Frederick Steppers is a youth organization based in Frederick, Maryland, founded by Sharizma Hill that aims to empower young individuals through the art of dance. With a mission to provide a safe and inclusive space for young people to express themselves, the organization offers dance classes, workshops, and performance opportunities to children and teenagers in the community.
To Hill, Frederick Steppers is a dream deferred finally fulfilled. While in high school, she dreamed of dancing on a big stage. With information, outlets and resources lacking, there were no opportunities available.
Hill credits other dance outlets and infamous local choreographers like Mrs. Brown before finding her own flare and joining her friend group to launch Frederick’s Finest.
Sharizma always had a passion for dance. Receiving marching band and majorette techniques and lessons from her childhood friend Shanice who marched with the Baltimore Gogetters, the girls excitingly prepared to participate in the inaugural Frederick Elks parade.
“The parade was a big highlight of my childhood as well as many youth in the inner-city of Frederick. It was the highlight of the summer. It was always the day before school started and everyone would get dressed up. It was a huge excitement for us.“
Though the group disbanded as participants aged out, Hill stumbled upon an opportunity to bring dance back. After festivities resumed post COVID-19, Sharizma was determined to create a group that would wow the Elks crowd and celebrate its great return.
“It’s 60 days away. I said I’m going to do it. I got a truck. I got a big speaker. I got Pom-poms. I made the tutus.
We put a routine together in 30 days and we marched up that street and everyone was there and I felt like my 15-year old self marching again.”
– Sharizma Hill, Founder
With 30 days remaining until the big day, Sharizma Hill recruited 30 girls. It has grown to 60.
By incorporating various dance styles such as hip-hop, jazz, and contemporary, Frederick Steppers not only promotes physical fitness but also fosters creativity, self-confidence, and teamwork among its participants.
After a successful trek up All Saints, the word was out. Frederick Steppers grew quickly and support soared through the community. Hill has partnered with the City of Frederick to add the group as a citywide offering. The Steppers travel all over the nation to compete and perform in dance competitions, festivals, and parades. Each year, sign ups fill to capacity as girls race to be a Frederick Stepper.
“I can’t just make this a parade group I have to turn this into a mentorship. Getting to know these girls, seeing their struggles, seeing how I can help them and opportunities that I can show them. So I need to make this something bigger.” – Sharizma Hill
The Frederick Steppers youth organization has become a beacon of hope for many young individuals in the community. By offering a supportive environment and opportunities for personal growth, the organization has helped countless young dancers discover their passion and potential. Through their dedication to empowering youth through dance, Frederick Steppers continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people, fostering a sense of belonging, self-expression, and confidence that will benefit them far beyond the dance floor.
Want to get involved? Frederick Steppers keeps the community updated on their latest events, classes, and achievements. They share inspiring stories of young dancers and their personal growth journeys. It also provides a space for parents and guardians to connect, ask questions, and engage with the organization’s staff. By utilizing both grassroots and online outreach, Frederick Steppers effectively reaches a wider audience, spreading awareness about the positive impact of dance on youth development.
