Tawana Lee, a pivotal figure in Bermuda’s cultural landscape, has dedicated her life to the preservation and advancement of the Island’s cherished majorette tradition. As the driving force behind the PHC Majorettes & Drum Corps (PHCMDC), Lee has not only kept a vital part of Bermuda’s parade culture thriving but has also molded it into a powerful vehicle for youth development and community engagement.
Her journey began in 2002 when she crafted a vision for a Majorette & Drum group that placed community at its heart. With a belief that there should be a place for everyone, she was instrumental in expanding the group’s scope to include activities catering to various talents beyond baton twirling, a move that solidified PHCMDC as a family-oriented powerhouse where every member could find their niche.
Under Lee’s steadfast direction for the past 24 years, the corps offered a robust programme that not only entertained but also inspired the community, with a firm aim to perpetuate the majorette tradition through generations. However, between 2012 and 2016, she faced a worrying decline in traditional majorette groups and a surge in dance troupes, which saw PHCMDC membership fall to less than 40 members from 150. This spurred Lee to pioneer creative solutions to sustain this beloved part of Bermudian culture.
In 2017, Lee began an outreach strategy, starting with an educational presentation on majorettes and drumming at Purvis Primary School. Surprised to learn that some children were unaware of this tradition, she expanded this effort to more schools and corporate entities, passionately advocating for the importance of preserving Bermuda’s Heritage month traditions.
Lee’s commitment to preserving the majorette and drum corps tradition is unwavering. Her success is a testament not only to her dedication but also to her extraordinary team of leaders and managers who have shared in her vision, as well as the sponsors who have supported their mission over the years. Through Lee’s visionary leadership, PHCMDC has remained a bedrock of Bermudian heritage, ensuring that the majorette and drum corps not only endure but also continue to thrive in the hearts of Bermudians
