J-Setting

The word J-Setting is an informal word or slang that means to dance like the Prancing J-Settes, the dance team of the Jackson State University (JSU) Marching Band.

J-Setting has evolved to also become the name of the style of dance and dance culture that is modeled after the dance formations, movements and dress style of those JSU dancers. It originated in the late 1970s from African-Americans in the Jackson, Mississippi, area of the United States.

This dance style is characterized by a lead and follow format where one dancer initiates a series of dance steps, and the other dancers follow or join in the movement. J-Setting features specific dance steps based on Prancing J-Settes marching techniques including the “J-Sette Walk,” the “Salt and Pepper,” the “Strut,” and the “Tip Toe”. In particular, the “Salt and Pepper” is a type of prance step for which the Prancing J-Settes are named and known. It is a high-knee lift or “high step” style of marching. Alternating legs lift with a bent knee to bring the foot up to the height of the opposite knee before returning the foot to the ground.

The JSU Prancing J-Settes typically march and perform in rows organized by height. J-Setting dancers also typically perform in a line or in multiple lines. While performing, dancers may also change dance formation similar to the way that marching bands change formation during shows on football fields.

The J-Setting style of dress is modeled after the dance uniforms of the JSU Prancing J-Settes. It normally includes a one or two piece bodysuit or form-fitting garment that covers the torso and crotch; and hosiery with knee high boots on the legs. However, other types of garments are also worn during a performance.

History and background

In 1970, Shirley Middleton and the other majorettes of the Jackson State University Marching Band met with then JSU president, Dr. John A. Peoples, to request that they be permitted to “put down their batons.” The JSU President agreed; and as the majorette sponsor, Middleton assembled 18 female students to become the first Jaycettes (currently called J-Settes). Middleton, a formally trained ballet dancer, established technical performance standards for the J-Settes, as well as, standards for academic and personal behavior for its members when they were not performing. Dr. Jimmie James, Jr., then Chair of the JSU Department of Music, described the new dance team as “the thrill of a thousand eyes.” During Middleton's tenure, performances included dance routines to songs such as “James Brown’s “Make it Funky,” and “Hot Pants” as performed by the JSU Marching Band.

Prior to 1975, Hollis Pippins, a former baton twirler for the JSU marching band, sometimes assisted J-Settes director Shirley Middleton, with choreography. In addition to performing with the JSU marching band, he performed on “Soul Train” and “Putting on the Hits” national television shows; and on “Black Gold”, a local TV show. In 1975, Narah Oatis was appointed the sponsor of the Prancing J-Settes. Under her leadership, the “J-Sette Walk” and other signature marching steps were developed, and performances included an appearance on the “30th Anniversary of Motown” television show in 1990.

During the late 1970s, African American gay men who were fans of The Prancing J-Settes regularly attended the dance team’s practice sessions, and performances at college football games and other events. Young gay men brought the J-Settes dance style back to their home towns, and to nightclubs like Club City Lights in Jackson, Mississippi; Club Skittles Baton Rouge; Incognito, Allusions, and 901 in Memphis; and Club 708 in Atlanta.

Although the Prancing J-Settes is a female dance team, in 1997 male JSU baton twirler DeMorris Adams performed with the J-Settes in place of an injured female member.

By the mid 2000s, J-Setting became popular in clubs such as: Club Candy'z, Splash Baton Rouge; Club Metro Jackson; Woodward, Tom Philips Post Detroit; Club 2020 Houston; Club Rush/ Chap Atlanta; Club Crystal's Lake Charles; Central Station Shreveport; and The Brick Dallas. Also several black gay pride events host J-Sette battles.

Mainstream media attention

In 1990, the Prancing J-Settes performed the J-Settes style of marching and dancing on the “30th Anniversary of Motown” television show. The dance team appeared as part of the JSU Marching Band in performances to “I Heard it through the Grapevine”and other songs. A video of part of this performance is available on YouTube.^[1]

In 2003, the Prancing J-Settes performed the J-Settes marching and dancing style on the “34th NAACP Image Awards” television show. The dance team appeared as part of the JSU Marching Band in performances with comedian “Cedric the Entertainer” and “Sugar Bear of E.U.” A video of part of this performance is available on YouTube.^[2]

In 2008, both the Beyoncé Knowles’ Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)^[3] and Diva ^[4] music videos included a J-Setting style dance routine. Choreographer Frank Gatson is credited with introducing the J-Setting dance style to Ms. Knowles.

J-Setting troupes compete in dance-offs at gay cultural events. These groups of young gay men imitate the JSU Prancing J-Settes marching and dance style and dress. These dance groups perform in costumes that are similar in appearance to the JSU J-Settes uniforms; including sequined one- and two-piece leotards, with long flowing capes, sheer stockings and white marching boots. Some of the J-Setting teams include: Jackson's Male Prancing J-Settes (MPJ); Memphis Elite; Atlanta’s J-Phi; Texas Southern Heat; Texas Teasers; Atlanta Toxic; Jus Blaze; Dallas Diamonds; Baton Rouge Xtreme; Detroit Danz Zone; Nashville’s Music City All-Starz; Capitol City Dolls International; Prancing Elites; Shreveport Pussy Cat Dolls; and Grambling, La.’s X-Men.

Beginning April 22, 2015, the Oxygen channel began broadcasting a 12-episode documentary series entitled The Prancing Elites Project, focusing on the J-Setting group from Mobile, Alabama.^[5][6] The Prancing Elites had begun to attract national attention after a complimentary Tweet from Shaquille O'Neal in June 2013, which led to an appearance on the syndicated talk show The Real.^[7]

References

External links

• J-Setting and instructional series on YouTube.com
• J-Setting video from Jezebel.com
• Prancing J-Settes of the JSU Marching Band
• Jackson State University, Jackson, MS