The lyrics are important too. It's really neat to watch. It was also a way that Black slaves communicated with one another so that no one else could understand what was being communicated. I'm sure it was a general form of expression too, to work out frustrations of the day, or to bond with family members or friends. Stepping competitions are prevalent in today's Black colleges in North America, especially the United States.
Steppers strike each others poles too, to create other visual effects.
There can be other props used too. There is great potential for this type of ministry, step teams, to witness in Philadelphia. Teams could practice stepping for a few hours every other Saturday in Center City and parks. It is very interesting for people to watch, and it witnesses to them at the same time. All a step team needs is a boom box and an occasional karaoke microphone so that solos, rap, and testimonials could be incorporated into the step presentation.