the explosive popularity of ballroom culture, particularly following madonna's iconic 1990 track "vogue," has undeniably reshaped global nightlife and inspired a new wave of artistic expression.
this cultural phenomenon has birthed acclaimed television series like "pose" and the competitive reality show "legendary," alongside the seminal documentary "paris is burning," a cornerstone of queer cinema. from the bustling streets of paris to the energetic hubs of lagos and tokyo, ballroom now electrifies cityscapes worldwide.
brazil's burgeoning ballroom scene
over the past decade, brazil has witnessed the remarkable growth and adaptation of ballroom.
the movement has permeated every corner of the nation, being creatively reimagined by a dynamic new generation of trans and black artists. in a typical ball, the judges are revered as pioneers - individuals credited with establishing the ballroom scene from its very inception.
these figures are not only undisputed leaders within the community but also crucial references for academic research into the culture.
the thrill of the competition
the atmosphere crackles with anticipation as the judges make their grand introductions.
dj luwa cheia unleashes the beat, signaling the host, juani, to announce the commencement of one of the evening's most anticipated events: "old way," the classic and foundational style of voguing. precision is paramount in this category, demanding that competitors execute movements with impeccable linearity, symmetry, and angularity using their arms and legs.
during their performance, jessy velvet masterfully incorporates copies of vogue magazine, highlighting how their art form exists at the nexus of tradition and the avant-garde. for jessy, ballroom represents a deeply personal form of artistic expression. the audience erupts in applause as performers execute a "dip," a dramatic backward plunge culminating in a grounded pose with one leg extended skyward.
their inaugural event in the city, the pioneer ball, served as a pivotal moment. it underscores the sentiment that both public and private institutions must amplify their support for cultural initiatives originating from historically marginalized groups.
ballroom's fusion with afro-diasporic traditions
in brazil, ballroom culture has blossomed independently, ingeniously blending with other rich afro-diasporic traditions, including capoeira and funk.
the pioneer ball itself hinted at a promising future for the scene with the unexpected introduction of a surprise category. with fifteen participants showcasing their skills, baby vogue emerged as the evening's most fiercely contested category, representing nearly half of all competitors.
examining the global reach and historical significance
the question arises: how has the art of vogue resonated so profoundly with a diverse audience, even reaching young white individuals in europe?
the answer lies in the enduring relevance of ballroom and house culture's history, especially during times when the rights and freedoms of queer people of color face increasing threats. ballroom culture, drag ball culture, the house-ballroom community, and similar terminology encapsulate an underground queer subculture.
this movement was pioneered by black trans and queer individuals who engage in "walking" - a form of competitive presentation.
participants who achieve a perfect "10" often engage in one-on-one battles for trophies, prizes, and the ultimate recognition. the accompanying photographs are by chantal regnault.
it is absolutely crucial to confront the dynamics of racism and oppression that persist within the queer community, continuing to systemically impact queer, trans, black, indigenous, and people of color (qtbipoc) today.
while certain drag balls of the past were desegregated, white judges were predominantly present, and black participants frequently faced exclusion from accolades or were subjected to unfair evaluations based on white aesthetic standards.
the genesis of house-ballroom
this systemic discrimination spurred black and latinex members of the community to establish their own balls.
these events provided a sanctuary where these oppressed communities could explore, experience, and embody lifestyles from which they were systematically excluded.
legend has it that labeija persuaded her friend, lottie, to host a ball specifically for black queens. this event would also mark the first ball to be organized by a "house." consequently, this ball, hosted by the house of labeija in 1960s harlem, is widely considered the inaugural black-led ball, laying the groundwork for the ballroom scene we recognize today.
the concept of "houses" in ballroom
the world of ballroom extends far beyond the spectacle of its extravagant events.
many participants are integral members of groups known as "houses." this represents a long-standing tradition within queer and racialized communities, where chosen families of friends reside together, forging deep relationships and a sense of community to compensate for estranged biological families.
houses are typically led by "mothers" and "fathers," who are usually elder or established figures within the ballroom scene. they offer guidance and support to their "children" within the house.
understanding the evolution of vogue
vogue, a highly stylized form of freestyle dance, originated from house music and the vibrant queer club scene of harlem, new york, in the late 1980s.
it embodies a camp aesthetic, presenting gender as a performance. dancers infuse their movements with an extravagant spirit, characterized by deliberate exaggeration and artificiality. the competitive aspect of vogue was initially referred to as "presentation" and later evolved into "performance." its signature style is instantly identifiable by its precise formation of lines, emphasis on symmetry, and the fluid, graceful execution of movements.
exploring different vogue styles
the original competitive iterations of "old way" involved participants attempting to pin their opponents to the floor or a wall to secure a victory.
similarly, the early competitive elements of "new way" also incorporated this pinning technique. the diverse styles within vogue fem performances range from "dramatics," which emphasizes daring stunts and complex tricks, to "soft," which prioritizes a graceful, beautiful, and flowing continuation between the five core elements of vogue.
unlike "old way" and "new way," vogue fem does not require pinning; its focus shifts towards compelling storytelling and outshining the competition.