By P.A. Geddie
The birth of dance drill team performances happened first at a rural Texas high school, then on a small college football field before gaining popularity around the world. The inventor of the art form was teacher and choreographer Gussie Nell Davis who brought it to perfection.
Born in Farmersville, Texas, on November 4, 1906, Davis went to public schools there and then to the Texas Woman’s University (formerly the College of Industrial Arts) in Denton with the intention to become a concert pianist. While there, her interest in dancing led to switching her studies to physical education. She graduated in 1927 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and began her professional career the following year at Greenville High School as a physical education instructor and pep squad sponsor.
During her first year in Greenville, the pep-squad, known as the Flaming Flashes, did stunts and a little marching. With her experience in music, dance, and physical education, over the next 10 years, the team’s activities evolved and became more elaborate under her direction.
Wooden batons were added when Davis commissioned the school’s nearest furniture maker to make them, then finally drums and bugles were added. The Flaming Flashes were the first twirl-and-dance group to perform at football games. Word spread across the state about their talents and their leader Miss Gussie Nell Davis.
During this time, Davis continued her education, receiving a master’s degree in science from the University of Southern California in 1938.
When Kilgore College president Dean B.E. Masters heard about the small town “Brilliant Drill Team” making big headlines, he hired Davis in 1939 to form a group to keep football spectators in their seats during halftime, rather than brawling under the stands with game rivals. Masters had an additional goal of increasing the college’s female enrollment. The group, called the Kilgore College Rangerettes, first performed in September 1940, and were the first all-girls dance drill team in the United States to perform during the halftime periods of college football games.
A disciplinarian, Davis built the Rangerettes into a self-confident squad. She directed routines that were more athletic and aerobic, and the squad was featured extensively in the press as they performed at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, presidents’ inaugurations, parades, and special events around the world.
The Rangerettes were featured in numerous publications dating back to 1950 including Esquire, Look, Saturday Evening Post, Life, Southern Living, Sports Illustrated, Texas Highways, and Newsweek. They appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show and 60 Minutes and were in movies including Seven Wonders of the World in 1956.
Over the years the Rangerettes organization received complaints for a lack of diversity and emphasis on physical attractiveness with some calling them a troupe of sexist and mindless “Barbie Dolls.”
Davis is said to have reminded the accusers that learning self-confidence, discipline, cooperation, and the ability to perform precision dance are great accomplishments. She argued that halftime and special event performances by the Rangerettes gave young women a chance to experience achievements and acclaim, previously open only to male athletes.
The Rangerettes are featured in Women, a book of famous photographs by Annie Leibovitz published in 1999, with essays by author Susan Sontag. They stand among other strong women — an astronaut, two Supreme Court justices, farmers, movie stars, reporters, a surgeon, the First Lady of the United States, businesswomen, and many others who make up the ensemble of “what women are now — as different, as varied, as heroic, as forlorn, as conventional, as unconventional as this.”
Leibovitz told a reporter how impressed she was with the strong physical abilities of the young women, skilled enough to kick their legs so high to touch the brim of their hats.
“As soon as they did their kick,” Leibovitz said, “the drill captain said, ‘Okay, wipe the lipstick off your legs.’ It was such an extreme kick. It was pretty amazing.”
The enormity of the team’s skills over the decades far outweighed the minor controversies, even as their skirts got a little shorter as societal styles changed.
In photographer O. Rufus Lovett’s book, Kilgore Rangerettes, released in 2008, Texas Monthly senior editor Katy Vine says in the introduction: “Now, about the skirts. They know. Despite the cheesecake appeal, however, men aren’t the ideal audience for the Rangerettes. The most appreciative audience is that tough group of critics: those who have worn the boots, the hat, the skirt. They may have become accountants, physicians’ assistants, schoolteachers, attorneys. They may have become Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders or drill team instructors, spreading the word about the Rangerettes like missionaries so that girls can grow up not able to remember a time when they didn’t know about the organization. Most former members say that being part of the Rangerettes was the best experience of their lives.”
Likewise, Davis told the press she welcomed qualified young women of all races. Race was not an issue for her she said, only that all applicants qualified on skills and technique. Freddie Goosby Evans became the first woman of African descent to join the Rangerettes in 1973, and others followed, some becoming officers. In 2020, Tai’Shea Butler-Hyde of the 67th line of Rangerettes paid tribute to Evans, stating, “Thank you for being the first and paving the way for so many other African American girls like myself to experience two of the best years of our lives. You gave us hope and allowed us to see ourselves in the beauty that is the Red, White, and Blue.”
