When the Seattle Chinese Community Girls’ Drill Team is in performance mode, member faces are stern, and their movements are polished and precise. Turn off the spotlight, they let loose — laughing, joking, and doing dance moves. That dichotomy is what the drill team is about: acting as ambassadors of Chinese culture while also being a community unto themselves.
The drill team was started in 1952 by a group of girls from Garfield High School — the “Chi-ettes,” as they called themselves. They wanted to do more in the community and had heard about Chinese girls’ drill teams elsewhere.
The Chi-ettes approached local Chinese American leader Ruby Chow, who secured a funding sponsor and recruited a member of Seattle’s Police Drill Team to teach the girls precision moves. The team has been expanding its repertoire ever since, and has done national and international performances.
It’s mission is to provide “meaningful activity for Chinese girls, offering a safe space to bond and represent their families and community,” said team Director Isabelle Gonn. Throughout the drill team’s existence, its ideals of building community, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and promoting confidence have not wavered.
Still, it has flexed and adjusted to societal changes. While the original members primarily came from immigrant households, present-day members represent greater diversity, including those from multigenerational Chinese American families, those with blended cultural backgrounds, and Chinese adoptees seeking to learn more about their heritage.
Girls between the ages of 11 and 18 are invited to join the team, and aren’t required to audition or have prior performing arts experience. Team members commit to Saturday practices between April and August.
The drill team’s more than 70-year history and evolution was captured by the late Della Chen in the award-winning documentary film “She Marches in Chinatown.” In it, the deep connections between members is evident.
“The drill team is like my second family,” said Hannah Haskel, a former team member. “It isn’t like normal sports where there’s competition between teammates, because we are all connected, literally. I have made some of my closest friends and best memories.”
Learn more by visiting seattlechinesegirlsdrillteam.com.
