Gaybrielle Lee-Ann, Jan 3, 2025
In this second episode of the HBCU Majorette Reunion series, we dive into a powerful panel discussion, where HBCU Majorettes gather to reflect on the highs and lows of their journeys as HBCU majorettes. The conversation explores how they navigate the delicate balance between handling external criticism, learning to critique themselves, and maintaining resilience in the face of challenges. From dealing with harsh feedback to pushing through self-doubt, our panelists share their personal stories and insights on how they learned to grow, evolve, and stay true to their passion for the art. This thought-provoking discussion highlights the strength, perseverance, and self-reflection required to thrive in the world of majorettes and beyond.Created & Produced by: Gaybrielle Lee-Ann Dixon
(@Gaybrielleleeann )
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Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases Episode 2 in a four part YouTube series by Gaybrielle Lee-Ann Dixon. Gaybrielle Lee-Ann Dixon is a former captain of Southern University's Fabulous Dancing Dolls majorette dance line.
This post presents selected comments from that video's discussion thread. Some commenters shared their memories of these women's time with their dance lines and other commenters praised HBCU Majorette Dance Lines in general and praised this particular YouTube series about those dance lines.
A number of the comments in this pancocojams compilation refer to the former dancers' reactions to negative comments about them that they received from people writing on social media. Some other comments refer to the Alabama State University's Stingettes dance line's rule that members of that dance line can only dance in that dance line for three years.
The content of this post is presented for historical and socio-cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Gaybrielle Lee-Ann Dixon for conceptualizing, organizing, and hosting this series on Historical Black Colleges And Universities Majorette Dance Lines. Thanks to all the dancers who have participated in this series. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
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Click these links for the three other episodes in Gaybrielle Lee-Ann Dixon's YouTube series:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JvytynU5Y4 (Episode 1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6nEjQ7NguE (Episode 3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBiF07up8mk (Episode 4)
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Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/08/hbcu-majorette-dance-line-terms.html for the 2016 pancocojams post whose title is "Meanings Of "Bucking", "Stands", "Ace", "Tail" & Some Other Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) Majorette Dance Squads Terms."
Also, click the tags below for other pancocojams posts about HBCU majorette dance lines.
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SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THIS VIDEO'S DISCUSSION THREAD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_4VrhJrRfo
These comments are given in relative chronological order with the oldest dated comments given first except for replies. All of these comments are from January 2025.
Numbers are given for referencing purposes only.
1. @OkaySoWhat
"Oooo I loved this. It really goes to show yes people will
have opinions but that doesn't mean people have to be rude af and go so damn
far. About 6-7 years ago, I remember Amber's reign (Stingette 17' capt)
Afterwards, when I tell you I grew so much respect for Amber P. Amber's year as
capt WAS NEEDED. I learned Amber
contributed so much to the Stingette organization with her material/talents,
soooooo many counts and they are FIRE!!!! and one thing about it, AMBER IS
STINGETTE point blank. She is legendary! If I'm somebody trying to learn the
style, she'd be one to call! This episode should be a reminder to us all that
opinions are just that, but let's be cognizant of the words that are chosen, be
constructive and help build, not tear down."
**
2. @polisciman
"I want them to make a distinction between fans. Each team
has their fan base as well as their detractors. Understanding they’re
responding to the comments, it’s important to note similar to Gabby’s response,
a positive critique is usually from a fan of that organization. The negativity
usually comes from the rivalry i.e. Settes V Dolls, Stings V Divas.
Now, though I say that I would be remissed if I didn’t acknowledge that at times an organizations fans are too harsh, or in their defense of the organization they make it worse.
Also, let’s not overlook these social media groups. They’re a breeding ground for back handed support and stirring up division."
**
3. @G-Rated
"Now y’all know I’ve had my run-ins with rude fans over the
years, but when Amber shared that story about the comments made when she was
out sick, I wanted to go to that video’s comment box, come thru the phone and
smack the ones who said those things about her. I wanted to hug her after she
said that so badly. Also, Arielle’s story about the “other girl” and “dark one”
comments. Also glad Lachanae (I kiss her) had Pricket’s back that first game.
Lord, we have so much work to do within the black community! So much work, but
I have to thank Gabby again for at least starting the conversation and creating
a safe space for our girls to vent and get it out. 🔥😎"
**
Reply
4. @OkaySoWhat
"Yeah the comment section can be rude af many times and for
nothing. I'm definitely glad Lachanee said something because ppl also forget
that first game was really up there, on
top of that they literally had television cameras with them the entire time
filming for the tv show at that time, I'm sure it was a lot to take it in as
is!. At that time also I do remember the "Stingettes don't have a
tail this year" she could only do what she was told so ppl need to chill
tf out."
