Whether she knows it or not, every girl who has ever dreamed of taking her place in a line of high-kicking dancers on a football field at halftime has been inspired by the Kilgore College Rangerettes, the world's first precision dance drill team. Founded in Kilgore, Texas, in 1939-1940 by the incomparable Gussie Nell Davis, the Rangerettes have performed for national and international audiences, appearing frequently at events such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and major football bowl games across the nation, including the New Year's Cotton Bowl Classic in Dallas each year since 1951. An icon of Americana, the red-white-and-blue clad Rangerettes have drawn the attention of numerous photographers and writers seeking to understand the enduring appeal of a group that some might view as anachronistic. O. Rufus Lovett, a fine art photographer who has taught at Kilgore College for more than thirty years, began photographing the 'Rettes in 1989. His interpretive photo essay in this book expresses his fascination with "the glamour of the Rangerettes' performances juxtaposed with the small-town atmosphere, football turf, metal bleachers, chain-link fences, and asphalt and concrete environment." In Lovett's masterfully composed photographs, the Rangerette performances captivate with their multiplicity of "shapes, patterns, and designs." While Lovett treats the 'Rettes as an artistic subject, he also captures the esprit de corps that keeps the girls smiling even when they have to march on icy pavement and prompts their mothers to wear T-shirts that proudly proclaim "Rette Mom." An affectionate, yet unsentimental and occasionally irreverent portrait, Kilgore Rangerettes beautifully conveys the timeless quality of this unique subculture of young American womanhood.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Photography 101. Subject: Rangerettes,
By candels40 (USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Kilgore Rangerettes (Clifton and Shirley Caldwell Texas Heritage) (Hardcover)
I would consider this more of a photography technique book with a focus on one subject, rather than a book documenting the Rangerettes. This is a nice set of photographs in a very hefty, expensive coffee table book. It's interesting that, through the years, all that changes is the hairstyles under the hats. A lot of the pictures are lovely and technically very good. The best photos are from a Rangerette trip to New York, with the pretty girls against the grime of the city. I would love to see an entire book of shots like that.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gorgeous,
By
This review is from: Kilgore Rangerettes (Clifton and Shirley Caldwell Texas Heritage) (Hardcover)
I was a Rangerette from 1993-1995, and it was such a unique and wonderful experience for me. I would not trade this honor for anything. Knowing this, my parents bought this book (in hardcover) as a surprise for me.
The photography and design of the book is STUNNING. It brought back so many memories to see these photos. I've already looked through it several times & keep finding something new. This book is a work of art. Two thumbs up to all the people who worked on this project...you really did convey the essence of this special organization.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gift,
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Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Kilgore Rangerettes (Clifton and Shirley Caldwell Texas Heritage) (Hardcover)
This was a gift to my cousin who was a Rangerette in an earlier life. My understanding is that she enjoyed it.
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