When people ask “What is majorette dance?”, the answer is much more than sequins and high kicks. Majorette dance is a vibrant, high-energy art form rooted in Black American culture, powered by HBCU traditions, and now inspiring dancers around the globe — from TikTok to Tokyo.
The Roots: Majorette Dance and HBCU History
Majorette dance originated in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of the marching band culture at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It was a bold reimagination of traditional baton twirling and European-style drill teams — blending jazz, hip-hop, ballet, and African diasporic dance into something entirely new.
One of the earliest and most iconic teams was the Jackson State University J-Settes, who set the standard for the “J-Setting” style: sharp arm movements, prancing footwork, and explosive formations that electrify halftime shows.
Over time, majorette dance became a pillar of HBCU homecomings, parades, and performances, symbolizing pride, resilience, and artistic excellence in Black communities.
Photo credit Alcorn State University Golden Girls
A Global Movement: Majorette Goes International
Majorette dance has grown far beyond the U.S., inspiring international teams in Europe, Asia, and beyond. Many of these teams embrace the HBCU style, replicating the energy, precision, and fierce feminine power found in American dance lines.
- WOFA – World Festival Association – hosts Majorette competitions and performances around the world.
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In the UK, teams like Dynamite Dance and The Empress Majorettes perform with both traditional British majorette styles and modern HBCU influence.
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In France, majorette groups perform at carnivals, often merging Afro-Caribbean and HBCU elements.
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In South Korea and Japan, majorette-inspired dance teams are incorporating the style into K-pop choreography and urban dance festivals.
This international expansion showcases how majorette culture is being translated, honored, and reimagined across borders.
Photo credit WOFA Majorette Competition
Mainstream Spotlight: Bring It!, TikTok & Social Media
Majorette dance surged into mainstream consciousness with the hit Lifetime TV show Bring It! (2014–2019) featuring Coach Dianna Williams and her elite Dancing Dolls from Jackson, Mississippi. The show gave audiences an inside look at the intense training, creativity, and competition behind majorette dance. Today, the show is hosted on Bradon TV.
Today, the genre is thriving on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube:
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Dancers recreate 8-counts from legendary battles
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Teams post viral field show clips
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Choreographers remix majorette moves with trending music
Social media has democratized the art form, letting young dancers across the world participate in majorette culture — even if they’ve never stepped on a football field.
Why Majorette Dance Matters
Majorette dance is more than performance — it’s a cultural statement, a community builder, and a powerful legacy of Black excellence. It brings together music, fashion, athleticism, and sisterhood (and brotherhood!) in a way that few other styles do.
At MajoretteDance.com, we’re proud to celebrate this tradition while connecting dancers, coaches, and fans across the globe.
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