**
Reply
5. @G-Rated
"@ Yes I’ll never
forget it. I knew there was no tail because I had also heard or read about it
here, and even still a big part of me was still hoping that Amber would give us
a lil extra knowing it was totally against the grain. It felt like insanity! Lol"
**
Reply
6. @OkaySoWhat
"@G-Rated Lowkey yeah lol It think we all hope she'd
"sneak" one in LMBO But you know O, Bridgette ran a tight ship, so
hey lol JSMH Im glad they got rid of that silly restriction tho lol now if we
can just get them to get rid of the 3 year rule lol"
**
Reply
7. @G-Rated
"@OkaySoWhat the infamous 3 year rule. Mhm mm. I actually
hope it came up in this particular conversation because it’s not talked about
and it would be a missed opportunity to give a glimpse into Sting fandom and
another piece of way we go so hard for them; they’ll always be the “underdogs”
because of their tradition and that particular rule.
Every year they have to battle teams with 4 year veterans,
and they’re automatically at a disadvantage. Sometimes we have girls that come
back or asked to do a second rep as captain but it’s rare for Sting and the
norm for their dance sisters. It pushes Sting, something else that separates
them from the pack! I both love & hate that rule but it deserves to be
mentioned. Lol
I’ve watched so many watch, compare, judge and rank these
teams every year all year but none of them have spoken about that rule. I don’t
think many newer fans even are aware."
**
Reply
8. @OkaySoWhat
"@G-Rated YES man!!!!! I agree!! Thats exactly why it
needs to be brought up! Because at the end of the day, When Stingettes had
their first game/performances and STILL managed to pull off strong performances
out of the gate, that says a lot! Because between traditionally in the past
late audition in August and the lack of vets because of that 3 year rule, they
still pulled it off rebuilding year after year, as oppose to other squads who
pick their squads WAYYYYY early in the spring/summer with ample enough time for
band camp and their squads are allowed to do all 4 years which means they have
more vet/retention (on top of steady leadership). So when some ppl try to come
for the Stingettes at times, I'm like is that a read on the Stingettes or a
read on the others that had more time and still had ups/downs too?????"
**
Reply
9. @G-Rated
"@OkaySoWhat Exactly! Yess they’re all talented squads
and all have turned up on each other and given us a show, but the traditions at
ASU separates their band from everyone else. Also I would’ve liked them to
mention this being the 20th anniversary of HoneyBees, whom have also rose to
stardom over the years. No other school has 2 dance teams especially a second
group that performs both during the 5th and on the field.
Nobody talks about that dynamic at ASU either. How does that play on the Stingettes’ season? Whether affecting it negatively, positively or AT ALL it’s certainly something no other HBCU troupe has to ever consider. I really want a deep dive into ASU dance world because they are so unique in this space, imo. Hell I’d love to attend the next event like this so I can ask questions myself."
**
10. @BrandonZayden
"What gets me is the ones that never marched in a HBCU BAND
OR EVEN HAVE CREDITS FROM THESE INSTITUTIONS are the main ones with all the
criticism. Being part of this is an honor and hard work they never get that
experience."
**
11. @CorettaJG
"People who could never danced have the worst things to say
behind a screen. We need to do better for our young women."
12.
"I love this and thank you for creating such a platform. 😃♥️👏🏽
I’m not a dancer at all but I love ALL things HBCU. Please keep the episodes
coming. 😃😃😃👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Also I would love to see dancers from various HBCU’s….. AAMU, PVAM, Morgan
State, Central State, Miles, Savannah State, Norfolk, KSU, etc. just naming a
few that ppl may not see all the time."
**
13. @geekjanet
"I am so appreciative that each and every one of these ladies
had the opportunity to share their stories and experiences. I genuinely look
forward to hearing more in the future. Watching them blossom into bright,
intelligent women is incredibly satisfying.
Regarding Amber J., I vividly remember seeing the comment(s) she was referring to, and it sickens me to my core that people could say such distasteful things over something as trivial as someone having to take over and lead a dance team. I understand that everyone has their favorites, and that’s fine, but at the end of the day, these young ladies are human beings with real feelings. It's never, ever, that serious to wish harm on someone just because they don't meet your personal "expectations." I hope whoever made those comments sees this and feels ashamed for spreading such ill-natured energy. And the people who make these types of comments are the same ones who claim they're "beloved fans" of these squads.
