Alabama Christmas parade rocked by Prancing Elites dance crew
A group of African-American males from Mobile, Alabama marched as the final Christmas Parade contingent for the nearby town of Semmes. Some of the event’s observers said they should have been warned about who The Prancing Elites were in advance. Town residents have told reporters that they were upset because the men wore make-up and feminine santa outfits; and that they gyrated in an energetic dance style known as J-Setting.
WALA-TV News spoke with the troupe on camera. The group’s captain Kentrell Collins indicated that they had been invited to participate, and they disputed assertions that organizers had been “tricked.” Members said they were met with some jeers and unfriendly comments during the parade. The group did not feel as if they had done anything wrong, but they extended an apology to anyone who had negative feelings about their performance. The group added that they have had an outpouring of positive support, too.
The Prancing Elites have earned hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube and appeared on The Real, a TV talk show. On Twitter, they are asking for financial donations through a Kickstarter campaign so that they can continue their performances.
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
