Member of A Chosen Few

Birth name: Candyce Burke

Step name: Alabaster

Candyce Janiece Burke is 19 years old and was born and raised in Boston, MA. She is a second-year student at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, LA with a major in Psychology/Pre-Medicine. It is her life long aspiration to be a physician and stand in the gap for those who are suffering from ailments in this world. Along with many other things, step has been an indispensable aspect of Candyce’s life.

The “Pepper Steppers” was the name of the first step team Candyce was a part of, at the age of ten, for an elementary school talent showcase. Since then she has grown very fond of the art form and has been full-fledged in the step culture. In 1999, Candyce got introduced to the concept of performing step as an extension of her worship to God when she joined Alpha & Omega, the step team of New Covenant Christian Church, now Jubilee Christian Church. It was during this time, and the years that followed, that she grew as far as training, discipline and true respect for step.

For three years, she held the position of Captain on her high school step team (she was Co-Captain her freshman year!) and with much hard work and determination she led her team to three consecutive Annual Greater Boston Step Association championships. In addition to competitions, the Belmont High Step Squad also had the opportunity of stepping at Team Harmony 2001 and a number of other events. Candyce has received awards for her tireless efforts in the step culture, and has participated in many volunteer step programs. Some of these programs include: S.T.A.N.D. (Secret Treasures Are in Demand), an extension of her local Boys & Girls club dedicated to enriching the lives of youth through art and, the Greater Boston Step Association, a business that sponsors step competitions in Massachusetts and is affiliated with many teams. She has performed in concerts, at family gatherings, in shows and at churches all over the east coast.

Candyce has also worked in collaboration with her school and church step teams to host two very successful step shows. During her first year in college at Xavier University of Louisiana, Candyce had the opportunity of stepping in the 2004 “Dorm Step-off” with other young ladies in her freshman residence hall (they placed 2nd with a deficit of one point to an all boys team).

Currently, Candyce is member/Step Coordinator of A Chosen Few Step Ministry and has been since its conception in 2002. This is a ministry that makes promoting professionalism and excellence in the art form of step its business. Candyce looks forward to her years to come as she is committed to impacting the step culture for the better and ultimately for God.