Earlier this month, the best eight high school step teams in the country began their quest for the 2023 National High School Performing Arts (NHSPA)™ Step Championship! The eight seeded teams faced off in four head-to-head matches, with online fan voted battles to determine who is the best high school step team in each matchup.
Over the five-day period, over 38,000 votes were cast from voters across the country! These votes were then audited and calculated to determine who would progress to the NHSPA Step Championship semifinals and compete at Harlem’s World-Famous Apollo Theater on April 22nd. The final four teams will take the stage and compete for $3,000 in cash prizes, a National Championship, and school pride.
We’re proud to announce that the results of the quarterfinal matchups:
Monsignor Scanlan (53%) v Gorton (47%)
Art of Stepping (41%) v New Rochelle (59%)
Nottingham (52%) v Vision Steppers (48%)
Brentwood (59%) v Springfield Central (41%)
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE VICTORS: Brentwood, Monsignor Scanlan, New Rochelle, and Nottingham!
Check out their team profiles below and don’t forget to BUY TICKETS and come to support them at The Apollo on April 22nd!
#1 Seed: Monsignor Scanlan High School
Queen Crusaders
The Queen Crusaders Step Team hails from Monsignor Scanlan High School. Their team is a sisterhood and teaches steppers how to feel like a Queen and accept who they are. In 2022, they placed first in the World of Step Regional competition and Molloy College Talent Competition.
Quick facts:
- From: Bronx, NY
- Roster size: 12
- Team gender identity: Girls
#2 Seed: Brentwood High School
Xplosive Stepperz
The Xplosive Stepperz hail from Brentwood High School and was founded in October 2021. Within their first year, they received numerous prestigious awards. They are Long Island's only competing step team and have one of the youngest coaching staff in the region. Despite only being established less than two years ago, Xplosive continues to impress the judges and always puts on an incredible show. Most recently they qualified for the YouthStepUSA National Championship this upcoming May. Tick... Tick... BOOM!
Quick facts:
- From: Long Island, NY
- Roster size: 12
- Team gender identity: Mixed gender
#3 Seed: Nottingham High School
NHS Step Team
The Nottingham HS Step Team 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.
Quick facts:
- From: Nottingham, NJ
- Roster size: 5
- Team gender identity: Girls
#5 Seed: New Rochelle High School
Trifecta Steppers
Trifecta Steppers hails from New Rochelle High School and was created this year to increase and enhance camaraderie among New Rochelle students. The team encourages students to step out of their comfort zones and allows youth to form a strong bond and support system while giving them a voice to be “Confident, Inspiring, Vibrant and Ambitious.”
Quick facts:
- From: New Rochelle, NY
- Roster size: 13
- Team gender identity: Mixed gender
