Drum majorette club synchronising their march to the top

Few activities demand the timing and precision of a marching band, rounded off with the coordinated athletic dexterity of a juggler.

Drummie Nation Drum Majorettes is the newest drummie club to pick up their maces and flags to lay down a challenge in this fiercely competitive sport. The club was founded by Amelia Nelson and 2021 will be their grand debut. Made up primarily of the remnants of a team from a nearby school, Amelia and her girls have been putting in the hours to ensure they make the drummie world take notice.

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Currently based at Florida Albion Football Club, the young ladies are training every Monday and Wednesday from 4pm until 6pm in order to get ready for competitions later in the year. “There were competitions scheduled for April but because of logistical issues with the pandemic, they have been postponed until October,” explained Amelia. The extended time means that not only can they perfect their routines, but more girls can be seamlessly added to the troupe.

Drummie Nation is affiliated to the national governing body, South African Majorette and Cheerleading Association (SAMCA), meaning they will not only be taking on the best in the country, but will offer a pathway to provincial and national representation. Clubs and schools compete side by side, giving every determined drum majorette an equal opportunity to rise to the top.

The sport takes discipline and dedication, and Amelia believes it is a great female empowerment tool. “It is great for young girls’ esteem. You get to push your limits and master things you never thought were possible,” she said.

For just R350 per month, girls are provided with all the equipment needed, meaning they just need to bring the right attitude. Encouragingly, Amelia said, “If you want to try something new, boost your self-confidence and make new friends, then Drummie Nation is the place for you”.