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38-413: The signature dance move of J-Setting are powerful body and arm thrusts known as bucking. Bucking is derived from traditional African dance movements. J-Setting is characterized by a lead and follow format where one dancer initiates a series of high-energy dance moves, and the other dancers join in the movement. J-Setting features specific dance steps based on Prancing J-Settes marching techniques including

76-400: A collective activity performed in large groups, with significant interaction between dancers and onlookers in the majority of styles. African dance refers mainly to the dance styles of Sub-Saharan Africa , of which many are based on traditional rhythms and music traditions of the region. Modern African dance styles are deeply rooted in culture and tradition. Many tribes have a role solely for

114-522: A commercial with Ciara . In 2019, the Prancing J-Settes were featured in a commercial with MAC Cosmetics for their Winter Holiday Collection. In 2022, the Prancing J-Settes were featured on ABC's Good Morning America during JSU's homecoming week. African dance African dance (also Afro dance, Afrodance and Afro-dance ) refers to the various dance styles of sub-Saharan Africa . These dances are closely connected with

152-594: A formally trained ballet dancer, established technical performance standards for the J-Settes, as well as, standards for academic and personal behavior for its members when they were not performing. Dr. Jimmie James Jr., then Chair of the JSU Department of Music, described the new dance team as "the thrill of a thousand eyes." During Middleton's tenure, performances included dance routines to songs such as "James Brown's "Make it Funky," and "Hot Pants" as performed by

190-498: A line or in multiple lines. While performing, dancers may also change dance formation similar to the way that marching bands change formation during shows on football fields. The J-Setting style of dress is often modeled after the dance uniforms of the JSU Prancing J-Settes. It normally includes a one or two piece bodysuit or form-fitting garment that covers the torso and crotch; and hosiery with knee high boots on

228-471: A local TV show. In 1975, Narah Oatis was appointed the sponsor of the Prancing J-Settes. Under her leadership, the "J-Sette Walk" and other signature marching steps were developed, and performances included an appearance on the "30th Anniversary of Motown" television show in 1990. Narah Oatis resigned from her position in 1997. Prancing J-Sette alumna Kathy Pinkston-Worthy led the danceline from 1997 to 2013. Traditionally, Prancing J-Settes are positioned behind

266-430: Is Cameroon . Dances are usually segregated by sex, where gender roles in children and other community structures such as kinship, age, and political status are often reinforced. Many dances are divided by gender, as a result of associations with gender-divided labor, as well as cultural beliefs about gender roles and gender expressions. Dances celebrate the passage from childhood to adulthood or spiritual worship. Among

304-740: Is "Dancing Dolls For Life" (popularly shortened to DD4L , featured on much of their gear). Rival dance teams featured on the show include: the Divas of Olive Branch (the Dolls main rival, due to the intense rivalry between Miss D and Divas coach Neva), the Prancing Tigerettes (from Memphis) and the Infamous Dancerettes (f/k/a Dynamic Diamond Dollz, also from Memphis), the Purple Diamonds (a cross-town Jackson rival),

342-405: Is an American dance reality television series that was debuted on March 5, 2014, on Lifetime . On April 28, 2014, Lifetime announced an additional 10-episode renewal of Bring It! . Additional episodes returned on July 23, 2014. The second season premiered on January 23, 2015. New episodes aired on July 31, 2015. The third season premiered on January 1, 2016. On December 1, 2016, Lifetime renewed

380-569: Is limited as it places the focus on the individual over the group. Early outsider commentaries noted the absence of the kind of close couple dancing popular in Europe and North America: such dancing was thought to be immoral or in poor taste in many traditional African societies. Among the Yoruba , to give a specific example, touching while dancing is rare except in special circumstances. The only African country whose traditional dances involve partners

418-480: The Lunda people of Zambia , for example, young girls remain in seclusion for months to practice the dance for their coming of age ritual. In traditional African societies, children begin to learn their traditional songs, rhythms, and dances from the moment of birth, starting with the lullabies sung by their mothers. While carried on their mother's backs during day-to-day work and social events, they are exposed to

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456-547: The dance genre being largely referred to as afro dance sometimes spelled afro-dance , instead of particularly, "African dance". Popular modern afro-dance styles performed via diverse usage such as in music videos and Grammy Awards performances. These internationally popularized afro-dances are inclusive of however not limited to kwassa kwassa, vosho, kizomba , jaiva , azonto , pantsula, gwara gwara, skwelewu,bhenga, shaku shaku,s'bujwa, amapiano dances and so forth . Bring It! (TV series) Bring It!

