"The Dream, The Dance, The Legacy: The Historical Black Colleges & Universities Majorette Reunion" - Episode 2 (Video & selected comments)

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."

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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."

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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. 🔥😎"

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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."

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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"

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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"

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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."

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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?????"

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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."

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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."

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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."

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12. @deninescott7800
"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."

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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."

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14. @fountainmedia4683
"I absolutely love ALL our HBCU dance lines. My favorites are the Dolls and the Stingettes. ❤❤🔥🔥"

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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!"

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16. @KianaDay
"Agreed!!!"

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17. @dylo9482
"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!"

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18. @Tristan11406
"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."

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19. @geekjanet
"@Tristan11406  You told not one lie. 💯"

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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!"

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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. 👑"

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22. @shon7425
"Dolls Yes Gawd. ❤❤"

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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"
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I reformatted this comment to increase its readability.

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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."

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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."

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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."

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27. @MrsJessicaDavis
"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!"

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28. @MiNNi0La
"That part! Say it again! ALL OF IT!"

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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."

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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."

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32. @chillguy6870
"@ lol reread it. I was talking about gabby at that point. Who did have a tough year"

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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"

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34. @BoxerBriefs4
"@chillguy6870  💯 Great observation. I couldn’t agree more."

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35. @chillguy6870
"Correction. A FIVE YEAR strong doll"

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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‼️"

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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!"

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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!!"

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39. @roseamberzine5846
"Exactly! Some comments were out and outright vicious.😮"

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40. @roseamberzine5846
"I love them all for sharing their talent and dedication to their craft while successfully pursuing academic excellence."

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2019 Article Excerpt: "The Rich, Black, Southern Heritage Of Hip Hop Majorettes" By Frederick McKindra

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post presents an excerpt from the 2019 article

The content of this post is presented for historical and cultural purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks toFrederick McKindra for writing this article and thanks to all past and present members of HBCU majorette dance squads.
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This excerpt is posted to raise awareness and present information about this subject. 

Readers of this excerpt are encouraged to read that entire article.
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Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/08/hbcu-majorette-dance-line-terms.html for the 2016 pancocojams post entitled "Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) Majorette Dance Line Terms"

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ARTICLE EXCERPT: THE RICH, BLACK, SOUTHERN HERITAGE OF HIP-HOP MAJORETTES 

by Frederick McKindra, BuzzFeed Contributor, Posted on May 7, 2019

https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/frederickmckindra/marching-bands-hip-hop-majorettes-jsettes-prancing-elites 

The choreography of these college dance troupes makes me feel proud knowing that this artistry is so deeply embedded in black American life, there is little danger of it ever being appropriated.

"As a boy back in Arkansas, we called them dancing girls. These all-women dance troupes combined the energy of the high-step marching style of black college bands with lyrical, West African, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop choreography. 

[...]

Hip-hop majoretting began formally in the late ’60s. Marching bands had long featured carnivalesque acts pulling acrobatic stunts or tossing and catching flaming batons as a part of their halftime entertainment, but dance lines enabled bands to dramatize the popular songs they were beginning to mine from the radio.

There is some dispute over which school’s dance line debuted first, an issue that still regularly rouses debate from fans online. As the ability to watch black college bands was often limited to spectators at sports games, Alcorn State University’s claim that its Golden Girls made their national debut at a televised 1968 Orange Blossom Classic offers a tenuous origin date for hip-hop majorettes, or “a featured squad with choreographed movements to an HBCU’s marching band’s live tunes,” as the GGs define it.

The Dancing Dolls of Southern University officially date back to 1969, founded by team adviser/coach Gracie Perkins and then–band director Isaac Greggs. The Dolls have enjoyed national acclaim due to the annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, which is one of the few nationally televised HBCU football games. Jackson State’s J-Settes were founded in 1971, when Shirley Middleton, a former majorette and the squad’s initial sponsor, petitioned for the majorettes to “put their batons down.” Middleton, along with JSU twirler and choreographer Hollis Pippins, and eventual sponsor Narah Oatis, pioneered j-setting, a style so unique its movement is still recognizable in much of hip-hop majoretting today.

