Majorettes in the UK & Ireland
Everything you need to know about majorettes: what it is, how to start, where to train, and how to compete. The official guide from the Royal Twirling Association.
What are majorettes?
Majorettes are performers who combine dance, drill, and the skilled use of equipment like batons and pom-poms to deliver choreographed routines. Rooted in marching band and military traditions, modern majorettes has grown into a full competitive sport with its own disciplines, judging standards, and thriving community across the UK.
A majorette routine is built on three ingredients: technique, precision, and showmanship. Dancers spend hours perfecting footwork, spacing, and handling of their equipment, then marry it all to music in a way that looks effortless from the front row. Teams rehearse together for months to hit every count in sync, build energy across a performance, and carry an audience along with them.
In the UK, majorettes sits alongside its sister sport, baton twirling, under the umbrella of the Royal Twirling Association. The RTA publishes the official rulebook, runs sanctioned competitions, and affiliates troupes across the country, giving every dancer a clear pathway from their first class to national and international competition.
From marching bands to modern stages
The word majorette comes from "drum major", the title given to the ceremonial leader of a marching band. For centuries, drum majors led military and civic parades using a staff to signal the formation. In the early 20th century, those staffs became batons, the drills became choreography, and majorettes emerged as a performance art in their own right.
The sport spread rapidly through the United States, France, Italy, and the UK during the mid-20th century, as troupes performed at sporting events, carnivals, and civic parades. Competitive circuits formed, and with them came the refinement of technique, the introduction of new disciplines like pom, and the development of international standards.
British majorettes is now entering a new chapter. Troupes are forming in new regions, standards are rising, and the Royal Twirling Association is building a fair, professional, modern home for the sport that families across the country can trust.
Majorette disciplines
The RTA runs majorette competitions across multiple disciplines. Every dancer can find an event that suits their style and strengths.
Pom
High-energy team routines with pom-poms featuring synchronised choreography and dynamic formations.
Full guideDance Twirl
A fusion of dance and baton twirling combining graceful movement with technical baton skills.
Full guideMilitary Freestyle
Structured military-style marching combined with creative freestyle majorette elements.
Full guideSolo Pom
Individual pom performance showcasing dynamic energy, technique, and personal expression.
Full guideDuo Pom
Two performers delivering synchronised pom routines with partnership and flair.
Full guideWhat you need to start
Starting majorettes is affordable. Your troupe will tell you exactly what you need, but here is what to expect.
Pom-poms or a baton
Depending on your discipline, you will use pom-poms, a baton, or both. A starter kit costs £15-£30. Troupes often provide equipment for beginners until they commit.
Dance or athletic clothing
Anything you can move in freely. Leotards, leggings, shorts, and t-shirts are standard for training. Competition costumes come later and are usually provided or hired through your troupe.
Footwear
Most majorettes train in jazz shoes, dance trainers, or bare feet on matted floors. Your troupe leader will tell you what the class uses.
Commitment and energy
Majorettes thrives on teamwork. Your troupe becomes a second family, and rehearsals become the highlight of your week. Showing up matters more than any piece of kit.
How to start majorettes
The fastest way into the sport is to find a local RTA-affiliated troupe and book a trial class. Every troupe welcomes beginners.
Find a troupe near you
Use the RTA Find a Team directory to search for majorette troupes in your county or town. Filter by discipline if you already know what you want to try.
Search the directoryBook a trial class
Most troupes offer a free or low-cost trial so you can see how the class runs, meet the coaches, and try the equipment. No experience needed.
Join your troupe
If you love it (most do), your troupe leader will enrol you as an RTA-registered dancer. The £5 annual RTA membership is paid by your troupe leader in bulk, so parents never deal with us directly.
Start competing
Once you are training regularly, your troupe will enter you into your first competition. RTA events are graded by age and ability, so beginners only compete against other beginners.
See upcoming eventsWhy train with the Royal Twirling Association
The RTA is the official home for majorettes across the UK and Ireland. Here is what that means for you.
Official rulebook
Clear, published rules for every discipline. No guesswork about judging, timing, or scoring.
Nationwide community
Compete against troupes from across the UK. Build friendships that last beyond your dancing years.
Sanctioned competitions
From local events to the Royal Grand Open, a full calendar of graded events across ages and abilities.
A supportive platform
Tools for troupe leaders, easy memberships for parents, and dancer profiles that travel with you.
Recognised standards
RTA affiliation is a mark of quality. It tells parents their troupe meets professional standards.
A clear pathway
From your first class to senior competition, you always know what comes next.
Majorette FAQs
Common questions, clear answers. Still not sure? Get in touch.
What are majorettes?
Majorettes are performers who combine dance, precision drill, and the use of batons, pom-poms, or other equipment to deliver choreographed routines. Rooted in the marching band tradition, modern majorettes is a competitive sport with multiple disciplines including pom, dance twirl, military freestyle, and team dance. In the UK, majorettes is overseen by the Royal Twirling Association.
Is majorettes a sport?
Yes. Majorettes is a competitive sport that demands strength, stamina, flexibility, and hours of technical practice. Routines are judged on execution, difficulty, synchronisation, and artistry. The RTA runs sanctioned majorette competitions across the UK with graded divisions from beginners to senior champions.
What age can you start majorettes?
Children can start majorettes from age 4 or 5. Most RTA-affiliated troupes welcome beginners from early primary school age, and many run classes for teenagers and adults too. Competition age groups run from tinies (under 7) up to adults and veterans, so there is always a place to compete.
What is the difference between majorettes and baton twirling?
Majorettes grew out of marching band and drill traditions and emphasises team performance, pom-pom dance, military-style precision, and choreographed group routines. Baton twirling focuses on the technical manipulation of a metal baton, often performed as a solo with rolls, tosses, and aerial catches. The RTA governs both and many dancers compete in both disciplines.
What equipment do majorettes use?
Equipment depends on the discipline. Pom routines use pom-poms. Dance twirl and military freestyle use a baton. Some disciplines are performed in costume without any equipment at all. Beginners need very little to start: a pair of pom-poms or a starter baton is usually enough.
How much do majorette classes cost in the UK?
Typical weekly classes in the UK cost between £4 and £10 per session. RTA troupe membership is £5 per dancer per year, paid in bulk by the troupe leader so parents never deal with us directly. Competition entry fees are separate and charged per event.
Can boys do majorettes?
Yes. Majorettes is open to all genders, and male dancers compete at every level of the sport. The RTA welcomes dancers of all genders into affiliated troupes and maintains inclusive competition categories.
How do I find a majorette team near me in the UK?
The Royal Twirling Association maintains a searchable directory of affiliated troupes across the UK. Visit our Find a Team page to search by county, town, or discipline and discover local clubs that welcome new members.
Ready to try majorettes?
Find an RTA-affiliated troupe near you, book a trial, and see what the sport can do for you.