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The Tumblers and Drill Team members enjoyed rehearsing together starting in October and taping in November for this spectacular New Year's Eve show.

South Shore Drill Team & the Jesse White Tumblers performed together for the first time on the New Year's Eve Special Countdown Chicago 2025. While the two groups have appeared at thousands of the same events, it was always at a different time. ABC Chicago 7 brought them together for this occasion and the performance was dynamic.
    "These two teams both provide great entertainment while guiding young people towards success," says Arthur Robertson, Founder and Director of South Shore Drill Team.
    South Shore Drill Team celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2025 and the Jesse White Tumblers have a 65-year legacy.

"We’ve received heartfelt feedback from Chicago, across the country, and around the world. This is truly a celebration of everything that makes Chicago special, and it’s the perfect way to close out the year as we look ahead to 2025." Terrell Brown, ABC Ch. 7 Anchor

"We’ve received heartfelt feedback from Chicago, across the country, and around the world. This is truly a celebration of everything that makes Chicago special, and it’s the perfect way to close out the year as we look ahead to 2025." Terrell Brown, ABC Ch. 7 Anchor

South Shore Drill Team uses performing arts to engage inner-city youth throughout their critical teenage years, mitigating the dangers of gangs, drugs, and violence, while guiding members towards completing their education and career goals.

In 1980, Chicago public school teacher Arthur Robertson founded South Shore Drill Team to offer a positive and creative outlet for inner-city youth. What began with four neighborhood teens twirling wooden rifles has grown into a nationally-known organization that performs at more than 70 events and serves more than 250 young people ages 8 to 24 every year.