Freshman year of college is daunting for all. Whether it is moving out of town or finding community on campus, freshman year can be an overwhelming experience. One young college freshman took on college head on and created her very own majorette dance group.

It all started when Alexis Langston, a freshman psychology major, stepped onto campus back in 2022. After getting settled onto Rowan’s campus, she was yearning for something more. It was then, when she saw a USC dancer go viral after a video went around of her dancing in the majorette style. Langston’s interest was piqued. 

After many meetings and petitions being signed, the Elite Diamondz, Rowan’s first and only majorette dance group was created. 

Created in 2022, the Elite Diamondz made waves on Rowan’s Glassboro campus. The team’s first auditions had over 20 girls auditioning to join the dance crew, hoping that they too can be a part of the campus’s first majorette dance team 

Majorette dance originated in the early 20th century. With the fast twirling batons and captivating costumes, majorette dance has been a dance style that has kept audiences engaged and encapsulated. While the style has greatly evolved since its start, majorette dance continues to captivate audiences like it has done through history.

What was once just an idea for a majorette dance team, has flourished into a team that dancers across campus can join and find community in. The Elite Diamondz are the first majorette dance team on Rowan’s campus, and in all of South Jersey.

“It feels very surreal. I don’t think it has actually hit me that I’ve actually started a legacy,” said Alexis Langston, founder and president of the Elite Diamondz.

While being the first college majorette dance team in the South Jersey region is a win under their belt, the team is hopeful to continue to expand their reach throughout campus. The three year old dance team is hopeful to collaborate with the Rowan Football team and to have the opportunity to perform at Rowan football games.

“So I’m really hoping that we can get some kind of connection with them, because that is, like a really big part of it. You’re on the field and maybe do something at halftime or some type of performance,” said Langston.

The Elite Diamondz have been around since 2022, but are hopeful to continue their dance team for future Rowan students. The majorette team is a way for dancers to fulfill their dance dreams on campus, but it is also a way for students to find their sense of community and people they can call family. 

“It really has developed me, I believe, professionally, and then also my personal life. I’ve gained so many sisters and friends just from having this… Watching all of these girls grow their confidence in their artistry that comes to dancing within the style, I know this has been great to see,” said Langston. 

The dance group may have been created just a few short years ago, but the team has continued to push towards growth. At the SGA’s final senate meeting held on April 21, the 2026 fiscal year budget was discussed and the budget for the Elite Diamondz was approved. While grateful that the team received money, the hearing went deeper than that. The approval meant that they got the support from other organizations. 

“It wasn’t until we actually got approved as a senate meeting for SGA, where it felt like this is something much bigger than me… So to see that I have other successful organizations that support it, and think that doesn’t be a great addition on campus, this makes me feel great,” said Langston.

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