Vogue

Emerging from the vibrant underground ball scene of 1960s and 80s Harlem, vogue (or voguing) transcends the realm of mere dance. Born from the creative expression of African American and Latino LGBTQ+ communities, vogue became a powerful tool for self-narration within a societal landscape that often marginalized them. Ballrooms transformed into runways, where dancers dueled not with moonwalks but with fierce poses and captivating narratives woven through movement.

The style draws inspiration from diverse sources. The high-fashion world, immortalized in the pages of Vogue magazine, lends its elegance and glamor. Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics contribute a sense of power and symbolism, further enriching the dancer’s visual vocabulary. Beyond mere imitation, vogue infuses these elements with a unique theatricality, each pose and gesture imbued with personal narrative. It becomes a silent symphony of self-expression, a celebration of individuality that defies societal constraints. While it may have originated in the shadows, vogue has steadily gained recognition, emerging as a powerful artistic statement and a testament to the enduring creativity of its founding communities.