Traditionally, majorette fans choose between the more balletic style of the Southern University Dancing Dolls or the more bawdy bucking of the J-Settes. The Dolls’ style privileges fluidity in movement, a quality they describe as being poured “like milk.” They are famous for their port de bras, or arcs made through the air with graceful, supported arms; slow body rolls; and struts and stand counts (eight counts of choreography performed and repeated in the stands of a stadium) which make them look like they are prancing and can be read as prissy.

If the Dolls pantomime seduction, then the J-Settes employ a style that is more explicit. J-Settes prefer grounded, flat-footed movement; they squat or bend or buck. To buck is to aggressively thrust the pelvis forward, a movement that is obviously sexually suggestive — and in the rubric of American sexuality, deviant when cast on a feminine body. It’s almost an inversion of twerking — another dance phenomenon white Americans took some time to fully metabolize. Bucking is done to the bawdy, pulsating fortissimo of a raucous brass section, the crack of a snare, or the explosive boom of a bass drum. Doing so becomes an affirmation that a receptive sexual partner can also claim pleasure by thrusting ecstatically, a rebuff against an American sexual politics that historically resigns the passive partner to demuring sex. Straight black women and gay black bottoms reclaim power through the movement by refuting a white, puritanical dictum that bodies should not desire or enjoy the passive position...though, of course, it’s classier than that.

[…]

Amateur videographers who formerly recorded the entire band now focus on the dance lines. These videos now serve as an impressive library documenting the dance genre. “Stand counts” — choreography performed in the stands, first by the team captain before rippling back through each successive line of dancers — were once passed down solely through collective memory; they’re now being preserved on film. Amateur filmmakers like Trinion Winbush, Marvin Price, and Demaridge have all meticulously compiled footage of collegiate dance lines as far back as 2011 on YouTube channels of the form, making the dances available to watch more broadly.

[…]

I’ve been watching majorette videos on YouTube since at least 2012, back when Charlene and Charlotte Johnson, identical twins, served as captain and tail of the J-Settes at Jackson State. I remember them because twins always caused a special frisson on majorette dance lines, even before Raeven and RaeAna Hall danced with the Dancing Dolls back in 2007. The doubling only eerily heightened the effect of the line’s call and response, when a captain throws an eight-count and the team, all of whom are already dressed identically, meticulously parrot her movements.

Watching these videos in adulthood made me feel proud (as someone throwing a hip to the beat of a bass drum is wont to do), knowing that this artistry is so deeply embedded in black American life, there was little danger of it ever being appropriated. It was mine, something of home to unwrap, even if I was so far away in Brooklyn. The brassy sound of the band from my computer speakers was not unlike how it felt to walk beneath the stands at a stadium for a black college classic as a child, holding the hand of my father, my cousin LaTeisha, my cousin Rita. Even as a grown man, that choreography and sound gave me access to parts of myself both private and dear — Southern, black, sissy, somebody’s child.

The showmanship and glamour of the majorettes had always been the export of my community, carnivals that traveled to sites across the landscape of the Great Migration, carrying the football teams of Southern black schools who once, out of necessity, produced most black college graduates in America. The classics became essential marketing once athletic programs from formerly segregated, all-white state universities — the same schools that had necessitated the founding of historically black colleges in the first place — became integrated and began gutting the football programs of those HBCUs as they looked for recruits. In a way, the band produced proto–music videos, pairing choreography with popular black music from the radio. Black entertainment was again being deployed to ensure the survival of black institutions.

[…]

Over the years, I’ve been transfixed by majorette dancers: first Kayla Pittman at Southern, then Asia Martin and Ajhayda (Jada) McClain from the Stingettes at Alabama State. Then Danielle Stamper, a former SU Dancing Doll, now co-coaching the McKinley High Pantherettes with Lashalln LaGarde down in Baton Rouge. Now, my affection flits back and forth between the Dolls and Stingettes… The art form is still mine, intimately so, in the way much black art remains. It’s just that now the world knows about it. Hopefully, future generations will too."

