, Inc., “Mighty Light Team" returned to Tallahassee as Guinness World Records holders after holding the largest stepping dance in history this month," the Newsbreak.com reports.

"The 15 member team is made up of high school students. The team's Executive Director & Founder says they were among the 268 steppers who performed a nonstop step routine for five minutes and fifty-two seconds.

"He says the opportunity came after a nationwide search, saying the team was one of eight selected to participate in the Step Afrika! Step Classic. It's a three-day celebration of stepping in Washington, D.C. The competition was held the weekend of February 14-16."

"Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the world’s leading authority on the art form of stepping. Under Mr. Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 60 countries across the globe and ranking as one of the top 10 African American Dance Companies in the US," the official website says.

"Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience.

"Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding."

Photos: Facebook/Step Afrika!