Down-South Majorettes Are The Silent Rodeo Hero's Of Beyonce's "Cowboy Carter" Era
An open love-letter to my forever passion
During the last days of 2024, I was tapped to write a piece for PS on how HBCU majorettes get ready for Game Day. As someone who is a forever majorette, HBCU graduate and danceline fiend, this story was easily something I could write in my sleep.
For this piece, there were 5 top schools that would fit the bill to be featured. The SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) dancelines that would fit the bill: Jackosn State’s Prancing J-Settes, Texas Southern’s Motion of The Ocean, Alabama State’s Sensational Stingettes, Southern University’s Dancing Dolls and Alcorn’s Golden Girls (Thee MUVA’s of The SWAC.) These are historically the powerhouse dancelines of the SWAC that people from all over the world know and love — but most importantly they’re the gem prizes of HBCU majorette culture.
Ultimately, I chose TxSU’s Motion of The Ocean to feature — and with their recent performance with Beyonce on Christmas Day, it truly made sense. From watching the gworls light the field up, it hit me: Southern majorettes have always been the rodeo kweens of cowboy culture.
Where My Love Affair Began
Marching band and majorette culture fully entered my life in 2000 when I first heard the clack of those Nancy Boots coming down the aisle at my elementary school’s assembly performance. I’d seen my classmates transform from being every day girls, to starlets with whipping ponytails, red lipstick and dressed up with a sequined uniform dazzling in “shingles” also known as fringe. The girls eyes would be lit with joy as they danced full out to drumline beat or dance tune. From there I knew I wanted to be one of those people.
Fast forwarding a few years later, it was spring 2003 and I was apart of A. Maceo Walker Middle School’s marching band in Memphis, Tennessee, where I played the flute ( and was/still is damn good at it.) While we were an award-winning band, it was our majorettes, who was under the direction of “Mr. Anthony” Vaughn, that commanded and stole the show.
These girls were world-class. They were super glamours, all donning the latest hairstyles trending that season, but also at the same time, they were able to throw stands, parade marches, do field shows and more, all without sweating their makeup off and breaking down as normal humans do. These young ladies had super powers, imo.
But one common theme again here: The fringe that detailed the uniforms, which is a staple for the Black majorette.
Origins and Cultural Significance
In Southern majorette culture, the Nancy Boot stands as an iconic symbol of tradition and performance excellence. These historic marching boots were originally designed to endure the demands of lengthy parades and performances, providing both durability and style.
What began as practical footwear evolved into something far more significant. The Southern majorette community embraced these boots beyond their primary function, incorporating them into their everyday style and identity.
HBCU Influence and Innovation
The transformation of the Nancy Boot's role can be traced back to HBCU’s SWAC dancelines. These performers pioneered a distinctive style where the boots were used to create powerful, rhythmic sounds — deliberately stomping to produce effects reminiscent of horses galloping down the street.
This approach to performance led to the creation of dubbing the young ladies as what we now know as "Stallions" — Think Meg The Stallion and etc.
The Cowboy Fringe Relation To Majorette Fringe
When we think of the cowboy’s love for fringe, it was used for more pratical reasons, but overall it was a sheer fashion statement, that denoted the status of the Cowboy. It is the same for the Southern Black majorette, whose power lies in the fringe. The more you have, the more you’re able to “whip it,” baby. (However, don’t overdo it.)
Beyoncé's Cultural Homage: From HBCUs to Country Music
Beyoncé has consistently honored the rich traditions of Black HBCU marching bands and dance lines in her artistry. Notable collaborations include performances with SU’s Dancing Dolls, Grambling's Orchesis Dance Company, and TxSU’s Motion of The Ocean. What distinguishes her approach is her unwavering commitment to authenticity — preserving every aspect from costumes and uniforms to the overall glamorous presentation that defines these institutions.
Her latest album, "Cowboy Carter," dives deep into the nuanced tapestry of Southern Black American culture. The album resonates profoundly with those of us who were raised in the South, particularly touching the hearts of those connected to the Black majorette tradition. Through her artistry, Beyoncé not only celebrates but elevates these cultural touchstones, creating a meaningful bridge between past and present.