Twirling together across the North.
The Northern Majorette Association brings troupes, dancers, coaches and families together for well-run competitions, friendly judging and a community that has been growing since 2006.
Twenty years of putting dancers first
What every troupe can expect when they compete with the NMA.
Fair competitions
Clear rules, published scoring and experienced judges, so every dancer knows exactly how they're marked and what to work on next.
Safe and welcoming
Safeguarding policies, DBS-checked officials and a named safeguarding lead at every event. Parents can relax and enjoy the show.
A northern family
Troupes who've competed with us for years alongside brand-new teams. We celebrate first medals as loudly as championship titles.
Ways to compete
Disciplines run across every age group at NMA competitions.
Where do you fit in?
Whether you're new to majorettes or already run a troupe, there's a place for you.
Dancers and parents
Looking for a troupe near you, or want to know what a competition day involves? Tell us where you are and we'll point you in the right direction.
Find a troupeTroupe leaders
Affiliate your troupe with the NMA to enter competitions, receive the rule book and join a network of northern coaches.
Affiliate your troupeJudges and volunteers
Events run on the people behind the scenes. Help with judging, scoring, stewarding or the raffle table.
Offer to helpFrom first enquiry to the competition floor
Complete the registration form
Fill in the NMA registration form for your troupe.
Submit your registration fee
Send your registration fee along with a copy of your troupe's public liability insurance.
Train and prepare
Your troupe leader handles memberships and competition entries.
Compete
Take to the floor at an NMA event and enjoy your moment.
Ready to twirl with us?
Register your interest today and we'll be in touch with troupes, events and everything you need to get started.
Proudly northern since 2006
We started with a simple aim: give majorette troupes in the North a friendly, well-organised place to compete. Twenty years on, that's still what drives us.
Our story
The Northern Majorette Association was founded in 2006 by coaches and parents who wanted competitions run by people who understood the sport and cared about the dancers taking part.
Since then, the NMA has hosted competitions, displays and workshops for troupes across the North, welcoming dancers from their very first routine through to seasoned champions.
We're run by volunteers, with every penny going back into events, trophies, judging and training.
"Every dancer deserves to feel proud when they walk off that floor, whatever the result."
NMA Committee
Twenty years in the making
A few milestones from the NMA's journey.
The Northern Majorette Association is founded.
New troupes join from across the region and the competition calendar expands.
Formal safeguarding policy introduced, with DBS checks for all officials.
Our 20th season – and a brand-new website for the NMA community.
What we stand for
Fairness
Transparent rules and impartial judging at every event.
Safety
Dancer welfare always comes before anything else.
Respect
Good sportsmanship between troupes, coaches and families.
Growth
Workshops and coaching that help dancers and leaders improve.
The committee
The volunteers who keep the NMA running.
2027 competition season
All competitions are held at Havercroft Sports Centre, Wakefield, WF4 2BB. Troupe leaders enter on behalf of their dancers – spectators are always welcome.
Get directions to Havercroft Sports Centre. Any changes to dates are posted in our Facebook group.
Entering a competition
Troupe leaders submit entries using the NMA entry form before the closing date. Late entries can't always be accepted.
On the day
Arrive in good time to register. Running orders are shared with troupe leaders in the week before the event.
Results
Results are announced at the presentation and shared with troupe leaders and in the Facebook group afterwards.
Rules, forms and guidance
Everything troupe leaders, dancers and parents need in one place.
Downloads
NMA rule book
Disciplines, timings, uniform and scoring criteria.
PDF · DownloadCompetition entry form
For troupe leaders entering dancers into events.
PDF · DownloadSafeguarding policy
How we keep every dancer safe at NMA events.
PDF · DownloadTroupe affiliation form
Register a new troupe with the NMA.
PDF · DownloadSeason calendar
All confirmed dates for the current season.
PDF · DownloadCode of conduct
Expectations for dancers, coaches and spectators.
PDF · DownloadSections
The same sections and routine lengths apply to Baton, Poms and Military Freestyle.
| Section | Routine length | Age limit | Average age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novice | 2–3 minutes | Up to 6 years | 6.99 |
| Dinky | 3–4 minutes | Up to 9 years | 9.99 |
| Tiny | 4–5 minutes | Up to 12 years | 12.99 |
| Junior | 5–7 minutes | Up to 15 years | 15.99 |
| Senior | 6–8 minutes | Open age | – |
Disciplines
Common questions
Can't find the answer? Get in touch.
Who can join the NMA?
Anyone who loves to twirl. Dancers join through an affiliated troupe, and we welcome all ages and abilities.
Do I need any experience?
Not at all. Troupes welcome complete beginners and will help you find the right level and events.
How do competition entries work?
Your troupe leader enters you using the NMA entry form and pays any entry fees before the closing date.
Can family come and watch?
Yes – spectators are welcome at all competitions. Door prices and refreshments are listed on each event.
How do I report a safeguarding concern?
Speak to the safeguarding lead at the event or email our safeguarding officer straight away. Details are on the Contact us page.
Join the NMA family
Tell us a little about yourself and we'll be in touch with the next steps. It only takes a minute.
Registration sent
Thanks for registering your interest. A member of the NMA committee will be in touch soon.
We'd love to hear from you
Questions about events, entries, affiliation or anything else – drop us a message and the committee will reply.
Message sent
Thanks for getting in touch. We aim to reply within a few days.