Royal Elite Brings Culture to BSU

Ball State welcomes a new majorette team with predominantly African American students who has academic goals and a passion for cultural dance.

President of Royal Elite, Myiesha Ryce said, “It was difficult deciding what type of school I wanted to attend. It was either academics or dance.” She’s majoring in Telecommunications with a focus in digital production.

It took Ryce one year to be approved for Royal Elite. She explains this majorette team as a team who incorporates jazz, hip-hop and contemporary styles. “It isn’t a majorette team that’s going to only twirl batons in the air.” She said, “We’re going to use our body to dance.”

Ryce isn’t the only dancer who had to choose between a PWI (predominantly white institution) and a HBCU.

Another member of Royal Elite, Destiny Cherry, a junior in the nursing program said, “I wanted to attend a HBCU because I wanted to be on their majorette team. However, I know that my education is more important than my passion for dance.” She said, “I feel appreciated by Ball State because they’re accepting minorities.”

Majorette dancers at HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities), dress in bedazzled uniforms to perform on sidelines of football games while the band plays their instruments.

Royale Elite welcomes all types of dancers who have passion for hip-hop and R&B music.

“I advertised Royal Elite to everyone. It is not limited to only African American women,” said Ryce.

*Royal Elite has a performance at University’s Program Board event on Sept. 26, 2017 at the Student Center.