I finally viewed the Docuseries Supa Girlz Season 1, episodes 1 and 2 which airs on the ALLBLK Network on Thursdays. This was a special treat because I viewed it with none other than Supa Black Girl herself, the star of the series Mrs. Traci Young-Byron at Shannon Haynes’ residence. So, some back story is that we all know each other from the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center (AHCAC). We were teachers there for the Summer Arts Program in the 90’s and both Shannon and Traci founded their dance companies at that location. So, we have Her-story!
Shannon fed us curry chicken (which I don’t eat), curry shrimp, and rice and peas to get us ready for the viewing. I was prepared with my note pad, pen and a whole heap of questions, laugher, shock, and laughter. So, more back story. Watching this docuseries was a flashback to the ACHAC in terms of Traci’s teaching style, yes it has developed as she has clearly crafted her pedagogical skills and knowledge over the last twenty plus years but there is something a little different happening; we get to see on screen the practicality of her method but I also got to ask her, in real time what those looks and statements meant, why she did certain things, and the rationale of particular behaviors of the dancers. It was fantastic!
Episode 1 titled “Leaders of the New School” walked us through the rigorous conditioning and drill sergeant-esque workouts that the dancers endure as a part of their 2-week audition process. Listen, your mind and body must be in the right place baybay because, it’s not for the weak, TRUST ME. Traci shared some of the feedback that was shared on social media concerning her brutish behavior and treatment of the young women. She also expressed the level of misogyny that was rooted in the comments stating that “if she were a football coach, it wouldn’t be an issue.”
Multiple signifiers of cultural identity and pride were demonstrated through the voices of the community. The community is passionate about the G Girls, but it was not always the case. We paused the TV to go into a deep discussion concerning her experiences in terms of the pushback she received from some parents, alumni, and members on the team who could not see her vision or couldn’t perform the aesthetic… and hunnnny, that is a difficult task because momma is a perfectionist so, I know just how that went. And those of us in leadership positions know that most people resist change particularly when it challenges them to step away from tradition asking them to do more and be better and we know Mrs. Young-Bryon “ain’t no punk” so, I know how that went as well.
Episode 2, titled “Changing Lives Don’t Pay the Bills” continues to walk us through the audition process, we see the young women in rehearsal and at games dancing their a$$ off, in conversations with their peers and family members sharing their unfiltered feelings and emotions, and we witness the Queen demand that her court uphold her legacy…PERIODTT! This docuseries is real, unscripted, and raw. Mrs. Young-Byron has allowed us into her process and those who value hard work and understand the trials and tribulations that Black women must navigate in this world, you can appreciate the tough love that is demonstrated.
She showcases Black culture that is centered on the experiences of Black women in a positive light, advocating for their success and survival in a world that deems them/us useless, worthless, hypersexual, immoral, and classless. Young-Byron is adamant about how these young women are received, viewed, and discussed in the public, therefore, she cultivates an experience that is only attainable by a woman who is driven, intelligent, talented, voracious, beautiful, powerful, and strong physically and emotionally.
Young-Bryon shares many nuggets, the biggest one for me is “I’m walking so that the next generation can run.” Regardless of what you think of her personality, I know that she is selfless and gives everything she has to those who want to be poured into. We want more!!! I mean, I might even come to a game. Is there a VIP section???!!
Please tune in and witness this premier docuseries like no other…it is a major milestone for Black women, culture, and dance….
#dancewriter
#culturalcritic
#supagirlz
#ggirlz
#miaminorthwestern
#blackwomen
#blackculture
#blackdance
Image: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31181349/
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