J-Setting is a style of dance popularized by the Prancing J-Settes, a popular collegiate women's danceline of Jackson State University's Sonic Boom of the South marching band. It originated in the late 1970s from African-Americans in the Jackson, Mississippi, area of the United States. This dance style is characterized by a lead and follow format where one dancer initiates a series of high-energy dance moves, and the other dancers join in the movement. J-Setting features specific dance steps based on Prancing J-Settes marching techniques including the "J-Sette Walk," the "Salt and Pepper," the "Strut," and the "Tip Toe". In particular, the "Salt and Pepper" is a type of prance step for which the Prancing J-Settes are named and known. It is a high-knee lift or "high step" style of marching. Alternating legs lift with a bent knee to bring the foot up to the height of the opposite knee before returning the foot to the ground. The JSU Prancing J-Settes typically march and perform in rows organized by height. J-Setting dancers also typically perform in a line or in multiple lines. While performing, dancers may also change dance formation similar to the way that marching bands change formation during shows on football fields. The J-Setting style of dress is often times modeled after the dance uniforms of the JSU Prancing J-Settes. It normally includes a one or two piece bodysuit or form-fitting garment that covers the torso and crotch; and hosiery with knee high boots on the legs. However, other types of garments are also worn during a performance.
History and background
In 1970, Shirley Middleton and the other majorettes of the Jackson State UniversityMarching Band met with then JSU president, Dr. John A. Peoples, to request that they be permitted to "put down their batons." The JSU President agreed; and as the majorette sponsor, Middleton assembled 18 female students to become the first Jaycettes. Middleton, a formally trained ballet dancer, established technical performance standards for the J-Settes, as well as, standards for academic and personal behavior for its members when they were not performing. Dr. Jimmie James, Jr., then Chair of the JSU Department of Music, described the new dance team as "the thrill of a thousand eyes." During Middleton's tenure, performances included dance routines to songs such as "James Brown's "Make it Funky," and "Hot Pants" as performed by the JSU Marching Band. Prior to 1975, Hollis Pippins, a gay former JSU student and baton twirler for the JSU marching band, collaborated with J-Settes director Shirley Middleton on choreography and the creative direction of the danceline. In addition to performing with the JSU marching band, he performed on "Soul Train" and "Putting on the Hits" national television shows; and on "Black Gold", a local TV show. In 1975, Narah Oatis was appointed the sponsor of the Prancing J-Settes. Under her leadership, the "J-Sette Walk" and other signature marching steps were developed, and performances included an appearance on the "30th Anniversary of Motown" television show in 1990.. Narah Oatis resigned from her position in 1997. Former Prancing J-Sette Kathy Pinkston-Worthy lead the danceline from 1997 to 2013. Since 2013, former Prancing J-Sette and 2008 captain Chloe A. Crowley has been the director. The 2020-2021 Prancing J-Settes captain is Kionna Taylor. Since the 1970s, black gay JSU students and local residents who were fans of The Prancing J-Settes regularly attended their auditions, practice sessions, performances, and befriended members. Many of them brought the J-Settes dance style to cities outside Mississippi, black gay pride events, and gay nightclubs around the nation such as Club City Lights in Jackson, Mississippi; Club Skittles in Baton Rouge; Incognito, Allusions, and 901 in Memphis, Tennessee; Club 2020 in Houston, Texas; and Club 708 in Atlanta.
In 1990, the Prancing J-Settes performed the J-Settes style of marching and dancing on the "30th Anniversary of Motown" television show. The dance team appeared as part of the JSU Marching Band in performances to "I Heard it through the Grapevine"and other songs. A video of part of this performance is available on YouTube. In 2003, the Prancing J-Settes performed the J-Settes marching and dancing style on the "34th NAACP Image Awards" television show. The dance team appeared as part of the JSU Marching Band in performances with comedian "Cedric the Entertainer" and "Sugar Bear of E.U." A video of part of this performance is available on YouTube. In 2008, both Beyoncé's "Single Ladies " and "Diva" music videos included a J-Setting style dance routine. Choreographer Frank Gatson is credited with introducing the J-Setting dance style to Beyoncé. The competitions seen in Lifetime's Bring It! were inspired by J-Setting competitions. Beginning April 22, 2015, the Oxygen channel began broadcasting a 12-episode documentary series entitled The Prancing Elites Project, focusing on the J-Setting group from Mobile, Alabama. The Prancing Elites had begun to attract national attention after a complimentary Tweet from Shaquille O'Neal in June 2013, which led to an appearance on the syndicated talk showThe Real. In 2018, a released documentary entitled "When The Beat Drops", chronicled the progression of J-Setting and its impact on black gay culture in the Deep South. Also in 2018, Great Big Story released a short documentary on YouTube about the Prancing J-Settes of Jackson State University and how their distinctive style of dance influenced dance culture. And also in 2018, four Prancing J-Settes were invited to appear in a commercial with Ciara. In 2019, the Prancing J-Settes were featured in a commercial with MAC Cosmetics for their Winter Holiday Collection.
