Schools and clubs dazzle at October 9 drum majorette competition

Draped in glitz and glamour, each twist and twirl is the finest display of art in motion.

Taking advantage of the beautiful weather, Laerskool Horison was a hive of colour, sound and sequence on October 9. The Federation of Dance Drill Cheerleeding and Majorette Sport Gauteng (FDDCM) hosted a drum majorette competition featuring 13 teams from eight schools and clubs as well as online teams.

A total of 21 types of routines with primary school, high school and tertiary age categories were on show blending stylish synchronization with a variety of apparatus acrobatics. Using either flags, mases, batons, pom-poms or even going prop-free, teams wowed the judges in a fight for top spot on the podium. Whether as individuals or a large display, each routine was as captivating as it was sophisticated.

Roodebeeck were the outstanding participants on the day, earning six formation first place medals and seven first placed victories in either an individual, duo or trio routine. They also bagged the best subbies, squad, display and overall team awards for both small and large drill along with best small drill leader for Tshego Seleka and best large drill leader for Dané Nortman.

Pushing Roodebeeck in every category were Eldoraigne and CTF Navy who both took five first place formation awards themselves, while getting six and five first placed individual, duo and trio awards, respectively. Laerskool Krugersdorp North’s Dynamic Eagles won best show group while the standout individual performance of the day came from Bianca Esterhuizen of Silver Synergy who took two first placed medals for her flag and non-prop routines, and another with partner Jodine de Jager for the best non-prop duo.

“I was proud of all the girls performing the beautiful routines we got to see, the fun they had, the passion and drive that were visible in each and every display. The vibe was something that I cannot describe. After so many months of not being able to live out our dream, and then eventually getting back on to the field,” said FDDCM chairperson, Sonja Bezuidenhout-Nortman.

The drummie calendar still has several dates circled in red as the FDDCM Gauteng Provincial Championships will be held on October 23 at a yet to be confirmed venue. Thereafter, Gauteng Colours trails is scheduled for November with the crown jewel, National Championships due in December.