The excitement of step dancing returns to the Metropolitan Theater at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 15, when West Virginia University students take the stage for their annual step show.

A rich tradition of theDivine Nineblack fraternities and sororities, step dancing combines synchronized dancing, stomping and chanting.

Although there are six National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations at WVU , all nine will be represented at the show thanks to traveling teams, said Ashley Staggers, student program adviser.

The event typically draws a large crowd of community members, students and Greek alumni who come from all over the country.

Tickets can be purchased for $10 from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at the National Pan-Hellenic Council booth in the Mountainlair or by calling George Gaylock at 304-906-9005. A limited number of tickets will also be available for $15 at the door.

Meanwhile, WVU ’s Collegiate Panhellenic Council, the governing body of eight sororities, is marking its centennial anniversary this week with a joint philanthropic project. Each organization is contributing $100 (a dollar for each year of the council’s existence) to the Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center in Morgantown.

Established in 1906 by Alpha Xi Delta, Chi Omega and Kappa Kappa Gamma, the council also includes Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Phi, Delta Gamma, Pi Beta Phi and Sigma Kappa.

With eight sororities and 14 fraternities, WVU ’s Greek system numbers around 1,500. These groups raise more than $45,000 annually for local and national charities, and many members are involved in campus leadership roles.

Currently, members are gearing up for annual Greek Week activities April 17-21. During the week, sororities are paired with fraternities for events such as banner and air band contests, Greek games, a fund-raiser for Habitat for Humanity and other activities designed to promote Greek unity.