494-511: The "J-Sette Walk," the "Salt and Pepper," the "Strut," and the "Tip Toe". In particular, the "Salt and Pepper" is a type of prance step for which the Prancing J-Settes are named and known. It is a high-knee lift or "high step" style of marching. Alternating legs lift with a bent knee to bring the foot up to the height of the opposite knee before returning the foot to the ground. The JSU Prancing J-Settes typically march and perform in rows organized by height. J-Setting dancers also typically perform in

532-681: The 1970s. The Sylvia Glasser Contemporary Dance Group was established by Glasser in 1971. Sylvia Glasser's protégés consist of international contemporary dance household names, namely Gregory Maqoma and Vincent Mantsoe . Mantsoe was a part of the earliest groups which performed Glasser's historic "San trance" dancing work, Transformations . Afro fusion gained mainstream popularity in African countries such as Namibia and Zambia. Somatic techniques for instance Alexander Technique and release were refined and commixed with African dance styles including pantsula and kwassa kwassa resulting in

570-664: The Baby Dancing Dolls, consisting of children under the age of 11. The team competes in hip-hop majorette competitions with their main focus being on the Stand Battle (a routine where two teams face each other and alternate "stands" (routines), which are called by the captain depending on what stand the other team performs). The team slogan (both the Dancing Dolls and the Baby Dancing Dolls)

608-690: The Cakewalk, which was danced originally to mock plantation owners; it then evolved into the Charleston . Capoeira was a martial art practiced originally in Africa which the enslaved Africans masked as a form of dance in order to not arouse the suspicion of plantation owners. Traditional dance in Africa occurs collectively, expressing the values and desires of the community more than that of individuals or couples. Although dances may appear spontaneous, they are usually strictly choreographed . Improvisation

646-609: The JSU Marching Band. Prior to 1975, Hollis Pippins, an openly gay former JSU student who served as a drum major and baton twirler for the JSU marching band, collaborated with Prancing J-Settes director Shirley Middleton on choreography and the creative direction of the danceline. In addition to performing with the JSU marching band, he performed on "Soul Train" and "Putting on the Hits" national television shows; and on "Black Gold",

684-520: The YCDT Superstars (from Miami) and new rival (from Tupelo, Mississippi) The Golden Prancerettes. Similar to fellow Lifetime show Dance Moms , Bring It! features the moms of several dancers and their interactions (and occasional arguments) with Miss D. However, Dance Moms (where the moms are in a room above the studio watching the practices), the moms in Bring It! are featured outside

722-554: The beating of the drum is an opportunity to give one another a sense of belonging and of solidarity, a time to connect with each other and be part of a collective rhythm of the life in which young and old, rich and poor, men and women are all invited to contribute to the society. On the other hand, nomadic groups such as the Maasai do not traditionally use drums. Many African dances are polyrhythmic , that is, they use two or more conflicting rhythms simultaneously. Dancers may synchronize

760-542: The captain on three distinct named rows based on height for non-field performances. The three rows are "Short & Sassy", "Magnificent Middle", and "Tall & Tough". Since 2013, Jackson State graduate and former Prancing J-Sette captain Chloe A. Crowley, has been the director. The 2024-2025 Prancing J-Settes captain is Alayah Bell. Since the 1970s, gay men who enjoy the Prancing J-Settes regularly attend their auditions, practice sessions, performances, and befriend members of

798-467: The dance moves, they imitate accomplished older dancers until they can replicate the dances precisely. They are only permitted to improvise when they have mastered the prescribed choreography. Musical accompaniment for African dances is highly varied. Most dances make use of the human voice in the form of singing, shouting, recitations, grunts, whispering, and other vocalizations. Many groups use drums. In an African community, coming together in response to

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836-464: The danceline. Many of them brought the Prancing J-Settes dance style outside Mississippi to popular Black gay pride events and gay nightclubs around the nation (particularly the South ). J-Setting has become a notable subculture of Black gay culture. In 1990, the Prancing J-Settes performed on the nationally televised "30th Anniversary of Motown" show. In 2003, the Prancing J-Settes performed on

874-696: The eradication of certain styles of African dance. Other styles have been blended together, or mixed with dance styles outside of Africa. As people were taken from Africa to be sold as slaves, especially starting in the 1500s, they brought their dance styles with them. Entire cultures were imported into the New World, especially those areas where slaves were given more flexibility to continue their cultures and where there were more African slaves than Europeans or indigenous Americans, such as Brazil . African dance styles were merged with new cultural experiences to form new styles of dance. For example, slaves responded to

912-586: The fears of their masters about high-energy styles of dance with changing stepping to shuffling. However, in North America, slaves did not have as much freedom to continue their culture and dance. In many cases, these dances have evolved into modern dance styles, such as African-American dance and Brazilian dance . For example, the Calenda evolved in Brazil from tribal dance. The Calenda then evolved into

950-484: The hybrid dance style. American choreograhpher and dancer Chuck Davis is thought to be most recognized for formally introducing African dance styles and traditions on a professional level to America. The DanceAfrica festival founded in 1977 influenced many other cities to partake in African dance culture, it also presents and celebrates African dancers. In the 21st century African dances became more globally popularized, modern, vast as well as diverse resulting in