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HBCU Dance Line Terms In The Discussion Thread For The Video "Southern University Dancing Dolls vs ASU Stingettes "FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS 2015"

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases a video of Southern University Dancing Dolls vs ASU Stingettes "FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS" 2015. This post also includes selected comments from that video's discussion thread that include a number of the HBCU majorette dance line terms are listed in this pancocojams post: http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/08/hbcu-majorette-dance-line-terms.html HBCU Majorette Dance Line Terms.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to the Southern University Dancing Dolls and the Alabama State University Stingettes for their performances. Thanks to all those who have been or are now involved in HBCU majorette dance lines. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the producer and publisher of this video on YouTube.

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SHOWCASE VIDEO: Southern University Dancing Dolls vs ASU Stingettes "FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS" 2015



Marvin Price, Published on Oct 12, 2015

I Apoligize in advance for the side angle on the Stingettes. We started out in front, but the ASU Hornets Head band director made one of our team members move to the side. Still Pretty good footage nevertheless. Hope you all enjoy! This video was filmed by @gvdess_x and @DrPrice_IsRight

Thank you all for wathing!
Please SUbscribe!!!!!!!

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SELECTED COMMENTS
These comments are given in relative chronological order, with the oldest dated comments given first, except for responses. However, these comments may not be in consecutive order.

I've assigned numbers for referencing purposes only.

WARNING: As is the case with a number of YouTube discussion threads, a number of comments in this discussion thread contain profanity, what is known as the "n word", and/or examples of sexually explicit language. None of those comments are included below.

Explanation of the abbreviations:
HBCU = Historically Black Colleges And Universities

SU - Southern University Dancing Dolls (also referred to as "the dolls")

ASU - Alabama State University Stingettes


2015
1. Keyonna Baker
"Both teams did well man! this was a true battle!"

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2. AriesBoy1988
"These stingettes are the baddest squad/danceline in the HBCU this yr...That Asia is evolving these girls into something that have never been before.....There are the #1 HBCU danceline this yr while those Jsettes and Alabama A&M Divas are coming in the top 3 baddest dancelines this yr.......Sorry SU dancin dolls but I'm just not really feeling you all this yr and think yall come in as #4 because yall are becoming boring and predictable."

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3. arbary williams
"+AriesBoy1988 These ladies aren't out to battle each other. They're their for entertainment and entertainment purposes ONLY. And ranking these squads doesn't define what they do from week to week. All of these squads brings something different that's unique."

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4. EGC 93
"+arbary williams I agree with you, can't place the dolls or stingettes in any category because they both have their own unique styles., dolls never battle. No need to."

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5. mybro7279 months ago
"Ok let me clear this up right now! The Stingettes aren't #1 because they bend over and grind. The Dancing Dolls (whom I love) also bend over and grind, that's pretty much all the Dolls do. The Stingettes are #1 because of their creativity, ability to perform outside of the ordinary HBCU Dance box, and their unmatched swagger and sex appeal. The Stingettes are trendsetters; REFRESHING, creative, classy, sexy and sassy."

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6. arbary williams
"+mybro727 If the Stingettes are "number 1" then you can make an argument for the Dolls, J-settes, Black Foxes, Orchesis, Golden Delight, Golden Girls, and etc. because all the stuff you listed is what the majority of what all HBCU squads do on a week to week basis. Therefore I don't believe you can't put or give a ranking for any squad because it really takes away from what these women do and that's ENTERTAIN! I'm pretty sure all these squads respect each other craft on and off the field. So at the end of the day just RESPECT what all these women do."

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7. mybro727
"+arbary williams by no means am I trying to take anything away from any other danceline. I love my Dolls, I like Golden Delight and I even think the Jsettes, GG's, Orchesis, Black Foxes and 14K are entertaining squads. When I say the Stingettes are #1 it's because TO ME they are. No other can keep ME on the edge of my seat the way they do. They're MY preference. My point is it was unnecessary to call Aries a punk and then try to discredit his judgment by stating what you THINK his reasons are for the Stingettes being "#1" (his preference). That was silly and it was also senseless because ultimately the Dolls bend over and grind too! I personally have love for all HBCU dancelines but don't come for the Stingettes!!"

