Twirlin' - History

History

The history of Twirlin’ dates back to the 1950s. Historically African American Greek Fraternal Organizations (HAAGFOs) started to evolve their known boast-worthy song and dance into what are known today as step shows. The history of the cane dates back to Eastern African culture of the 4000th century BCE. The cane ties directly to most of those civilizations right of passage, and was a symbol of manhood. The cane had to be carried by initiates hoping to become adult members of their respective civilizations. In the 18th century, the canes were looked at as a fashion embellishment. One "wore" a cane, these were decorative objects to be admired and proud of. Canes represented the true sign of a gentleman. The HAAGFO Kappa Alpha Psi wore canes at its inception in 1911, and it became an unofficial tradition of the organization. When the organization started to participate in step shows during the mid-20th century, it incorporated its favorite prop. All of the HAAGFOs have ties to Christianity in their founding members and platforms. Canes also have direct ties to Christianity, among other earlier religions.