Soul Steppin' Divas

LatinosStep: "The People Poll that LatinosStep ran for three weeks after the show ranked your team's show #1 amongst sororities, how does it make you feel?"

Jessica: "It makes us feel very happy, but to us that is really not that important.. Our main concern is that when we perform we are representing our organization to its fullest and basically have a good time at it. We hoped that when we stepped out on that stage we gave a performance that no one would ever forget. Whether good or bad, we know in our hearts we gave more than a 100%. Considering that preparing for the the Summer Step Show we must practice 6 days a week, it does feel good to know that some people out there enjoyed our performance. Props must go out to all the teams that perform. They as well did a wonderful job..."

LatinosStep: "Why do you think many of the spectators thought you guys were the best?"

Jessica: "Wow that is a very strong comment to say, I am not sure they thought we were the best but lets just say we came out and did exactly what was asked.. This is a Step show..We are a NATIONAL STEP TEAM.. We take pride in our routine.. Every movement, every style and every grace symbolizes a part of our history that is being displayed through a rythmic style... Like the Humming Bird step that displays how it spreads its wings..Even to the our STEP Team Name - SOUL STEPPIN' Divas ... It seems that this year there was alot of Divas.. Which is Great but there is history behind that name which steps back many years.. And to that we take pride.. It is the SOUL of our Latino heritage, that allows us to keep STEPPIN' as our African Ancestors and become True DIVAS....

So to end this, what makes us diffrent is that every year we step with our hearts.. Whenever you come out to see Omega Phi Beta Step.. You will never get dissappointed.. We hope .. :)"

LatinosStep: "What was the difference between this year's show and last year's show?"

Jessica: " I really enjoyed this year's show but last year's show took the cake.. I guess because there was more competition in a way.. alot of sororities and fraternities backed out at the last minute so there wasn't that pressure or sense to be the best as much i mean.. The MC's were great .. Although I was jealous because I wanted to be one.. I thought they did a great job.. The location was great but I liked the auditorium (Columbia University, July 2000) it was tighter and it kept people closed...The feeling was just overwhelming last year.. One thing I am looking forward is to a compettion.. Teams practice so hard for the Summer Shows ... That there should be a reward at the end of the show.. We as Latinos need to start to compete.. Our National Team has already competed in several that we have won either first or second.. SO whats up Latinos STep can we say Competition instead of Exhibition?.... lol"

LatinosStep: "Being considered one of the hottest & best Latina Steppers, do you feel the pressure building as each show passes?"

Jessica:" YES... HELL YES... No of course not ... Barely... Nah seriously of course we do.. I have been the mistress for three years now and every year we try to ensure that we are better then the year before. People begin to assume that already.. So may people look forward to seeing us stepping which is wonderful.. I must say that besides internally, we recieve alot of support by fellow Latino Greeks... As you might now , we step all year round so when we go to diffrent schools we just hope that we do as good as we did on the last.. Don't get me wrong we have had shows that haven't been great.. But it seems we work better under pressure .. Our best performances have been the most stressful.. We believe in working hard and stepping with our hearts.. So although the pressure is there it just keeps us on our feet and helps us to be even better the following year.."

LatinosStep: " How will Omega Phi Beta set the trend for years to follow?"

Jessica: "I think we are one of the few National Latina Sororities that actually step.. So we take great pride in ourselves in ensuring that we represent not only our Sorortity but Latino Greeks in general everytime we step.. We have competed in Competitions along with African American Fraternities and have come in 1st place and 2nd place in another competition. That gives us great pride because although the number of Latino Greeks have increased we are playing a major role in helping to recognize Latino Greeks in all spectrums of Greek Life...

So i hope if at all the trend we set will be one that will continue and we look forward to seeing more Latino Greeks Stepping in the Near future.."

LatinosStep: "Did you ever consider stepping at Stepcorrect?"

Jessica: "Yes of Course, we look forward to competitions. I believe that in order to be the best you must compete aganist the best.. You don't have to win all the time but by competing in these competition its like a practice for me.. It helps me see what what makes us the best as well as show me what we might be lacking in our routine to help make it stronger. If we were asked to step in stepcorrect we would definitely consider...

LatinosStep: "What are some suggestions you have for the Annual Step show..?"

Jessica: "I think that it went off great this year. You could tell that you guys spent a lot of time and energy in ensuring that everything was well organized.. I think maybe you should consider the auditorium.. I don't know I am just biased form last year.. But overall great job..."

LatinosStep: "Is it time to make the annual show a competition...?"

Jessica: " HELL YEA...... YES.. ABSOLUTELY..... If it were ready..... I just think that teams work so hard every summer there should be something to l look forward .. Every competition just makes the show much better because pressure is put on performers to put on a great show....."

LatinosStep.com wants to thank Jessica for taking the time out to be interviewed. She is a positive Latina, who steps but also gives back to the community in so many different ways. Thank you.