The Rangerettes staff state they continue to embrace inclusivity with tryouts attracting a wide range of talent and backgrounds.
After 40 years directing the Rangerettes to much success, Davis retired in 1979. She remained the group’s godmother until her death from respiratory complications on December 21, 1993, at the age of 87. She is buried in the Farmersville Cemetery.
HER LEGACY
Davis chose not to marry or have children of her own. Her legacy is the Rangerettes and the movement she started with her combination of dance moves and precision drills forming the origin of dance drill teams. The Rangerettes are still considered the best, with the highest kicks in the world.
Thousands of high schools and colleges have copied the Rangerettes since Davis created and brought the art form of dance drill team to perfection. The Apache Belles at nearby Tyler Junior College came along in 1947 followed by many others.
In 1958, Davis co-founded the American Dance Drill Team Schools, providing instruction for drill teams across the country.
Davis was honored with Gussie Nell Day in Kilgore in 1964 and in Farmersville six years later. It was followed up with a Texas statewide celebration in 1979. She was named the 1969 Texas Woman of the Year by the Texas State Civitans. Davis was named an honorary citizen of Fort Worth and received a State of Texas House of Representatives Certificate of Citation. She was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 1989. In 2006, a former Rangerette, Kathryn Heller Zwick and her husband Nick, donated $3.5 million to help Kilgore College build the Gussie Nell Davis Residence Hall — a testament to the legacy of young women whose lives Davis touched and helped prepare for life beyond college.
In 1975 the Houston Contemporary Museum of Art honored Davis for creating a “living form” of art.
In 1999 she became an inductee of the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame, recognized for her exceptional contributions to collegiate drill teams. The Rangerettes have performed in 75 Cotton Bowl games as of January 2025. Davis’ pioneering work in developing precision performance standards left a lasting legacy in collegiate sports and pageantry. Her induction into the Hall of Fame underscores the significant impact she had on the cultural and athletic traditions around the world.
THE GUSSIE NELL TRAIL
Efforts to honor the woman who brought show business to the football field continue especially across the region where she grew up and positively influenced thousands of young women.
Tourism directors Megan Payne (Kilgore) and Stacy Foley (Greenville) have created the Gussie Nell Trail across Northeast Texas to continue the celebration of her life. With stories of her humble beginnings in rural Farmersville, finding her footing in Greenville, and kicking into high gear in Kilgore, they hope to help women and others catch a bit of the Gussie Nell spirit as they tour the region.
As a former high school drill team member herself, Payne says she’s honored to tell people the Gussie Nell Davis story.
“Gussie Nell is someone I’ve never met and will never meet but she feels like a person I know. She changed young girls lives,” she says. “She changed Texas high school culture with her halftime impact. In Texas, in the United States, every dance drill team, it started with her.
“She influenced so many people, teaching discipline and how to be a representation of your organization, to be a leader. Being on the drill team helps you learn many lessons to prepare you for life. She set the foundation with those experiences that are valued and passed down. I remembered those lessons when I started my first job and many days since then. Most of all it teaches you to put your best foot forward.”
Farmersville
The Gussie Nell Trail starts in Farmersville where Davis’ life began, where she is buried, and where she was inspired from humble beginnings to find great success.
On May 17, a new state historical marker is being unveiled with great fanfare. Guests and dignitaries from Kilgore, Greenville, and all over the region are joining Farmersville leaders and citizens along with some of the Rangerettes and directors, the Flaming Flashes, drill team alumni, and the Farmerettes High School Drill Team.
The event takes place with a ceremony at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church followed by a walk over to the downtown location of the marker.
Visitors to Northeast Texas interested in experiencing a Gussie Nell Davis adventure anytime throughout the year are invited to see the marker in Farmersville and her grave at the Farmersville Cemetery and get to know her through the eyes of her hometown.
Known as the “Onion Capital of North Texas,” guests may visit the Farmersville Heritage Museum located in the Historic Onion Shed built around 1920. Some memorabilia is there on Davis, as well as their other hometown hero, Audie Murphy, and numerous other exhibits depict the history of the area. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month.
The Bain-Honaker House Museum owned by Farmersville Historical Society also has memorabilia about Gussie Nell Davis. Built in 1865, it celebrates its 160th anniversary this year as the home where Anna Melissa Hicks Bain raised her five daughters. An astute businesswoman, Bain earned a good living through real estate investments and ran a room and board at her home. It is open the first Saturday of each month as well as for pre-arranged tours by appointment and special events.