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8. Tee Jack2000
"No dance team in the swac needs to be ranked period because at the end of the day, they do a damn good job each week. We as fans should be thankful these girls do what they do. I won't rank them, but i mean Swac Dancers RUN the HBCU dance world & thats not up for debate"

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9. Bdot Ebony
"why the dolls dont buck like the other dance teams......i live their style tho"

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10. RebelKidd504
" "To become a Dancing Doll you must display great dancing techniques (ballet, jazz and modern dance), as well as be a beautiful, graceful woman with a super personality," "

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11. RebelKidd504
"Dancing Dolls dates back to 1969, the were the first HBU dance line to form. Back when SU was once in New Orleans and when at a Time in period when ladies were more poised, graceful, and sexy without looking for attention. Dancing Dolls are all about that grace, jazz, ballet, modern dance, beauty, and respect. The women before them kept that legacy going and the girls whom came after had and has to keep it up as well... So when they dance you will see real seductive and soft movement drawing an awe eye dazzling crowd bc how they move. It wasn't until the later teams came after... And started forming their own identity is when bucking came into play JSU TSU ..... That's what makes them unique they do what no other teams has failed to do keep it sexy soft gentle poised and eye catching you will never ever see a doll or dolls buck... It's not their style"

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12. Keandre Wilcox
"Man kayla is still giving me CAPTAIN ! Girl you better slay 😍😍😍"
-snip-
In this game Kayla Pittman (KP) was the captain of Southern University Dancing Dolls. However, for some reason, she was suspended for two games and performed behind the co-captain Conner in this game.

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13. Patricia August
"connor throws the perfect counts"
-snip-
Connor was the co-captain of the Dancing Dolls and led that dance line during the captain's suspension. "Leading the dance team" means that she was the one who threw the counts.

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14. Jasmine Patterson
"I hate all the tension in this video with the dolls. all the old heads look irritated with Kayla but she's doing what captains do. take control and make sure their team looks good they know they're against the stingettes and everyone is watching. they want her help but at the same time don't (in my opinion). but either way the [icon of a crown] is back"

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15. V Darnell
"Best Battle of the Season DOLLS vs. STING is always a delight!"

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16. Kory Kent
"Stingettes far surpassed the Dolls in synchronization, cleanliness and POWER. Considering their counts were more complicated and faster, the fact that they did it all in sync should be a damn wake up call to the Dolls to step it up. Their counts are easier, slower and they still weren't fully synchronized. In addition, I know "high-energy" isn't their style, but SOME energy would be nice. Stingettes won."

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17. Jss Pss
"Stingettes won ... more new count, better uniforms, better look, and they didn't repeat counts more than the Dolls"

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18. kolby935
"yall must not know asia well. lets not do it everyone knows the stingettes just murdered the dolls! stingettes are high energy, technique, real dance, and all in synch. Stingettes are a combination of many types of dance not just one. Basic dolls, im sleep. they have good field shows though i give them that."
-snip-
In this video, Asia Martin was the captain of the Stingettes.

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19. Keith Rogers
"I'm sorry but my Dolls definitely won this. Idk what people see in the Stingettes their counts always look so stiff looking lmao. Plus they remind of the Jsettes. And someone said the Stingettes uniform look better but it's like the exact same version of the dancing dolls version of one of their uniforms that's silver with gold lining lol. The Dolls are the best hbcu band their performing at NFl games, Super Bowls, and even marched mayweather in with his fight against pacqiou 😭. Hell Southern University got paid 700,000 to perform at UGA halftime which is the top school in Georgia and also PWI(Predominantly white institute). Just saying Southern is going places other than just going against college bands lmao 😭"

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20. darkinetix, 2016
"+Keith Rogers I loooooves me some Dolls... and maybe this video doesn't really reveal (I haven't watched in full yet) but the Stingettes have definitely been killing the stands in 2015 across the board. No contest. And again, I'm an avid Doll fan. It's a very slight advantage, but I'd still rank them higher than the Dolls as far as entertainment value.


The Dolls get more work in things like the Super Bowl and performing for PWIs because they're what white people would say is "classically beautiful" for black women, and their moves aren't as "raunchy" or "ghetto" to them... it's a matter of respectability politics ultimately. Not saying they don't deserve it whatsoever, because they absolutely do, but we can't ignore the truth. Dolls will always be the safest bet for the world outside of HBCUs."

