The series follows a troupe of five gay and gender-nonconforming dancers on their rise to the top
E! celebrates perseverance and diversity with the series premiere of the uplifting and moving docu-series THE PRANCING ELITES PROJECT, Monday, Aug. 31 at 10 p.m. ET. The 12-episode, 30-minute series showcases The Prancing Elites, a troupe of five gay and gender-nonconforming dancers from conservative Mobile, Alabama, who rocketed to fame after a tweet by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. THE PRANCING ELITES PROJECT follows Adrian Clemons, Kentrell Collins, Kareem Davis, Jerel Maddox, and Tim Smith as they fight to gain acceptance from their hometown, and in some cases their own families, while trying to live out their dreams.
In the series premiere of THE PRANCING ELITES PROJECT (Monday, Aug. 31 at 10 p.m. ET), the group is denied a permit to march in a parade. Inspired by a meeting with actress NeNe Leakes (REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA), the Elites decide to break the rules and march in the parade anyway, facing backlash from the locals and police in attendance.
Click on the photos to Meet the crew of THE PRANCING ELITES PROJECT
(L-R):Adrian Clemons, Timothy Smith, Jerel Maddox, Kareem Davis, and Kentrell Collins from THE PRANCING ELITES PROJECT.
As captain and founder of The Prancing Elites, Kentrell Collins knows the biggest dreams sometimes take the most resilience, and he is determined to see the team rise above the clutches of Mobile, Alabama. Collins discovered his love of dancing in high school and has never looked back. He also functions as the team’s seamstress and hand designs every costume for the group. Unapologetic about who he is, Collins doesn’t let anyone tell him or his teammates that they can’t live life exactly how they want to.
Adrian Clemons
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Adrian Clemons
Sharp and extremely driven, Adrian Clemons is a classically trained dancer who was born to move. His natural skills and experienced technique led to an invitation to join the world-renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. However, Clemons turned the opportunity down to pursue his dream of becoming a dancer on his own terms. Despite his family’s lack of approval, he believes The Prancing Elites will open doors for him that would have never been opened otherwise.
Timothy Smith
Image by: Bell Media
Timothy Smith
Tim Smith is the peacemaker of the group. She loves each of the members dearly, but often finds herself in the middle of the drama. The dance floor is Smith’s safe haven where she truly comes into her own when the beat drops. Her ultimate dream is to create a safe environment to have a family of her own.
Jerel Maddox
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Jerel Maddox
Pint-sized and sassy, Jerel Maddox dances with a fighter’s spirit because he learned that being tough is necessary to survive. Growing up, he struggled to be accepted by those closest to him, but his troubled youth taught him to never be ashamed of who he was. Dancing is Maddox’s escape from the troubles of everyday life. Unafraid to speak his mind, Maddox is always pushing the group to go bigger, be bolder, and reach farther than the rest think possible because he believes that they have a deeper message to share than just dance.
Kareem Davis
Image by: Bell Media
Kareem Davis
Kareem Davis is the newest member of The Prancing Elites. In high school, he played on the baseball, football, and basketball teams, but has since traded in his jerseys for a dance leotard. He loves to twerk and is the team member that brings the most hip-hop vibe to the dance floor. Davis devotes his heart and soul to the Elites because he wants to become a role model for other people and encourage them to break boundaries and live their lives fully and openly.