Also taking place the first Saturday of the month is the Farmersville Market, a combination farmers market and flea market at the historic Onion Shed.
Antique stores and other shopping opportunities are in downtown Farmersville and the city is home to Wood and Time Smokehouse & Bar, a local and regional favorite eatery on Candy Street open Wednesday through Sunday.
Farmersville is also the home to the head of the Northeast Texas Trail that goes 130 miles east across the region. It is the longest hiking, biking, and equestrian trail in Texas and the fourth-longest in the United States. Following an old railway corridor, it begins near the Historic Onion Shed and ends in New Boston, about 24 miles west of Texarkana.
Greenville
From Famersville, the Gussie Nell Trail makes its way 13 scenic miles across Highway 380 to Greenville. Visitors learn more about Gussie Nell’s time there with the Flaming Flashes at the Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum along with other Hunt County history and can drive down Gussie Nell Davis Drive.
A must see in Greenville, too, is the colorful mural featuring a life-size cutout of Gussie Nell Davis, providing fun and meaningful photo opportunities. “Spectrum,” by artist Cathy Smithey, is located at Washington and Johnson streets. A plaque tells a bit about Gussie and the tour literature states:
“Many of the world’s most famous high-kicking dance lines — from the Rockettes in New York City to the Kilgore College Rangerettes to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders — have been influenced by the pioneering work done here in Greenville. Featured on “Spectrum” is Gussie Nell Davis, who popularized the high-kicking dance style and unique uniforms for the Greenville High School Flaming Flashes before spreading her influence to Kilgore and around the world.”
There are a couple of historical markers in Greenville that depict the stories of other strong, influential women including those of Mary Jim Morris who helped lead the way in education for children of African descent and Lallie P. Carlisle who was the first woman in Texas to hold an elective public office. Her gravesite in East Mount Cemetery is sometimes covered with “I Voted” stickers.
Greenville offers many great options for other things to do, places to stay, eateries, the award-winning Landon Winery, Splash Kingdom Water Park, and special events on an ongoing basis.
An active seasonal farmers’ market keeps local produce at center stage. Annual events include jamborees, a county fair, parades, bike rides, the Bob Wills Fiddle Festival and Contest, and the Hunt County Festival of the Arts.
Area attractions cater to families and adults with interests in the arts, nature, heritage, and getaways. Greenville has a variety of overnight accommodations, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds. Visit www.TravelGreenvilleTX.com to plan time there.
Driving straight to Kilgore from Greenville is about 100 miles and less than two hours. There are numerous places along the way — as well as nearby detours — worthy of a stop. Travelers are sure to enjoy the beautiful scenic views as they move along any road going southeast across the Upper East Side of Texas.
Sulphur Springs/Winnsboro Route
Taking a rest stop in Sulphur Springs to the east of Greenville is a great adventure on its own. Tour buses sometimes go 50 miles out of their way to use the amusing see-through bathrooms sitting out in the open on the town square plaza. The park-like setting is an inviting space with a world-class veterans memorial park, giant checkers and chess games, and a splash pad, all with the backdrop of the showpiece Romanesque Revival courthouse. Surrounding the square are numerous restaurants, boutique shops, and delicious homemade ice cream.
Sulphur Springs is home to New York Times best-selling author Colleen Hoover who is occasionally seen about town or at the movie theatre catching one of her latest stories retold in film.
Go to www.VisitSulphurSpringsTX.org for lodging, restaurants, and ongoing events.
From Sulphur Springs, taking Highway 11 south, travelers find small town Winnsboro with its focus on the arts and history that garners it a seat at the table with much larger towns as an official Texas Cultural District. With a very active art center anchoring the community, guests find creativity at every turn. Live music, community theater performances, poetry readings, artist demonstrations, and art exhibits, take place regularly. Throughout the year, special events fill the downtown streets. Other popular activities in Winnsboro include the American Pop Culture-themed Eagle’s Nest Mini Golf and the Winnsboro Murals Walking Tour. Get all the details for more Winnsboro fun on www.WinnsboroOnlineGuide.com including overnight lodging.
From Winnsboro, travelers may want to take a backroads scenic drive to Kilgore through Gilmer, the home of East Texas Jamboree; and Gladewater, the Antique Capital of East Texas.
