Kanemaster

As I sit here and reminisce about my college days, one of the highlights that I still cherish was being the Kanemaster of the prestigious Eta Chi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. Our HX chapter has a rich history of high-performance step teams, twirlers, and Kanemasters dating back to the early eighties. Having this distinction among HX legends of Kappa Alpha Psi is particularly special. But the question is, what did it take, still take, to become a legitimate Kanemaster and an elite performer? What does it even mean to be a Kanemaster? Well, the truth of the matter is…. being a Kanemaster means different things to different people. The textbook definition of a Master is to be a Teacher and a Leader of others in the kraft you are operating or performing. To perform at an elite level using a Kane takes constant dedication, practice, talent, skill, and attention to detail. 

I remember the hours of dedication and practice needed just to master one simple trick, technique, move, or maneuver. I learned to do the impossible. I pushed myself beyond the limits of what I thought was humanly possible. I even bedazzled and impressed myself from time to time. The adrenaline rush it gave to produce moves that memorized the crowd became an instant klassic! But in the end, it was the acknowledgement of and recognition by others that really counted. Afterall is done, it’s entertainment. Being a Kane Master taught me discipline, focus, concentration, collaboration, and camaraderie. The relationships and bonds through Greek step show performances and leading a successful step team as the Kane Master have carried well into adult life. The focus yielded the preparation that I never knew I would need. That time learning this special kraft paid off threefold. 

So, I ask you this. Do you have the desire to be a Kanemaster? Is it in you to produce the magic that we know as Kane mastery? What does it take to be the best? These were all questions I had to ask myself many years ago. In the beginning, I practiced hours at a time to master my kraft for 4 years. I displayed my twirling in front of large crowds and took on all challengers. I never called myself a Kanemaster, others did. Mastery of the Kane doesn’t happen overnight. It comes with time, practice and is fueled by instinct and skill. 

What do you believe it takes to be a Kanemaster?