How 4 HBCU Majorettes Get Ready For Game Day: Interview

When it comes to high kicks, leap splits, and intense glamour, several iconic dance teams may come to mind. The Rockettes are often first referenced, while cheer enthusiasts immediately think of the legendary Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. However, for Historically Black College & University (HBCU) graduates and marching band aficionados, it’s the schools’ dancelines — like the Texas Southern University’s “Motion of the Ocean” majorette team — that are beauty and grace personified.

“The Motion’s signature look is unpredictable,” says Kayla King, current captain and four-year team veteran. “Our glam brings something fresh to every performance, leaving the audience wondering what is next. The eye makeup truly enhances the uniform, and the lip ties it all together. Our image is everything, and we are very big on looking identical.” Texas Southern’s Motion of The Ocean dance team has always been known for their distinctive makeup look that distinguishes them from other majorette teams in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

“I would describe Motion of the Ocean’s signature look as unique, glamorous, and flawless,” four-year member Serenity Bagley says. “We love a dewy, glowing base with a soft, neutral eye look, paired with a pop of bold red lipstick and natural brows. Motion’s job is always to do it and never overdo it.”

Under the direction of coach and coordinator Danielle Stamper, a former Southern University Dancing Dolls captain, the team has been effortlessly reimagined inside and out. She has elevated the stunning looks that fans have admired since its inception in 1969. “We are never afraid to step outside of the box or add a theatrical element to our makeup, whether it is a rhinestone or a bold lip,” says Brealle Toussaint, a sophomore and second-year team member.

For anyone familiar with films like “Drumline,” the incredible coordination displayed by dancers during the Battle of the Bands and football game performances is immediately recognizable. But this level of precision and synchronization was a cornerstone of HBCU marching band culture long before it was captured on the big screen. When joining a collegiate squad at an HBCU, dancers understand that absolute uniformity is expected — from hairstyling and makeup to uniforms and even how they move through crowds before and after the halftime field show.

A hallmark of HBCU dancers is their impeccable appearances throughout performances, maintaining pristine makeup and flawless presentation from start to finish. While each team approaches game-day glamour differently based on their respective traditions, The Motion dancers excel through complete uniformity, which is one of their superpowers. “There is no one right way to interpret it, but it’s all about coordinating with the costume and capturing the theme while keeping it performance-friendly,” says Khailee Chretien, sophomore and second-year dancer.

Game Day Makeup

HBCU marching band programs often operate on limited budgets, with dancers receiving even less financial support despite their crucial role in bringing energy and spirit to football games and field shows. As a result, team members must develop essential skills beyond performance, including learning to do their own makeup. “With our makeup artist, we use her for big games,” Stamper says. “Overall, the girls also do an amazing job with their own makeup.”

On game day, it’s crucial for performers to have makeup products that stay flawless throughout all activities — from marching into the stadium and pregame stand shows to halftime performances and the final stadium exit. Achieving this level of lasting perfection requires precision, attention to detail, and, most importantly, exceptional makeup application skills.

Kayla King’s Beauty Routine