A dance team that requires no audition, no previous experience, and incorporates all kinds of dance … If you’re thinking “that doesn’t exist”, think again. These are just a few of the fundamentals the Apollo Majorettes dance team is based on. New to Apollo High School in 2021, we had the opportunity to talk with Head Coach Shana Black and Team Captain Brianna Heard to learn more about the organization.
Coach Black established The Majorettes in 2021 and built the program from the ground up. “We’re an all-inclusive club focused on a socially-positive environment. We practice and perform all types of dance from hip-hop to step, contemporary, cheer, cultural dancing, and more. There are no labels on the types of dances we do and no labels on our dancers.”
Brianna got involved from the beginning and has stuck with the organization. “Ms. Black recruited me … I’m shy but joining the Majorettes made me feel a welcome part of something and like family, even though a lot of us had just met each other. Anyone can join without auditioning – you just have to be yourself,” Brianna shared. “Ms. Black tells us to bring whatever we have and the group will help us grow from there. As dancers, we have as much say in the choreography as the coaches do.”
Why did Coach Black start a group like The Majorettes? “I was looking at a lot of students who weren’t involved in any activities, let alone a dance team. I wanted to start a group where dancers didn’t need as much experience – and for the kids who had a dancer inside of them, even if they didn’t know it. In 2022 we had 100 students sign up for The Majorettes and ended the year with 70 dancers. Anyone who wants to commit to being part of the Majorettes can consider themselves a Majorette.”
Locally, the group has partnered with the Optimist Club, LEAF, the Yes Network, and the district equity department for support. They also have a community member who volunteers their time as the Assistant Coach. “St. Cloud State University asked us to perform at their diversity day, and it’s great to have that support from the community. We’ve been asked to perform at North Jr. High and at other community events, too. Being a new group means we need to do a lot of networking and meet new people. The more I’m reaching out and making connections, the more opportunities are available to us.”
“Despite every obstacle and challenge that has come our way, we are still growing and have a lot more we want to show our school and our community,” Brianna shared. “It’s exciting to see everyone’s personalities grow, other students get involved, and see Majorettes making more friends and building confidence. We want anyone who is shy and doesn’t think they can’t be a dancer, to use that as motivation and join us.”
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