Stomp the Yard (2007)

Synopsis: When DJ (Columbus Short), a troubled youth from Los Angeles, moves to Atlanta to attend Truth University, he discovers "stepping," the age-old style of dance traditionally done in African-American Fraternities, where teams demonstrate complex moves and create rhythmic sounds by using... When DJ (Columbus Short), a troubled youth from Los Angeles, moves to Atlanta to attend Truth University, he discovers "stepping," the age-old style of dance traditionally done in African-American Fraternities, where teams demonstrate complex moves and create rhythmic sounds by using their bodies. DJ's raw talent and hip-hop inspired moves quickly place him at the center of a fierce rivalry between two fraternities, the winner of which will be determined in front of a sold-out arena at the annual stepping championships. But before he can help his teammates, he must battle his own demons and learn the true meaning of brotherhood. A compelling drama about the quest for individuality and the power of fraternity, Stomp the Yard features some of the most original and exhilarating dance performances ever filmed. Starring Columbus Short (Save the Last Dance 2, Accepted) and Meagan Good (Waist Deep, Roll Bounce), Stomp the Yard is directed by award-winning music video and commercial director Sylvain White (I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer), who brings his innovative visual style and explosive energy to the production. When an urban dance battle ends in violence, champion street dancer DJ Williams (Columbus Short) travels from the underground clubs of inner city Los Angeles to the moneyed precincts of Atlanta's prestigious, historically black Truth University. Although his athleticism and ambition have made him a top competitor in the gritty world of street dancing, DJ feels out of place at Truth, with its elite fraternities and expectations of professional success. It is in this alien environment that DJ discovers the world of stepping. An African-American tradition that has evolved from the centuries-old African Boot Dance, it combines precise dance steps with chants and percussive hand and foot movements. At Truth, it also plays a pivotal role in the longstanding rivalry between two campus fraternities. When DJ shows off his dance skills at a local club, he attracts the attention of Truth's top fraternities and campus beauty April (Meagan Good), setting off a vicious feud with April's boyfriend Grant (Darrin Henson) - who also happens to be a star stepper for Mu Gamma Xi. After DJ decides to join rival Theta Nu Theta, his bold street style revitalizes the decades long competition between the frats and challenges the stepping supremacy of Mu Gamma. But his arrogance and self-centeredness quickly put DJ at odds with his new fraternity brothers. With Grant plotting to have him expelled just before the most important competition of the year, DJ must put aside his pride and learn the true meaning of fraternity. In a breathtaking finale, the two teams square off in an epic, freestyle battle that propels stepping to a thrilling new level. --copy; Screen Gems [More]