The Art of Strolling in Multicultural Greek Life

From left, Maya Tanikawa-Brown, Carlee Nigro, and Manda Lorenzo, sisters of Delta Xi Nu Multicultural Sorority, Inc. strolling at the Bonfire on October 10, 2025. (Video by Erin Cooper). 

In multicultural sororities and fraternities, all members participate in a type of dancing called strolling. Delta Xi Nu Multicultural Sorority, Inc., Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc., and Omega Rho all perform strolls here at Centenary University. 

You might have seen this performed at the Bonfire on October 10 from 8 - 11 p.m. and during the Fall 2025 orientation.

According to Alpha Phi Gamma sorority’s article, “An Incredibly Brief History of Strolling: Being A Multicultural Greek,” strolling is a visual representation of the bond that ties multicultural sororities and fraternities together, designed to showcase African American culture and African traditions. 

The first original stroll was performed in 1920 by the sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha and the Divine 9 Board, who prided themselves on promoting their African culture in non-inclusive environments. The Divine 9 Board is a governing body composed of nine historically Black Greek letter fraternities and sororities, including Alpha Kappa Alpha. 

“The importance of strolling to me is sister bonding while also respecting the origins and the traditions strolling has brought us through the history of the Divine 9 organizations,” said Kamirah “Yarrow” Owens, Delta Xi Nu sister who graduated from Centenary University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in individual studies and a minor in business management. “I enjoy strolling because it allows me to express myself, show my pride for Delta Xi Nu, and share my love for dance.” 

Owens has created many different strolls for her sisters as a stroll master and is now one of the co-captains for Delta Xi Nu’s National Stroll Team. 

The National Stroll Team was founded in 2025 and is comprised of five sisters of Delta Xi Nu who love to stroll.  

“Strolling to me is all about unity,” said Karolina “Blossom,” Morales, senior biology major, step master, and vice president of Delta Xi Nu. “When sisters or any multicultural or black Greek organization strolls, it brings people together, and it is a space where everybody respects each other. There's also pride in your identity and background. I enjoy strolling because I can have fun and because it brings me closer to all of my sisters.” 

Not everyone is immediately sold on the idea of strolling.

“When I first heard of strolling, I was like, 'no way I’m doing that, I don’t have rhythm,' but after I learned, I had so much fun doing it!” said Amanda “Marvel” Lorenzo, junior criminal justice major and with a minor in psychology, and president of Delta Xi Nu. “It is a bonding experience for all of our girls, and we share our strolls across our chapters. We have so much fun learning, and it’s so satisfying to see the end result!”

All of our sisters and brothers in multicultural Greek Life should have the opportunity to experience the art of strolling. It brings together diverse cultures from around the world and fosters a sense of unity among them. 

Be sure to check out the next stroll performance at the Multicultural Feast on November 21, starting at 6 p.m.! 

For more information on strolling or joining one of Centenary's Greek orgs, visit their Instagram, @cu.igc