Eagle Country Route
Travelers heading south on 69 out of Greenville end up in Rains County, the Eagle Capital of Texas, and the town of Emory between Lake Tawakoni and Lake Fork, both great choices for a side trip for birdwatching and photography, boating, or other water sports.
Going further south, some may want to loop in Canton, especially during a First Monday Trade Days weekend, the world’s largest flea market. For interstate drivers, Canton is a straight shot east on I-20 to the Kilgore exit.
A more rural route from Emory takes Highway 69 over to Mineola where travelers find a quaint small town built on railroad history. Several restaurants and shops are well worth a stop, and given an extra day in the trip itinerary, taking the Amtrak train to Longview is an added bonus.
Mineola’s history museum and historical markers offer a plethora of stories including those of school teacher Sarah Rosalie Patten Buchanan who became a full professor and Dean of Women at Sam Houston State Normal College in Huntsville; Ima Hogg, who devoted her life to the arts, historic preservation, and philanthropy; and Addie E. McFarland, an early educator for children of African ancestry and others.
From Mineola, travelers can take the rural route along Highway 80 going through Hawkins, Big Sandy, and Gladewater before heading south to Kilgore, or take Highway 69 south through Lindale to Interstate 20. Lindale is the hometown of country superstar Miranda Lambert. There’s a nice hotel there next to restaurants, shopping, Darden Harvest Park, and Pickers Pavilion.
Before or after immersing in the spirit of Gussie Nell Davis in Kilgore, tourists may enjoy going to Longview where they’ll find an active cultural arts district, many good restaurants and places to stay, and fun events throughout the year. Check their calendar and other details about a visit there on www.VisitLongviewTexas.com.
A visit to Tyler, the Rose Capital of America is always a good idea. In the spirit of historic strong women of Northeast Texas, learn about veteran White House reporter Sara McClendon in the historic McClendon House where she was born on the corner of South Vine and West Houston Streets.
Kilgore
No where is Davis honored more than in Kilgore. There’s a commemorative brick in her honor at the World’s Richest Acre park. Street signs are adorned with the Rangerettes images on them. Restaurants feature their photographs and uniforms.
The Kilgore College campus is home to The Rangerette Showcase and Museum featuring a display of props and costumes and thousands of photographs and newspaper clippings. A 60-seat theatre shows performances and a documentary.
The lounge area pays tribute to Davis with her personal mementos collected over 40 years. The museum is located on the campus in the Physical Education Complex. They are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, and for group tours by appointment.
While they may have started on halftime football fields, the Rangerettes appear in many stage shows each year. Each spring, they present their own variety show called Rangerette Revels featuring all genres of dance including tap, jazz, modern, and musical theatre. The grand finale presents the Rangerettes in a show shopping high kick production known as the Rangerette Extravaganza. They also do an annual Christmas show and continue to perform at special events for audiences around the world.
The Rangerettes often perform for Kilgore College events. Check their calendar to see when they are scheduled.
Kilgore — known as The City of Stars — has ongoing live music and other entertainment going on throughout the year. A place of significant discoveries, Kilgore takes its oil boom days seriously with stately derricks dotting the township, some crowned with stars that light up the night sky. Visitors learn about the community’s history at the East Texas Oil Museum on the Kilgore College campus.
Several scenic parks invite guests to enjoy nature among the pines, and a steel forest of steeple-high oil derricks makes up the centrally located World’s Richest Acre Park.
Kilgore has a thriving downtown with boutiques, culinary options, historic murals, and intriguing architecture. Arts and culture abound with a nice array of exhibitions, performing arts events, theater productions, and concerts. Annual events include the Texas Shakespeare Festival, Reel East Texas Film Festival, East Texas Pipe Organ Festival, as well as ongoing holiday and seasonal events.
Several places to stay are conveniently located to all that is gushing in Kilgore. Easily walkable streets lined with unique boutiques, mercantile and music stores, eateries, preserved Art Deco buildings, and even an old-fashioned barbershop make downtown Kilgore a place for an enjoyable stroll just about any time of the year.
More fun takes place at the roller skating rink, splash park, dirt racing track, sixteen-lane bowling alley, and a nine-hole golf course. Visitors also enjoy touring the numerous gardens and historical sites, including the town library, which is located in a historic 1939 building.
The possibilities for fun and meaningful adventures in and around the Gussie Nell Trail in Texas are endless. Find out more about the trail on www.VisitKilgore.com.