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21. coco butta
"Though su's captain gives second row face and body and not captain swag that count at 7:15 is the business. I love it. Asia and her girls still have too much precision to be touched by the dolls. Two epic teams tho"
-snip-
For greater reading clarity, a comma should be placed after the word "swag". The commenter id dissin Southern captain by saying that she has second row face and body, but praising the count that she did at &:15 in this video.

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22. malatrex, 2016
" "Second row face and body". #deadandgone"

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23. Nathan Peo
"It's almost impossible to compare the two squads because of they have their own styles. I can't call it but they both clearly excel at what they do. Especially the captain of the Stingettes. I haven't seen an ASU captain with that much fire and personality since Victoria Betts (09)."

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2016
24. Angela Duah
"STINGETTES ARE THE BEST.. the Dolls are good at what they do but they were not as together as the Stingettes, their techniques were too soft, no passion, and somehow make them boring to watch after a while. The stingettes dances like its LIFE their energy is off the roof, they keep you engage in their performance"

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25. RebelKidd504
"No passion grace is not having not passion? Cleanliness is not having passion? Have technic is boring. Every dance team does not have to buck or pop that coochie yo. Lol we boring cause we keep it clean short and sexy. But yet acknowledged by Beyoncé even get her counts from the dancing dolls, acknowledged by Madonna as the best, Nicki Minaj thinks there great and celebs like Brandy, kamp K, keke Palmer, Nicole Murphy, T.I come just see them. I'm not understanding but I understanding the hate is real but the stingettes are great and has come long way but still has some growing

That's like y'all comparing Beyoncé to Keri Hillson lmfao"

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26. HBCU ALUM
"+Angela Duah Can't compare the two teams, SU have designed a traditional program around the Dolls that work for them, the Dolls dance that SU tradition. the ASU Stingettes and most HBCU dance teams dance more hip hop. I personally hope that SU Dolls never change from their tradition. The Dolls and Stingettes did a good job. Much love to all HBCU's."

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27. Demetrius Hickerson
"The Stingettes ate this. Both teams are phenomal and you may prefer a softer style of dance but me personally, I have to give it to the Stingettes because they can give me softer moves when needed but they can buck out as well. They brought new counts and new ripples. They executed well in the stands, no doubt about it. They just give me more as far as CREATIVITY and ENTERTAINMENT. Dolls on the other hand have great counts and are always in sync but I just want MORE from them but it's not in their style to give more. They perform the count and sit and look pretty."
-snip-
"The Stingettes ate this" means that (in the writer's opinion) they won the dance line battle since they devoured the competing dance line..

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28. Chris Bob
"the su dolls always do it big especially for the homecoming parade no other squad could come close to the excellence that the dolls have been doing since I was a kid and the dolls uniforms always make them stand out to me"

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29. Waylon Vines
"the dolls and the juke try to out do the year before, they dont compete against others"
-snip-
"Juke" - a clip of Southern University's band name "The Human Jukebox"

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30. RebelKidd504
"Speak speak son let them know cause everybody compete against them when southern is always trying to find a way to out beat themselves"

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31. JaiJaiCrazzii
"I love both teams but Stingettes takes the win because their dancing seems more clean. KP should've led and I think she'll be a better competitor against Asia. But in regards to sound, Southern is better. I'm an ASU fan but I'm always excited to go to the game when they play Southern just for the band."

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32. RebelKidd504
"I'm not understanding y'all definition of clean lol I got to watch this again cause the stingettes did great but counts are crammed up like they were trying to over do the dolls but still threw out some damn good counts but I think much wilder counts than the dolls doll counts are soft and controlled"

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33. HBCU ALUM
"Great Job SU Dolls and ASU Stingettes, both represent HBCU's well."

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35. MindRegulatorMusic
"Alcorn State, Alabama State, or Albany State University? Please let us know which HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) you are referring to. Some people (like me)who are viewing may be from other parts of the country...or the world. I appreciate your work! Are you the director?"

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