Additionally, the "dark one" comment Arielle mentioned was also completely out of line. What’s most disheartening is that remarks like these often come from people within our own community. As Arielle said, she's attending an HBCU where she's surrounded by rich culture, so hearing jabs about her skin tone is baffling and deeply disappointing. We will continue to be our own greatest downfall as long as this mentality continues. As Tiffany "New York" Pollard once said, "If you are Black, and you're standing in it, stand in it in all shades."
**
14. @fountainmedia4683
"I absolutely love ALL our HBCU dance lines. My favorites are
the Dolls and the Stingettes. ❤❤🔥🔥"
**
15. @BoxerBriefs4
"I thank the dance Gods for Amber (JSU). The J-Settes were
having an identity crisis, but Kionna and her really helped to reshape our
girls back to their original glory. Amber, that game you missed was really
good, but you were always really great! ❤ You bucked us down!"
**
Reply
16. @KianaDay
"Agreed!!!"
Reply
17.
"Especially her fields! She helped bring back THEE THRILL on
the field and I'll forever love her for that!!! She ate down and was clean
EVERY game!"
Reply
18.
"Baby Kionna & Amber ran like they were on a marathon.
What’s crazy is that Amber has the least amount of time on the team compared to
most J-Sette captains. 19’ was cut short due to the suspension; & 20’ was
short due to COVID. 21’ was really her first real season where they got to do
everything. Crazy how it was the 50th anniversary & SWAC championship year
too."
**
Reply
19. @geekjanet
"@Tristan11406 You told not one lie. 💯"
**
Reply
20. @OkaySoWhat
"@Tristan11406 I absolutely agree!! Kionna and Amber really
did help to bring back more tradition imo and on top of it start a whole new
era for the 2020s thus far as well, so they certainly deserve the praise and
kudos!"
**
21. @BoxerBriefs4
"lol I STAN Ms. Airielle Brooks! 💐
I almost got emotional hearing her testimony, but those feeling went away
quickly. Not only did they learn her name, they put some respect on it. 👑"
**
22. @shon7425
"Dolls Yes Gawd. ❤❤"
**
23. @russellSmith-rg1xp
"I hate to hear some of the comments from the dancers. I
recently joined a community dance team and it is the closest thing i have
gotten to the Hbcu experience. It is verrrrryyyy judgmental and it creates an
environment were naturally you are hard on yourself. So i wanted to leave these
few positive comments to everyone.
Now, GGs if i was honest… at the times yall
were on the team, i just started watching yall around 18. 18 was the most
energetic group that I had seen and went up from there. So, i can’t really say
much except the team was giving and through those years i don’t remember seeing
much negative feedback especially on the panelists.
Airielle…. I think at the
time when u came in alot of the team was well known. I hate to hear the comment
about ur color offended u but i know that came off very bad. I literally think
it was more of the team having alot of established well-known members before u
got there and u were the new girl on the block. No one didn’t think that u
couldn’t dance but they just didnt know ur name yet. You were always “That
Girl” and i say that in a positive way.
Jada to hear u say u were nervous is
interesting because your energy when u dance says different. You always looked
confident and gave every game. U were actually my captain pick but God saw
differently.
Gabby… girl i always was a fan. I actually saw u after a U of
memphis game. I spoke with u to tell you I enjoyed your performance. Honestly,
i didn’t felt like u received it and brushed me off lol but i always felt ur
presence was giving “that girl” presence. U have always been a shining star to
me even backing ur sister up when u supposed to be captain which is another
story. No shade to Micah cause she had a hard time too and did a grat job.
Jsette Amber, u had some trials through ur years but that captain year… u most
definitely made me respect u. Not that i didnt before but u brought the “that
girl” energy. U created a new field every week. Thats insane. Girl, i enjoyed
every moment of u being captain and i felt that people was doing way too much.
U deserved that spot and did an extremely extraordinary job. Your moves were
always big and i can tell you grew from the first game freshman year. It is
interesting to hear u be hard on urself because u literally was one of the first
crabs to make cuts in ur crab class. Your dance has always been there.
