After watching an episode of Lifetime Tv’s “Bring It”, a reality show about a competitive youth majorette dance team from Jackson, MS, Dancing Dolls, an Instagram page Pretty Brown Dancers was created to show pictures and videos of pretty and talented Brown dancers of color. These days, entertainment is over-saturated with reality TV shows which are deemed fake and scripted. Some that are closely scrutinize feature women of color. Critics on social media considered Bring It to be ratchet due to the prominent stereotype of the black woman. However, the show debunks the stereotype.
Dianna Williams is a dance teacher who is tough on her dancers. Some will see it as tough love. Others will see it as tyrannical. Most dance teachers are tough on their students. Many parents may disagree with their tactics. Due to the overwhelming stereotypes of a black woman being loud and angry, Dianna has been labeled “ratchet”. Dianna is a wife, mom, and dance teacher who has came from a tumultuous past. She has publicly acknowledged her mistakes and work hard to make sure young girls in her community don’t make the same errors in judgement.
Williams created an organization that gave young women hope for a journey to a successful future. Most of her former dance students have maintained high honors in their schools. Additionally, they became leaders and positive role models in their community. Since starting the Pretty Brown Dancers Instagram page, I have came across more amazing dance teams featuring girls of color. Furthermore, there was more exposure to dance teams of color, across the nation.
Certainly, just because you see a black woman projecting her voice higher, does not mean she is “ratchet”. Dianna’s voice commands attention and discipline. It is much different from what you seen on those other shows.
I enjoy the article