Jacksonville dance team to compete in national competition

Local majorette team Black Pearls only Florida team chosen to compete

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville dance team was the only Florida squad that made the cut to compete in a national competition. 

The local majorette team named the Black Pearls was one of 25 teams selected to attended the Buck or Die Competition in Georgia. But they will need some support from the community to get there. 

"We have been in competitions in Gainesville, Tampa, Tallahassee. It's crazy," said Cierra Rogers, captain of the Black Pearls.

Cierra and her sister, Tianne Blair, who are captains of the team, first told News4Jax last month that they were chosen to compete in a competition hosted by another team with their own TV show and, if they win, the Black Pearls will have a chance to battle their idols.

"When we first found out, we were happy because, of course, this is the Dancing Dolls. They're on TV. They were on tour. It's amazing. Like, basically, they are our inspiration," Tianne said. 

The girls said the Black Peals is like a sisterhood that allows them to mentor younger dancers while fulfilling a great purpose. 

"Dance, really, helps keep us out of trouble. It's, like, something we can do just to keep us out of trouble and just let it all out. That's what dance is to me," Tianne said. 

The girls will head to Georgia next week to compete.

"We're the only team from Jacksonville, Florida, on the list. So we want to represent Jacksonville and make sure we bring our all and come home with the trophy. A lot of people underestimate us, so we want to go and show them what it is," Cierra said. 

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the Black Pearls with travel expenses.