Northwestern’s National Pan-Hellenic Council hosted its second annual “yard show” on Cohen Lawn Wednesday evening.
The event, which featured dance and step performances from various chapters in the council, celebrated the NPHC’s Divine Nine — a council of nine historically Black fraternities and sororities.
Seven of the nine groups presented dance routines, which were judged by a panel. Sorority Delta Sigma Theta and fraternity Omega Psi Phi won the “Yard Runner” award, given to one sorority and one fraternity at the end of the night for best performance.
“Everyone has made their own dance and step routines,” event host and Communication sophomore Gabi Wilson said. “It’s a way for them to show off their organization’s moves.”
Wilson said the choreography was rooted in the Divine Nine tradition of stepping and strolling, which is a way NPHC distinguishes itself from other councils, she said. Performers stomped, clapped and danced to a variety of songs.
The show drew about 200 people. Evanston residents and NPHC members came out to support the performers despite cold temperatures.
During the yard show, canned goods were collected for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, since Wilson said community service is a core principle for all NPHC organizations.
Weinberg junior Matthew Tadesse said he came to support his friends in two of the sororities, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta.
“I’m excited to see the AK. I’m excited to see the Deltas. I’m just excited to see everyone put forth their best effort,” Tadesse said.
Weinberg senior Bryce Nivet performed a dance with Omega Psi Phi. Nivet said the group met frequently to brainstorm and rehearse moves.
While most performances featured modern pop songs, Nivet and other chapter leaders decided to go with a disco theme.
“I knew that when we performed, all the old school songs would be really fun for the crowd and for us,” Nivet said.
He said the competition was friendly, but he achieved his goal of winning the “Yard Runner” plaque to cap off his time at NU before graduating.
The event concluded with audience members joining Delta Sigma Theta for a celebratory dance.
“Northwestern is a predominantly white institution, so any chance minority students can celebrate their culture, see it in real life and perform is always a fun night,” Wilson said.
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