Home Global Spotlight

The Purple Diamonds Dance Team: 7 Shocking Facts About The 'Bring It!' Rival And Their 2025 Status

• minute read
Contents

The Purple Diamonds Dance Team has long been a powerhouse in the competitive world of majorette dance, known for their fierce routines and the intense, high-stakes rivalry with the Dancing Dolls on the hit Lifetime reality show, Bring It! As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the team remains a pillar of the Jackson, Mississippi community, not only dominating the dance floor but also serving a critical mission of youth empowerment and enrichment.

Founded on February 4, 2007, the organization is more than just a squad; it’s the Purple Diamonds Enrichment and Performing Arts Program, a 501(c)(3) public charity that uses the discipline of dance to uplift young girls. From their origins as a formidable opponent to Miss D’s squad to their current efforts in community outreach, here is an in-depth look at the team’s history, leadership, and what they are doing now to maintain their legacy.

The Biography of Founder and Executive Director Shanika Kelly Lee

The foundation and enduring success of the Purple Diamonds Dance Team are intrinsically linked to the vision and dedication of its founder, Shanika Kelly Lee, often referred to simply as "Mrs. Lee." Her extensive background in dance and commitment to her community have shaped the organization into the powerhouse it is today.

  • Full Name: Shanika Kelly Lee (Mrs. Lee)
  • Role: Founder and Executive Director of the Purple Diamonds Enrichment and Performing Arts Program.
  • Founding Date of Team: February 4, 2007.
  • Experience: She boasts a rich and diverse background in dance, with her beginnings tracing back to the Brinkley Middle School Drill Team.
  • Longevity: Mrs. Lee is currently celebrating her 17th year as the executive director of the Purple Diamonds Dance Team.
  • Program Scope: Under her leadership, the program operates as a 501(c)(3) Public Charity, focusing on promoting education and equity among girls from low socio-economic backgrounds in Jackson, Mississippi.
  • Fame: Gained national recognition as the formidable coach of the Purple Diamonds, the Jackson, MS cross-town rival to Dianna "Miss D" Williams’ Dancing Dolls on the reality series Bring It!.

7 Essential Facts About the Purple Diamonds Dance Team’s Enduring Legacy

While many know the Purple Diamonds from their appearances on television, the true story of the team is rooted in their deep commitment to the majorette dance style and their community mission. The organization’s complexity and influence go far beyond the TV screen, encompassing multiple age groups and a clear charitable objective.

1. They Are a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization

The core of the team’s operation is the "Purple Diamonds Enrichment and Performing Arts Program." This structure signifies that the organization is much more than a competitive dance squad; it’s a registered public charity. Their primary goal is to promote education, equity, and discipline among young girls, particularly those from low socio-economic backgrounds in the Jackson, MS area. The majorette dance practice serves as the vehicle for instilling life skills, confidence, and academic focus.

2. The 'Bring It!' Rivalry Was Fierce and Nasty

The Purple Diamonds Dance Team is perhaps most famous for its intense, hometown rivalry with the Dancing Dolls, led by Miss D (Dianna Williams), on the Lifetime series Bring It! The rivalry was a cornerstone of the show, often described as "nasty" and "intense" by Miss D herself, fueling some of the show’s most dramatic and highly-anticipated Stand Battle competitions. The history between the two Jackson-based teams created must-watch television, featuring legendary showdowns and a few memorable "cross-enemy-lines" moments, such as dancer Jalen joining the Dolls after being a Purple Diamond.

3. The Team is Structured into Three Key Sub-Groups

To accommodate dancers of various ages and skill levels, the Purple Diamonds organization is divided into specialized teams. This structure ensures comprehensive training and a clear path for development within the majorette dance style.

  • Purple Diamonds: The main, senior competitive team, typically consisting of girls aged 12 to 17.
  • Diamond Misses: A mid-level team, often serving as a stepping stone to the main squad.
  • Diamond Minis: The youngest group, designed for foundational training and introducing the discipline of majorette dance to the newest members.

