“STEP-OFF CLASSIC” ADDRESSES

HEALTH AND FITNESS ISSUES IN COMMUNITY

Hartford, CT - One of the hottest and unique forms of entertainment in America is returning to Hartford! It’s “THE RESURRECTION” of the 6th Annual Step Into Wellness Health Expo: 2013 Hartford Step-Off Classic. New England’s premier annual Health Expo and Step Show Competition is being held on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts; the doors open at 12pm.

The Hartford Step-Off Classic combines the excitement and energy of a “step show” with a complete Health fair. The Step Into Wellness & Health Expo will host area community based organizations such as: Hartford Hospital, The Hispanic Health Council, Safe Kids CT and American Red Cross – all of whom will provide free information, screenings and medical consultations. This unique cross-promotion of health and wellness is presented by the BSL Educational Foundation, Inc. and is sponsored by the Connecticut Health Foundation, Hot 93.7 FM, Hobson Associates, UConn Health Center, Target, CIGNA and many others.

Now in its 6th “RESURRECTED” year, the Hartford Step-Off Classic is a collective collaboration to address the obesity epidemic, while promoting various other health fitness issues through the performance of a non-traditional, urban based fitness method derived from African American culture – “stepping.”  “Stepping” gets its roots from Africa and is characterized by precise and elaborate synchronized routines that incorporate military, cheerleading, and drill team moves.

Competing Greek step teams of fraternity and sorority members from NY, NJ, PA, CT and MA will join local community teams that are on exhibition such as: Insanely Prestigious from UMass-Amherst, The Star Steppers of Washington Media Arts School from Manchester, CT, The Gifted Ones Performing Arts Co. and The Jumoke Academy Art of Drill from Hartford, CT. Special guests, The Art of Stepping (www.artofstepping.com), from New York will be performing as well. In attendance will also be Hartford Mayor, Pedro Segarra.

For the past four years this event has sold out, so get your tickets now. Keep in mind that each year has had a surprise opening act and this year will be no exception!  Tickets are $20 in advance (plus all applicable taxes and fees), more at the door the day of the show. For group rates call The Bushnell (www.bushnell.org) at 860-987-5959.