By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

My good old pal Darrin Dewitt Henson has come a long way, baby.

The hunky Bronx native makes his major feature film debut in the black-centric college flick, 'Stomp The Yard,' opening this weekend.

And I am so proud of the actor/dancer, whom I first met at the hip-hop workshop Duntori & Co. used to host at New York City's Broadway Dance Center some-odd 15 years ago.

It seems like a mighty long time.

The Sylvain White-directed flick -- starring Columbus Short, Meagan Good, Brian White, Laz Alonso and hip-hop soul crooners Ne-Yo and Chris Brown-- is a big deal for the 30-something year choreographer -- who has worked with the likes of Britney Spears, N* Sync, Christina Aguilera and Usher through the years.

"It took me a while to find that right role," he explained, pointing out, "I don't jump on everything that comes across my desk."

Millions of television viewers already know Henson as Lem Van Adams from the popular drama series 'Soul Food,' currently re-airing on BET.

For 'Stomp...,' Henson said it was challenging to get into "step" mode-- far different from the agility of his tight-knit hip-pop dance moves. "The role was a big stretch for me," he admitted. "The stepping arena is completely different from dancing.. It has a different rhythm." He revealed that although it was only a three month gig, it took him two and a half months to get all the steps.

And yet he rose to the challenge.

He plays Grant, a cocky upperclassman who gets a run for his money when a fresh piece of meat (played by Short) comes to the campus of the fictitious Truth University and shakes things up amongst ultra-competitive Greek fraternities.

As can be expected, the light and lively flick has taken a thrashing by the mainstream media -- and even drew ire from one conservative movie theater owner (who feared that gang members would be attracted to the film -- about college life!!!).

As if.

Henson thinks 'Stomp...' is just what audiences have been waiting for.

"People are used to seeing meaningless dance films in the last 10 years," he said, rather sharply. "Now they are back with a dance movie with a story that has meaning and depth."

And when probed about the rumors that are circulating that he's dating neo-soul diva Angie Stone (who appeared at the movie's Hollywood premiere), the happily married father of three clarified, "Angie and I are friends who support each other's careers. She understands brothers!"

Alrighty then.

Henson said he will next appear in the Queen Latifah-fronted telepic, 'Life Support,' which will premiere March 10 on HBO.

BV Extras:

-- See clips and other extras from 'Stomp The Yard.'