4. They Announced Their 2024 Tryouts and Leadership Updates

Keeping their program fresh and competitive, the Purple Diamonds held their official 2024 tryouts, signaling a new competitive season. Furthermore, they announced the leadership for one of their key sub-teams, congratulating Emilee Watts as the 2024-2025 Diamond Misses Captain. These updates confirm the team’s active status and ongoing commitment to competitive majorette dance well into the current year.

5. Shanika Kelly Lee Has a Strong Coaching Team

Mrs. Lee does not run the extensive program alone. She is supported by a dedicated team of coaches and instructors who help manage the various squads and administrative duties. Key personnel include:

  • Jada Ards: Assistant Coach of the Purple Diamonds.
  • Charlotte Johnson: Head Coach of the Diamond Misses.
  • Charlene Shumpert: Instructor and part of the executive team.
  • Ti'ara Gibson & Roberta Kelly: Additional instructors vital to the program's success.

6. The Purple Diamonds Style is Rooted in Hip-Hop Majorette

The team’s competitive style is firmly in the genre of hip-hop majorette, which blends traditional high-stepping, precision drill team movements with contemporary hip-hop and jazz elements. This style is characterized by high energy, synchronized routines, and the intense "Stand Battle" format, which was a staple of their appearances on Bring It!, where two teams face off in a freestyle dance duel.

7. The Name is Shared by Other Teams Across the Country

While the Jackson, MS team is the most famous due to its television exposure, the name "Purple Diamonds" is also used by other majorette and drill teams, highlighting the popularity of the color and jewel motif in the dance world. This includes the Furman University Purple Diamonds, a newly formed majorette team making a mark in collegiate sports, and the Purple Diamonds Elite squad, which focuses on inspiring excellence and discipline through majorette dance.

Why the Purple Diamonds Remain Relevant in 2025

The relevance of the Purple Diamonds Dance Team in 2025 is a testament to the power of their mission. While the television spotlight of Bring It! has dimmed, the organization’s work as the Purple Diamonds Enrichment and Performing Arts Program continues to shine brightly. Their ongoing tryouts, new captain announcements, and participation in local competitions and parades demonstrate that the focus has shifted from reality television fame to consistent community engagement and youth development. The legacy built by Shanika Kelly Lee is one of using the fierce, competitive spirit of majorette dance to teach life lessons, uplift young women, and maintain a powerful cultural presence in Jackson, MS.

For young dancers, joining the Purple Diamonds—whether the Minis, Misses, or the main team—offers a comprehensive program that values academic success and personal growth as much as winning a trophy. This holistic approach ensures that the Purple Diamonds Dance Team will remain a significant and influential entity in the world of majorette dance for years to come.

The Purple Diamonds Dance Team: 7 Shocking Facts About the 'Bring It!' Rival and Their 2025 Status
purple diamonds dance team
purple diamonds dance team

Detail Author:

  • Name : Retha Pfeffer
  • Username : oral22
  • Email : joberbrunner@hotmail.com
  • Birthdate : 2000-05-24
  • Address : 2842 Haylie Haven Shanahanborough, CO 32898-8962
  • Phone : +14256211498
  • Company : Haley-Hayes
  • Job : Locomotive Engineer
  • Bio : Ea molestias aut officiis. Voluptate sit quo quasi ea sit et veniam. Saepe ea quaerat ab doloribus. Ipsam nobis at iste voluptas. Qui dolores rerum aut quisquam.

Socials

tiktok:

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/rahsaan_armstrong
  • username : rahsaan_armstrong
  • bio : Nihil illo sint nisi cum. Porro ut fugit omnis incidunt et. Ad officiis facere adipisci.
  • followers : 2500
  • following : 2862

linkedin:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/rahsaan_armstrong
  • username : rahsaan_armstrong
  • bio : Repellat iusto quia omnis inventore. Non cum aliquam voluptas autem perspiciatis. Debitis alias quidem sint debitis aut molestias.
  • followers : 4013
  • following : 1706

Random Posts