Brooklyn drum majorettes coach to represent South Africa at World Championships

A Brooklyn drum majorette coach is set to take center stage on the international scene. 

Luke-India Ramos, originally from Blackheath, has been selected for the South African National Majorette Team and will represent the country in Poland this September at the Majorette World Championships.

Luke-Indiana, who coaches the Ysterplaat Primary School Majorettes—better known locally as the YPS Majorettes—in Brooklyn, has spent years nurturing young athletes.

“Much of my time is spent coaching and helping young athletes grow, both in sport and as individuals. Being part of this community has been incredibly meaningful because I’ve seen how sport can create opportunities and build confidence in young people.”

Interestingly, Luke-Indiana's journey in majorettes didn’t start on the field. 

Initially attending practices as a chaperone for a cousin, Luke-Indiana later became an adjudicator and coach before stepping into the competition scene.

 “Majorettes was, and still largely is, a female-dominated sport. Stepping onto the field was about living a childhood dream, but also showing young athletes that it’s never too late to chase a goal. I decided to compete in 2024, and it has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding."

Being selected for the national team was a moment of pride, said Luke-Indiana.

“It was overwhelming—an incredible mix of gratitude and excitement. Simply being able to trial at this level was already a huge achievement, so being selected made it even more special."

The World Championships bring together athletes from across the globe to compete in baton, mace, and pom routines. Participants are judged on technical skill, precision, choreography, and overall performance, blending athleticism with artistry.

Luke-Indiana hopes that this international experience will benefit the young athletes in Brooklyn and Milnerton.

 “Bringing back knowledge and exposure to global standards will help me grow as a coach and allow me to develop my athletes even further. It also shows them that opportunities like this are possible with hard work and dedication,” said Luke-Indiana.

Beyond the sport itself, Luke-Indiana said that the training brings life lessons such as discipline, resilience, teamwork, and self-belief.

 “Majorettes teaches young people how to commit to a goal, support each other, and push through challenges. Those lessons are valuable far beyond the competition field."

However, such opportunities do not come cheaply.

 The cost for the tour is around R58,000, covering travel, accommodation, training camps, uniforms, and participation fees. 

This excludes passports, visas, and personal expenses, and Luke-Indiana is seeking support from the community and local businesses to help make this dream a reality.

To the young people of Brooklyn and beyond, dreaming big, Luke-Indiana shares this encouragement: “Believe in your potential and never be afraid to take a leap of faith. My journey started later than most, but with dedication and perseverance, incredible things can happen. If you’re passionate about something and willing to work for it, amazing opportunities can open up.”

Those who wish to show their support can contact Luke-Indiana via email at ypsmajorettes@gmail.com or phone 081 545 5004.