988-554: The legs. However, other types of garments are also worn during a performance. In 1971, Shirley Middleton and the other majorettes of the Jackson State University Marching Band met with then JSU president, Dr. John A. Peoples, to request that they be permitted to "put down their batons." The JSU President agreed; and as the majorette sponsor, Middleton assembled 18 female students to become the first Jaycettes (currently called J-Settes). Middleton,

1026-630: The movements of different body parts to different rhythms, or alternate fluidly between rhythms. Dancers in Nigeria , for example, commonly combine at least two rhythms in their movement, or three if they are particularly talented. Any more than that is a rare feat. They may also add rhythmic components independent of those in the music. Very complex movements are possible even though the body does not move through space. Dance historian Jacqui Malone describes how different groups use body parts in distinct ways: "The Anlo-Ewe and Lobi of Ghana emphasize

1064-431: The music their mothers sing or listen to. Thomas Edward Bodwich , an early European observer, noted that "children will move their heads and limbs, while on their mother's backs, in exact unison with the tune which is playing." Many traditional African children's games, particularly in western and central Africa, include elements that promote the child's ability to understand rhythms. When children are old enough to attempt

1102-728: The nationally televised "34th NAACP Image Awards " show. The Prancing J-Settes appeared as part of the JSU marching band in performances with comedian "Cedric the Entertainer" and "Sugar Bear of E.U." In 2008, both Beyoncé 's " Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) " and " Diva " music videos included a J-Setting style dance routine. Choreographer Frank Gatson is credited with introducing the J-Setting dance style to Beyoncé. The competitions seen in Lifetime's Bring It! were inspired by J-Setting competitions. Critic Rico Self has noted that many

1140-527: The performances are popular in the black queer feminist community. Beginning April 22, 2015, the Oxygen channel began broadcasting a 12-episode documentary series entitled The Prancing Elites Project , focusing on the J-Setting group from Mobile, Alabama . The Prancing Elites had begun to attract national attention after a complimentary Tweet from Shaquille O'Neal in June 2013, which led to an appearance on

1178-438: The purpose of passing on the tribe's dance traditions; dances which have been passed down through the centuries, often unchanged, with little to no room for improvisation. Each tribe developed its own unique style of dance, falling into three categories based on purpose. The first is religious dancing, which many tribes purport enhances peace, health, and prosperity. Religious dances often involved masqueraders, performing as both

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1216-464: The same dances that were once exclusive to the griot . The third type is ceremonial. These dances are performed at ceremonies such as weddings, anniversaries, and rites of passage. However, many dances did not have only one purpose. Rather, there was often one primary purpose, that blended into many secondary purposes. Dance was often very important to the maintenance of a ruler's status in the tribal society. Colonialism and globalization have resulted in

1254-590: The show for a fourth season, which premiered on January 13, 2017. Concurrent, Lifetime added a traveling tour, Bring It Live! Lifetime renewed the show for a fifth season, which premiered on March 2, 2018. Bring It! is set in Jackson, Mississippi and features Coach Dianna "Miss D" Williams and her Dollhouse Dance Factory, home of Miss D's Dancing Dolls team, which was founded in 2001. The troupe has over 15 Grand Champion titles and more than 100 trophies, and consists of children aged 10 to 17. The show also features

1292-466: The spirits and those who placated them. Religion and spirituality infused every part of traditional African life, and continues to affect African dance today. The second is griotic, and was a type of dance that told a story. It is named after a griot , which is a term for a traditional storyteller in West Africa. Certain griotic dances were only danced by the tribe's griot; today, troupes perform

1330-483: The studio. In early seasons, the parents could only see what happens in practice through the studio windows; in later seasons Miss D has made a room for the parents to watch the girls through a TV screen. (Miss D does not allow parents inside the studio during practices, believing that the dancers need to have only one person – Miss D – leading them at those times.) In the United Kingdom, Lifetime UK premiered

1368-534: The syndicated talk show The Real . In 2018, a released documentary entitled "When The Beat Drops", chronicled the progression of J-Setting and its impact on black gay culture in the South (primarily Atlanta ). Also in 2018, Great Big Story released a short documentary on YouTube about the Prancing J-Settes of Jackson State University and how their distinctive style of dance influenced dance culture. And also in 2018, four Prancing J-Settes were invited to appear in

1406-435: The traditional rhythms and music traditions of the region. Music and dancing is an integral part of many traditional African societies. Songs and dances facilitate teaching and promoting social values, celebrating special events and major life milestones, performing oral history and other recitations, and spiritual experiences. African dance uses the concepts of polyrhythm and total body articulation. African dances are

1444-565: The upper body, while the Kalabari of Nigeria give a subtle accent to the hips. The Akan of Ghana use the feet and hands in specific ways. Strong contraction-release movements of the pelvis and upper torso characterize both male and female dancing in Agbor ." Specific notable African dances, divided by region, include: Afrofusion is a dance style concept introduced by South African choreographer-dancer Sylvia Glasser known as Magogo in

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