Amber
-Stingette, i never understood why people said u shouldn’t be captain because
no shade…. Who else was it going to be? From the people who tried out, you were
the cleanest. Acourse u deserve the spot. Now i will admit Stingette fans were
hard on u. We saw the potential. That’s it. Forever be that girl. Just had to
get use to being captain and upfront because it look like u were dancing in ur
head. I could tell when u really got comfortable because ur confidence level
kept getting better and better through the captain season. From my memory, i
dont think i really gave negative comments on u. If i did, my apologies. I just
knew as captain u were a performer and i just wanted to see more of u Jamming.
Thats it. You got there and u did an amazing job. We didn’t appreciate u more
than we did but we…. Well… i apologize to u"
-snip-
I reformatted this comment to increase its readability.
**
24. @mhb9295
"Gabby, I’m a HUGE fan. I’m not from the dance world but I
love and respect what you all do. During football season I’m searching for as
many videos as I can find. This collaboration makes me want to go back and look
at the teams I wasn’t accustomed to watching.
Can’t wait for more content. I’m here for it."
**
Reply
25. @JustAGirlBandHead
"Gabby season is the season I fell in love with the dolls.
Gabby is my favorite but Ms Arielle, you was my favorite doll from first game."
**
26. @HorchataDreams
"Amber! silent assassin who’s been quietly making waves in
the Stingettes’ evolution, even though she’s gotten her due in the past couple
of years - I can’t repeat enough my praise for her. She’s been a true
game-changer! A lot of the current Stingette counts that we love today were
created by her."
27.
"As a long time Doll fan, Ariel not only stood out for her
exceptional dance technique but for her STUNNING beauty as well- simply
captivating!"
**
Reply
28. @MiNNi0La
"That part! Say it again! ALL OF IT!"
**
Reply
29. @levellsmith9819
"She is Absolutely Gorgeous 😍"
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30. @chillguy6870
"Airi gurl we all knew cam but we all knew you were going to
be captain. You were a rarity. A four year strong doll. Now gabby some girls
are strongest in the choir and some girls are soloist. You had a tough freshman
year but came back to front row next year to handle business. Captain year
iconic."
**
Reply
31. @TheVIPZone
"You’re spot on, but Ari’s first year was amazing—better than
most crabs—and she blended in seamlessly. She was observant, quietly soaking up
everything during her crab season. Not sure what you mean by ‘tough,’ unless
you’re the drama with the vets, but that’s about it."
**
Reply
32. @chillguy6870
"@ lol reread it. I was talking about gabby at that point.
Who did have a tough year"
**
Reply
33. @chillguy6870
"@ airis hardest feat her freshman year was getting the
style. She always had the choreo. And if you read my comments from those years
you’ll see she was probably by far my fav doll. I just hated her captain years
weren’t what I think they could’ve been cause of everything that was going on.
She’s always been black girl magic to me
I like the juxtaposition of gabby and airi too. I feel like gabby had a
tough time blending And catching the counts sometimes even in her fourth year. However her captain
year was one of the freshest and strongest in doll history. I feel airi always
did great behind the Captain but her squads needed a little more of the style.
Both iconic dolls in my opinion"
**
Reply
34. @BoxerBriefs4
"@chillguy6870 💯 Great observation. I
couldn’t agree more."
**
Reply
35. @chillguy6870
"Correction. A FIVE YEAR strong doll"
**
36. @510t-mac
"🧼Hello to you 🫵🏾and everyone whom help
you put this together.
The camera 🎥 crews, editing,sound 🔊
,director, audience 🏟️, and of course the
beautiful cast👩🏽🦱!!!! I’m from the west,
The Bay, OAKLAND/THE TOWN‼️
all of that being said? the west do not have that kind of
rich community. So When I say I’m on the outside looking 👀
in, and really appreciate what I’ve seen on this clip lol I mean that‼️"
**
37. @Tyniqua94
"Amber (stingette) and Gabby have always been two of my favorite captains to watch! They both will give you a nasssstttty face and that attitude to match it! ❤ Great work ladies!"
**
38. @resecup3584
"I loved the responses to those who responded negatively to their "haters, critics"...- people should be mindful on what they write in these comments...you never know what this young ladies are going through, yes have your opinion; however, you do not have to be mean spirited questioning how someone made it ...they made it because they were/Are Outstanding dancers!!"
**
Reply
39. @roseamberzine5846
"Exactly! Some comments were out and outright vicious.😮"
**
40. @roseamberzine5846
"I love them all for sharing their talent and dedication to their craft while successfully pursuing academic excellence."
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