The True History of “Majorettes“

This short film is the true history and roots of what many call “majorette” style dance! Most people don’t know that the style was created back in the late 1960s when HBCU band directors and majorettes (baton twirlers) decided to create something new and different that better represented their Black, Southern, HBCU cultures.
What they unknowingly created was HBCU Dance! And that is style that ALL Black competition majorette teams are based on, inspired by, and perform mixed with elements from styles like Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballet, Pom, Voguing, LGBTQIA Ballroom, Miami Drill, Clowning, Heels, etc.
I hope y’all enjoy this short film titled: “Jazz, Sass, and Class: A Short ‘Sistory’ of HBCU Danceline Culture and Style”! It is the trailer for a 45 min documentary that features interviews with alumni from over 10 teams. It is also the first publication of The Black Sequins Project: A Sparkling Chronicle of HBCUs Dance History, Culture, & Style.
Black Sequins is the first Project dedicated to the academic documentation of HBCU dance as a genre and chronicling the history of all HBCU Dancelines into one archive.
It is also first dance culture research project funded by National Geographic, led by Ethnochoreologist and former South Carolina State University marching 101 Champagne dancer and Captain LaQuinda Grimes!
URLs: www.NationalGeographic.org/fi...
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Also please Like, share, comment, save, subscribe & ENJOY!

[@grayscar05]

These danceline are sororities. It's a rite of passage to sisterhood through the love of dance and performing. Can't wait to see the documentary

[@laquindarenee9464]

Yes and the sisterhood and camaraderie often extends well beyond the performances! Important life-long friendships, networks, mentorship, and support are formed around the genre. It is beautiful to witness.

[@8to5pros]

It was our pleasure to offer our support and assistance with the making of this documentary. This is awesome! Please continue to promote the positivity produced by beloved HBCU Band Programs across the country. Thank you #MarchOn

[@themarching8to5]

If you like to see videos from HBCU Bands through the 2019 Marching Season sub scribe to our new channel by clicking our profile. MARCHING8TO5

[@alexusbrooke]

Idk why u didn't mentioned the jsettes techniques broke boundaries in MAJORETTE THEY REALLY PAVE THE 💙regardless who was the first majorette dance line alcorn golden girls have their own style but still plays homage and imitated the JSETTES STYLE 💙regardless who your favorite dance line is jsettes are cultural ambassadors

[@laquindarenee9464]

J-Settes are mentioned and interviewed in the full length film! They definitely have the biggest influence on community "majorette" competition teams, so I can see why many think that.

[@aneiyiahthornton9675]

Impressive documentary! shows about a HBCU and the love we have our black people (women) and dance!

[@laquindarenee9464]

Hello! Thank you for taking time to check it out. HBCUs and Black culture do have a special relationship with dancing lol! I've been MIA as we get the tour of the film and exhibit together. Be on the lookout for the upcoming schedule!

[@JonathanRWhitfield]

I've been waiting on someone to do this story, beautiful!

[@magic9060]

Well done. The trailer looks great. I always wondered when and why the batons were dropped (no pun intended). Thank you for answering that question. I think it is interesting that some schools, like Hampton and Texas Southern, still have a small group of twirlers in addition to the dance line. Seems to add to the show IMO. Hope the tour is successful!

[@laquindarenee9464]

Thank you for watching! I agree! I like both elements. And let us know if you would like the tour to come to your area.

[@theofficialhenryguion826]

I already knew this would be good before I clicked on it. Loved this from beginning to end the culture needed this!

[@yvettedejhone3430]

Hella Dope!

[@Ray68Dex]

Much Appreciated.

[@tabromo5]

Awesome documentary! Keep up the good work

[@lisawilder9659]

Thank you for doing this. Beautifully done.

[@laquindarenee9464]

Lisa Wilder thank you for watching!!

[@whitneyc5909]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@laquindarenee9464]

Thank you for watching!

[@realrapwrin]

Good video 💯💯

[@dimensionsdance]

Wow! Thank you for sharing this history. I had an opportunity to meet you at CADD this past February!

[@laquindarenee9464]

Oh nice! Thank you for watching! Did we get the opportunity to exchange information?

[@dimensionsdance]

@@laquindarenee9464, I don't think we did. I'm on FB- Latanya d. Tigner or Dimensions Dance Theater. I would love speak to you about our Back to the Root project for 2021.

[@RaeTL]

This is IT!!

[@laquindarenee9464]

Thanks for watching! Will this work for the conference?

[@LEGACY59CONTINUES]

💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@umekofrazier7588]

Man I’m late but I love this 😢

[@laquindarenee9464]

Now I'm late! Thanks girl!

[@dido2341]

Will the tour ever come to the north? particularly Maryland or DC?

[@laquindarenee9464]

Hi! Thank you for taking time to check it out the trailer! The team and I are scheduling and organizing with Howard and the Smithsonian. Follow @hbcudancelinedocumentary on IG for updates.

[@madisonwade3929]

Where can I watch the full thing ?

[@jadamchelle]

Would anyone happen to know the origional song they danced to ? The 1968 Golden Girls

[@laquindarenee9464]

Excellent Question! Im going to ask them!

[@jadamchelle]

@@laquindarenee9464 OMG Please do!

[@sag3586]

Alcorn was the first Majorettes 1968 and JSU J settes were the first to dance

[@laquindarenee9464]

Incorrect. Alcorn GGs were the first to do a feature with no props in 1968. This starting HBCU Dance style. HBCUs had majorettes (baton twirlers) since the 1940s.

[@alexusbrooke]

​@@laquindarenee9464the prancing j-settes were the first Hbcu to put the baton twirls down and start the arm movements and body movements know as J-Setting BUCKING 💙💙💙style

[@alexusbrooke]

​@@laquindarenee9464The Prancing J-Settes were the first collegiate dance team to incorporate a unique style of dance known as J-Setting, which blends traditional African dance movements with high-energy choreography. This innovative approach was characterized by powerful body and arm thrusts, known as bucking, and specific marching techniques that set them apart from other dance teams.

[@alexusbrooke]

​@@laquindarenee9464prancing j-settes were the first HBCU MAJORETTE DANCE LINE TO 1💙Set formal standards for collegiate dance teams regarding performance and conduct.💙Gain significant mainstream media recognition for their performances.💙Establish a distinct style of dance (J-Setting) within collegiate settings.

[@laquindarenee9464]

@@alexusbrooke My research required that I speak to founding and early members from most dancelines, and I can assure you you're incorrect. Which members from the 60s - 80s have you personally spoke to about this?

[@pinut187]

Just wondering why they would wear white tan pantyhose? Black fishnets would way better and their real skin tone can be seem.

[@laquindarenee9464]

That's a pet-peeve of mine as well! I know traditionally nude/skin-tone tights were not commonly made to match black women's skin tones , so the shimmer nude tights that didn't match just became a norm in the culture and kind of stuck.