The Starbabies Dance Group was founded in 1992 by Brenda Buchannon Jackson. In the early 1990's Brenda was living in the Water Street apartments in Tuskegee, Alabama. They were later named the "Hightower Apartments". She saw the children outside each day playing in the street, so she had an idea to teach the girls dance.
Brenda had learned dance growing up in Atlanta, Georgia and later took dance under the famous Dyann Robinson of Broadway's Bubbling Brown Sugar. Brenda began the classes with the children and held a recital with the assistance of Mrs. Annette Wallace of the Alabama Cooperative Extension program. They performed several dance routines, but the one everyone remembered was choreography to Prince's song "Purple Rain". From then on the first group was known as the "Purple Rain Dancers."
Brenda later met Carla McNeil Ransom (Tuskegee University Pipperette and choreographer), Denise McNeil Hall (seamstress and business manager), and Guy Trammell (media technician). They along with Brenda's sisters: Janet Buchannon Robinson (poet, composer and caterer) and Patricia Buchannon (business manager and marketing specialist) organized the group now known as the Starbabies Dance Group. Brenda chose the name, colors, and motto. The group practiced in the Water Street Community Center and began performing throughout the Alabama and Georgia area. They were first to compete in the Showstoppers Competition when it came to Alabama in the early 1990's. They were also the first dance group to perform in the Dr. George Washington Carver Sweet Potato Fest held in the fall each year.
The members perform lyrical, jazz, ballet, folk and modern dance techniques. They are primarily a Praise Dance team, performing to traditional gospel, spiritual. contemporary Christian, and Holy Hip Hop music. They also perform poetry, drama, choir and oral presentations. They also make an exceptional "Sweet Potato Bread". Invite them to your program and enjoy them live!
