The University of Denver stepped up to a challenge last weekend.

Setting a record for Hamilton Gymnasium by filling it with 2,600 spectators, DU hosted the third annual "Step it up in the Mile High City Step Show," providing a forum for a diverse crowd to enjoy the art form of step.

Fans from across the Front Range gathered in Hamilton on Saturday at 6 p.m. to cheer on a variety of African American sororities and fraternities as they competed in the step competition.

The competition featured sorority and fraternity members ranging in age from undergraduates to working professionals. Each of the eight groups in the competition performed a 10-15 minute step routine featuring the unique dancing style.

"In the purest form, step is a rhythmic dance movement that is pretty much led by your feet," said Tony Daniels, the director of Diversity and Community Relations for DU Athletics. "Your heart provides the soul and your feet play the drums. It is done in a synchronized fashion."

Judged by a panel of seven judges, each team was evaluated on their overall performance.