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5 Secrets Behind Dance-N-Drill Tyler's 40-Year Reign As Texas's Premier Drill Team Studio

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Dance-N-Drill in Tyler, Texas, is not just a local dance studio; it is a legendary institution that has shaped the Texas dance and drill team landscape for over four decades. As of the current date in 2025, the studio continues its legacy, offering cutting-edge training and fostering a competitive spirit that sets a benchmark across the state.

Founded by the visionary Lynn Ramey, Dance-N-Drill has evolved from a single class into one of the largest and most prestigious dance and drill team studios in all of Texas. Its influence extends far beyond the East Texas region, with its alumni frequently moving on to collegiate teams like the renowned Apache Belles at Tyler Junior College and other major university spirit squads.

The Legacy of Dance-N-Drill: Founder, History, and Core Programs

The story of Dance-N-Drill is inextricably linked to its founder, Lynn Ramey, whose dedication to dance education and the drill team tradition is the bedrock of the studio’s success.

Lynn Ramey: Director and Visionary

  • Role: Founder and Director of Dance-N-Drill.
  • Founding Year: Lynn Ramey started the first class and held auditions for the first citywide drill team over 41 years ago, establishing the studio's deep roots in the community.
  • Community Impact: Beyond the studio, Ramey has served as the longtime choreographer for the prestigious Texas Rose Festival, further cementing her influence in Tyler's cultural scene.
  • Philosophy: Her desire is to instill character and confidence in young dancers, a mission that has guided the studio’s curriculum for decades.

The Birth of the Tyler Golden Girls

One of Ramey’s most significant contributions was the creation of the first-ever citywide drill team, known as the Tyler Golden Girls. This team became a foundational pillar of the studio and the city’s dance culture, setting a high standard for performance and discipline.

Key Programs and Teams (2025–2026 Season)

Dance-N-Drill offers a diverse range of classes and competitive teams for all ages and skill levels, ensuring a comprehensive dance education. The 2025–2026 season highlights the studio’s commitment to both traditional and contemporary styles.

  • Competitive Drill Teams: The studio is best known for its elite drill team programs, which compete at regional and national levels, often against other top Texas drill teams.
  • Razzmataz: A prominent, highly-regarded team within the studio known for its competitive excellence.
  • Contemporary Teams: Including the Senior Contemporary Team and Junior Contemporary Team, focusing on modern dance techniques and expression.
  • Hip Hop Teams: Featuring the Junior "Extreme" Hip Hop Team and Senior "Extreme" Hip Hop Team, catering to the growing demand for high-energy, urban dance styles.
  • Foundational Classes: Offerings in core disciplines like ballet, tap, jazz, and acrobatics remain essential to the studio’s training regimen.

5 Reasons Dance-N-Drill Dominates the Texas Dance Scene

The studio's sustained success over more than 40 years is not accidental. It is built on a foundation of strategic vision, high-level training, and a deep connection to the Texas dance community.

1. Unmatched Competitive Excellence and 2025 Results

Dance-N-Drill consistently proves its mettle on the competition floor. The studio actively participates in major events, including those organized by MA Dance and the Texas Dance Educators Association (TDEA). The studio proudly showcases its 2025 MA Competition Results, demonstrating its continued winning streak and the caliber of its dancers.

2. The "Texas Drill Team" Culture Connection

The studio is a central figure in the unique and competitive world of Texas drill teams. This connection is vital, as evidenced by the city of Tyler hosting the TDEA Dance/Drill Team Field Assessment & Competition—a groundbreaking statewide pilot initiative to establish the first-ever State Dance/Drill Team Competition in Texas. Dance-N-Drill’s influence is part of what makes Tyler a hub for this elite style of performance.

3. A Pipeline to Collegiate Success

Alumni of Dance-N-Drill frequently go on to join prestigious collegiate spirit squads and dance teams. The studio acts as a direct feeder program for college teams, including the world-famous Apache Belles at Tyler Junior College (TJC) and the newly established competitive cheerleading and dance teams at UT Tyler Athletics. This proven pathway is a major draw for aspiring dancers.

4. Comprehensive and Diverse Curriculum

While drill team is the cornerstone, the studio ensures dancers are well-rounded. By offering a full spectrum of classes—from ballet and tap to the specialized Mini Moovz (Hip Hop) for younger students—Dance-N-Drill prepares its students for any professional or collegiate dance environment. The commitment to diverse training, including lyrical and contemporary dance, keeps the studio current with industry trends.

5. Community and Location as a Competitive Advantage

The studio’s physical location at 4010 S Donnybrook Ave in Tyler, TX, places it at the heart of East Texas. Furthermore, Lynn Ramey’s deep involvement with the Texas Rose Festival provides students with unique, high-profile performance opportunities that build stage presence and community engagement, experiences few other studios can offer.

The Future of Dance-N-Drill and Texas Dance Education

As Dance-N-Drill moves through the 2025–2026 season, its focus remains on innovation and excellence. The studio is not resting on its past achievements but actively adapting to the evolving landscape of dance.

Embracing New Dance Styles

The inclusion of robust Hip Hop and Contemporary programs, alongside the traditional drill team focus, demonstrates the studio’s commitment to modern dance education. This blend ensures that its dancers are versatile and competitive in any genre.

The TDEA and Statewide Influence

The studio’s home city, Tyler, is becoming an increasingly important location for statewide dance initiatives. The continued success of the Texas Dance Educators Association’s pilot program in the area highlights the high regard for the local dance talent and instruction, much of which is rooted in the Dance-N-Drill tradition.

In conclusion, Dance-N-Drill in Tyler, Texas, remains a dominant force, driven by the enduring vision of Lynn Ramey and the dedication of its staff, like Mrs. Renee', Mrs. Olivia, and Mrs. Lindsey, who lead the various competitive teams. The studio's four decades of success, its championship titles, and its continuous production of exceptional dancers solidify its status as a Texas dance powerhouse.

5 Secrets Behind Dance-N-Drill Tyler's 40-Year Reign as Texas's Premier Drill Team Studio
dance n drill tyler
dance n drill tyler

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