As you may well know, "The Thrill of More than a Billion Eyes- The Prancing Jaycettes/J-settes" of Jackson State University have a very rich and talented lageacy... The organization itself was formed and founded in 1971, by former twirler and accomplished performer, Ms. Shirley Middleton... The J-settes were formed from the twirler/majorette body that was already present within the band program many years before; thus transitioning into an outstanding dance performance unit in the fall of 1971.
There have been a number of powerful, strong, and memorable Prancing J-sette captains throughout their 45 years of performing excellence, for which they will celebrate this year.
Whom are your favorite and/or memorable J-sette captains?????
Replies
I will start with one of my favorite former Jaycette/J-sette captains, Paula Haynes Hicks... Paula served as captain 1981-1982... (pictured 1st row far left knelling)... Paula ushered in the latest dance moves and growing popular choreography of the 1980's to the squad... She also placed a number of actions into policy, that the organization still upholds today... She is also a very accomplished designer, and she designed/constructed a number of the J-sette's uniforms during her seasons as captain... This very uniform pictured, Paula designed and constructed herself.
My personal favorites (No particular order):
Michelle Spurlock- She is my favorite J-Sette captain from the 80's. Her era was full of creativity. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think her era was when the J-Settes did start to incorporate tumbles here and there, within their routines. I watched a lot of halftime footage from Michelle's era and i was quite impressed.
I don't snow who the 1992 captain was but I loved her form and presence, especially during the stand battle against the Sophisticated Ladies.
Teresa & Dee Dee- They did an AMAZING job that entire 1995 season. It was abundant with creativity, flair, poise, grace, and technique.
Erica Jones- A joy to watch, and she brought a lot of attitude and could dance her ass off lol.
Afrachanna Butler- I call her the mad genius because she was too creative for her own good. I often look back at her era and find myself saying "Now how is it these ladies look better than squads that are around today?" Honestly you just don't see this type of performance level from the J-Settes today. 98 and 99 really transitioned the J-Sette style into what we see today.
Nakila Gates- Beautiful, poised, and graceful. To this day she has the most synchronized squads that Ive ever seen. "Crazy In Love" is my favorite routine from her era.
Jasma Huddleston- A power House who commanded attention when she danced. Sometimes I felt that She out shined her squad but really enjoyed her for her dance ability and presence.
Shanketta Newsom- What can I say, I couldn't help but watch her when she danced. She also commanded attention and she has one of the most beautiful smiles when she dances. She's another creative game changer. IMO her era brought back that old school flavor that seemed to elude that settes during the mid 2000's. I really respect her leadership skills and her buck or die mentality.
Charlotte- She doesn't get the credit she deserves but I love her for the fact that she wasn't afraid to step outside the box in order to bring something new to the table. I think that out of the majority of captains, her era has some of the most intricate as creative counts. Her field shows were intricate as well, and looked challenging.
Morgan Jackson- she reminded me of Shanketta and Chloe. She was graceful and poised however she could still buck a fool when necessary. She was very clean in her movements and I think she increased the level of technique and cleanliness during her reign.
Dominique Martin- She is one of my favorites because she has great form, presence, and creativity. IMO she's very unpredictable. Sometimes she gave it you soft and sexy, while other times she gave it to you hard with an "in your face" attitude. She proved that even in adversity you can still make positive outcomes happen. I think she did a great job considering the cards she had been dealt.
Yes Gawd!!!!... Awesome, Tristan Parson... Excellent details.
I believe that 1992 J-sette captain position rotated amongst the vets, after Valerie Smith was captain in 1991.
Tristan Parson said:
Though I did not care for her personally as the J-sette's coordinator, nor during my years in the Boom; but her squad members loved her and remarked her as being a solid two year leader/captain, and that speaks volumes... K. Pinkston-Worthy (top center)... Jaycette/J-sette 1975-80 and J-sette coordinator 1997-2012.
LMAO I remember you saying that you had a few run ins with her during your years in the boom. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall behind the scenes lol.
DeJohn Tellis-Oliver said:
I agree. I also might add Nadia, that Lose my breath routine can still dance circles around today's routines. She commanded attention and you can really tell her squad respected her.
Quita - even though Afrachanna was there to lend choreography it was Quita that had to get her squad together and those girls bucked a darn fool.
Tristan Parson said:
Is that Chloe and Mea's mom on the left 2nd row from the bottom?
DeJohn Tellis-Oliver said:
DeJohn and Worthy?!!! No gawd Tristan LOL!!!
Great list by the way, after looking at Afrachanna Butler's field choreography, she was truly ahead of her time as a Jsette!
Tristan Parson said:
She is on the top row, to the immediate right of Ms. Worthy... Frances Cross is Chloe's and Mea's mother.
Peachyp said:
Yes, it was a scene...lol... I really only had one major run with her, the rest were small... After that, we had no more issues... I simply had to inform her of what she would not be doing with me, nor the twirlers.
Tristan Parson said:
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