The National Pan-Hellenic chapters are coming together at this year’s Veishea celebration to entertain the ISU community with a form of traditional African dancing.

The National Pan-Hellenic Council, the governing body of Iowa State’s nine historically black greek chapters, will be performing a unity step show as the opening act for comedian Jay Mohr at Veishea’s Dew the Rec.

Stepping is a combination of rhythmic moves and sounds that comes from traditional African dance, said Council President La’Tifini McClinton. She said stepping has been a popular way for historically black greek organizations to communicate and express themselves.

This is the first time the individual chapter members will collaborate and perform a step routine. Chapter members often step with their own organization to promote a group or message.

The unity step will be comprised of eight to 15 council members, said McClinton, junior in community health education. It consists of group synchronization based on rhythm made from hands, feet and chanting.

McClinton said she hopes the unity step will help people gain an understanding of what their organization is about.

“I think performing a unity step will only make us stronger within ourselves and show the ISU community how we can come together for the common purpose and good of promoting each other,” she said. “I’m excited and am very much anticipating the performance.”

Veishea entertainment co-chairman Quinn Showalter said he thinks the unity step will be a great addition to the weekend’s activities.

“I have seen different ISU groups perform step routines,” he said. “They are very entertaining and I think this group will be appealing to the crowd.”

This year’s committee has worked hard to find a wide variety of entertainment for Veishea, said Showalter, senior in agricultural studies.

“Our goal is to include as many people in Veishea activities and a diverse selection of entertainment for the weekend,” he said.