By J. Kavin Ross
Eagle Guest Writer
If you are familiar with such films as “Bring It” or the college life based film Drumline, you are no stranger to Tulsa’s Prancing Pearls of Excellence, which is the creation of Dr. Shavonda Pannell, a former majorette at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi.
The Prancing Pearls of Excellence recently received the top honor in the Stand Battle in Atlanta, Georgia. The Pearls also placed 1st Pom and 2nd place Field Show. Overall the young ladies are Grand Champions and received a trophy and the $1,500 grand prize. The Pearls, and their competitors will meet again in Dallas for head to head Battle for $3,000 Grand Prize in the Heavy Weight Standing Battle.
The Prancing Pearls made their debut on the Tulsa scene three years ago performing at the Martin Luther King, Jr. parades in the winter, and at the Juneteenth Festivals in the summer. The dance troupe performed on numerous occasions in Tulsa and surrounding areas. The Pearls rehearse their routines weekly at the Harvard Boy Club on North Harvard. This highly disciplined group of young women work hard, not only their dancing skills, but primarily on their school studies as well.
Dr. Pannell stresses that academic proficiency is a requirement. All young ladies are considered role models within their community.
To make sure that her young performers are at their top optimum peak, Dr. Pannell, mother of two, sacrifices a lot of time and energy, as well as sleep. “I love my Pearls, and I am their biggest fan! They may sit pretty, but they can battle hard just as well,” stated Pannell, known to many as “Coach Socky.”
The Buck or Die Majorette & Hip Hop Competition is an event that showcases and celebrate the power of amazing dance routines. This competition has grown in recent times due to the popularity of Coach Dianna Williams, who is also the coach on the Lifetime’s TV show “Bring It”. During this season’s competition, Majorette Dance Teams, Soloist, Hip Hop, Stand Battles and Captain Battles converged in Atlanta.
In Atlanta, the Pearls received top honors, and were the recipient of the $1,500 prize. To defend their title, the Pearls must journey to Dallas for the $3,000 Grand Prize.
“There is so much to be said about this weekend, declared Sydnee Dickson, who serves as captain of the Pearls. “There is no greater feeling to see all of our hard work pay off. We couldn’t be more proud to represent our city in Atlanta, and now it’s onward to Dallas for the grand prize competition,” Sydnee said. Dickson won the Most Outstanding Leadership award as well.
Over 25 contestants from across the nation were apart of event. The overall National Champion will receive an 8ft trophy, and the Pearls strongly believe that they will be the team to bring it home.
The Prancing Pearlette, for ages 7 to 11, will have its auditions Friday, April 27th thru Sunday, April 29th at the Harvard Boy and Girls Club, 1231 N. Harvard Ave. For more information contact Dr. Shavonda Pannell at prancingpearlsexcel@gmail.com.
