How much controversy can be brewed over dancing? There’s actually been a lot of conflicts in the dance world recently, especially of those seen on national television. It started with the show “Dance Moms” on Lifetime that followed the lives of dancers in the Abby Lee Dance Company and their mothers.
Lifetime recently aired another dance centered show, “Bring It.” This is a show that introduces the nation to the elite world of hip-hop majorette dance competitions. Dianna WIlliams, founder and coach of the Dancing Dolls troupe, makes sure that losing is never an option, only a win in acceptable, mediocrity is not an excuse and errors are not tolerated. Each episode will follow the preeminent troupe with 15 Grand Champion titles and more than a hundred trophies as they practice and compete each week. Although Williams teaches her dancers who are seven to 17 valuable lessons about receiving a good education, persistence and positive self worth, there has been a number of negative complaints. Some viewers welcome this show, others complain about the profane dance moves that they are trained to do. Some think Williams are teaching the girls to dance in a provocative way but it is argued that with this specific style of dance, it is acceptable.
What some people may not understand is the style of dance that these young girls are doing. Hip hop majorette style is very well-known in the south at most Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These performers usually dance during sporting events and is well-respected where it is familiar to the audience.
After watching the first episode of the show, I can say that I was introduced to another side of dancing that I did not know much about. I would suggest that those who are not yet accepting of hip-hop majorette dancing to do research and see that the dancing is more than just the assumed booty shaking.
If you’ve never seen this type of dancing, take a peek inside the first season! Bring It!
...the truest expression of the soul. 