Madonna’s hit song “Vogue” brought a highly-stylized dance to the mainstream in the 1990s, but it actually dates back to the 1960s and was one of many cultural expressions that came from an underground Black and LatinX underground LGBTQ+ subculture that originated in New York City, known as Ballroom or Ball Culture. For a more current reference... think Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour meets RuPaul’s Drag Race… on steroids!
But while it centers largely around fierce and fabulous runway-style competitions, it’s also about creating safe spaces.
Michael Roberson is a New York City-based university professor, advocate, activist, artist, curator, and leader within the LGBTQ community. He is also the co-creator of the nation’s only Black Gay Research group and National Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition.
Davry Glamm Lauren is a fellow expert and when he’s not on the Ballroom Culture scene, he’s a professional dancer with Cleo Parker-Robinson Dance Theatre.
Dominique Jackson stars in the television series, “Pose,” on FX and has been described as an iconic Ballroom hall of famer.
