The Prancing Elites Project

The Prancing Elites Project is a unique television docu-series broadcasted on the Oxygen channel in 2015. It offers a refreshing perspective on the intersection between race, sexual orientation, regional culture, and art. This one-of-a-kind series embraces diversity, resilience, and the pursuit of passion against a backdrop of societal expectations and norms.

The show primarily follows an all-black LGBTQ dance team from Mobile, Alabama, known as The Prancing Elites. Unlike traditional dance teams, The Prancing Elites specialize in J-Setting, a high-octane dance style that originated from the marching bands of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and was popularized by Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” music video. Despite its energy and creativity, J-setting is not typically accepted in high school sports and in the hyper-masculine space of the Southern black community from which it originates.

The Prancing Elite, composed of Adrian Clemons, Kentrell Collins, Kareem Davis, Jerel Maddox, and Timothy Smith, aim to break these cultural boundaries. Each episode delves into their lives, the shared hardships they face, the friendships they hold and the determination they have to continue dancing despite societal norms. The series takes viewers into the world of this dynamic dance team as they navigate challenges including homophobia, racism, and societal norms on masculinity, all the while aspiring to be successful in the world of dance.

The show does more than just entertain; it educally enlightens the audience about the persistent struggles of marginalized communities, the need for acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself. By revealing the harsh realities facing the Prancing Elites, the show uncovers the confrontational and oftentimes closed-minded responses they encounter, just for embracing their identity openly.

The Prancing Elites Project also demonstrates the importance of community and the support that the Elites garner from some unexpected quarters. This nurturing community - a paradoxical mix of ostracism and acceptance - reflects the broader challenges and contradictions present within society. Some segments of the community shun them whilst others celebrate their audacious spirit, uniquely southern charm, and originality.

The members of The Prancing Elites Project dive deep into their personal lives and relationships, unraveling their backstories and dreams. Each individual story heightens the emotional quotient of the series, helping viewers to understand the person behind the dancer. Their poignant tales enhance the viewers’ emotional bond with the team, adding an extra layer of empathy for their journey.

The series does not shy away from the harsh realities that the Prancing Elites face in their pursuit of performing. From auditions gone wrong due to prejudice and intolerance to the collective disappointment in the face of rejection, the cameras follow their every high and low. However, the Elites always rise above it all, continually demonstrating their strength, resilience, tenacity, and ability to inspire.

Production-wise, the show stands out with its seamless editing, real-time visual storytelling, and the raw emotional ride it takes its audience on. The Prancing Elites' vibrant, colorful, and flamboyant dance costumes alone are enough to catch anyone's attention, but it's their infectious energy, positivity, and the courage to be authentic selves that truly keeps the audience captivated.

Despite the hardships faced, the humor, camaraderie, and infectious joy of the Prancing Elites shine throughout the series. They are not just a dance team - they are a family. Their story is a celebration of individuality, self-acceptance, and the enduring spirit to push boundaries.

In conclusion, The Prancing Elites Project is a compelling, entertaining, and thought-provoking series. It’s more than a dance reality show; it’s an unfiltered look at the enduring human spirit that prevails despite adversity. It emphasizes the power of passion to transcend societal barriers and the importance of staying true to oneself in a world often ready to suppress individuality and difference. With dance as a medium, the Prancing Elites Project paints a poignant picture of the fight for acceptance, freedom, and equality, making it a worth-watching series on mainstream television.