Let a bitch know
Created by transgender people of color and drag queens in the 1970s in Harlem, New York, voguing has become a global movement celebrating individual beauty and continues to give a creative home to those who need it. King of the Paris scene, Kiddy Smile came to the Vogue Paris offices to break the dance down for Loïc Prigent and explain why it's still so relevant today, surrounded by his dancers from the legendary Houses of Ladurée, Gucci, Revlon and Ninja.
Music: ‘Let A Bitch Know’ by Kiddy Smile
Note: hit the close caption button if you don't parle Français!
I think that deconstructing gender is subversive and necessary. The idea some gay men have of gender expression being treated as currency (see the Masc for Masc crowd) is, at best, outmoded. At worst, self-destructive. The feminine is seen as something undesirable, something that is not attractive. Their motto is 'if I wanted a woman, I'd date a woman'. But they forget that no matter how feminine (not effeminate, which I consider to be pejorative) a man could be, there's always a man there.
Vogueing, or Ballroom Dancing, is one of the ways that people use to subvert the paradigm of masculinity that some hold so dear to their very masculine hearts. Vogueing, with its vigorous poses and definitely feminine energy, may not be considered by some as a valid art expression, but I beg to differ. Vogueing could be considered an art form because it channels creativity, dance and theatricality at the same time and as such, it has some very defined elements Let's see:
- Hand Performance, to tell a story and sell it.
- Duck Walk, to make the move between the pose and the catwalk.
- Hair Control, because hairography is FUNDAMENTAL. It talks about transition.
- Floor Performance, is basically, sex. Unfiltered, delivered in a platter.
- Houses: that's the house you belong to and it defines the kind of movement and choreo that will set you apart.
- Catwalk, where you WORK! Here's where the children shine. That's where you alter ego takes over.
- Spin and Dip, or shablam! or death drop. Here's where the skill of dance and the drama of the catwalk collide. That's how you face society.
Vogueing is passed from House Mothers to Children. It follows other oral traditions in the sense that it is passed on by each generation and it creates community for Black and Latino queer and transgender youth through the transmission of knowledge. At the same time, it provides a framework for a philosophical view of what life could be and a way to achieve that goal. Vogueing opens a space for marginalized youth of color to find a place where they can be themselves. It's subversive and even though it is open, it is accessible mostly to those who need it.
As Kiddy Smile says, it's not possible that Vogueing would become 'mainstream' because it is, at its core, an expression against homophobia (internalized and overt) and racism. As long as queer youth of color are not allowed by the 'mainstream gays' to express their gender and sexuality in an open manner, there'll be a need for vogueing. There'll be dancing for a while.
What I loved was that these queer boys took over Vogue Paris headquarters and made them well, theirs. As is their right.
XOXO
And here's that BOP:
Now, prance!
LAURYLEE-ROY
It's all so infectious, the music, the moves, the clothes. Love it.
ReplyDeleteso true!!!
DeleteI know!
DeleteWell, Ballroom Culture has always been infused with House music. It's the perfect beat. And I am convinced whatever it is they're wearing it's designer. It's Vogue Paris headquarters, after all. That green number? A dream.
XOXO
Love it. I suspect there will someday be art exhibits dedicated to the form, as it tells a story and shares a history unlike anything before. I agree with what you have to say about gender concepts and your criticism aimed at the Masc for Masc crowd. Ageism, racism, and sexism flourish on Grindr and similar apps unchecked. Someone plays that shit on me, I tell them my truth. Bullshit is bullshit. I have no time or energy for it. I always tell them... educate yourself and evolve - which is what is at the heart of voguing. Thanks for sharing this. You continue to educate and illuminate. Shine on.
ReplyDeleteAnd there should be.
DeleteBut not too soon, though. As Kiddy says, it may take a while to go mainstream. Ageism, racism and sexism are still our daily bread. And I wish I could be there if someone tries to play any of those in your presence. LOL
XOXO
I don 't think anything will ever top Paris is Burning. That docu and cast is and will always be legendary. Now go werk it, but don't wreck it Six!!!! Own it gurl!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh he will.
DeleteOh, Paris is Burning is cannon.
DeleteLegend has it that Crystal La Beija went on to create the first House because of the racism that existed in the pageant world and Paris is Burning cemented the idea that Ballroom Culture is underground. Marginalized queer youth will always flock to where they're accepted.
Werk the House Down, Boots!
XOXO
Well, see? Now I know what it's really about. When I start watching the new season of "Pose" I'll have a much better understanding.
ReplyDeleteThough, dare I say, some of the misconceptions (as Upton points out) are shared across many platforms. The thing is...we all need to stop with the biases, the prejudgment, across the board. We should all be free to express ourselves. XOXO
That's right!
DeleteYou see, Ballroom Culture, as any subculture, does need to be deciphered. Pose gets it right. It has great consultants that really know the culture. And we do need to work towards ending bigotry and prejudice, of course. Everybody should be able to do whatever the hell they want when expressing their gender identity. Why not?
XOXO
Though there is a seriousness in their face I believe there is great joy in their hearts as they express their feelings through their moves. Even seated there is so much expression there.
ReplyDeleteXOXO 👨❤️💋👨
Oh, the fact that they are in the offices of Vogue Paris is HUGE.
DeleteAnd it's really obvious that they love what they do. One cannot fake that passion. I was enthralled the whole time.
XOXO
I'm out of touch, I didn't know they vogued any more.
ReplyDeleteOMG Dave.
DeleteYou're suck a dad. Ballroom Culture and Vogueing have never stopped. There's houses in Philly, Detroit, New York. Wherever you have disenfranchised youth of color, there's going to be some kind of Ballroom scene.
XOXO