Queer History in Dance
By Nicole Barrett, DWC Blog Contributor
LGBTQIA+ communities go underappreciated and unrepresented in spaces where recognition is necessary. Without these communities striving for inclusivity and freedom of expression, the styles that we know and love today would be completely different. In LGBTQIA+ culture, dance is a very important part of expressing joy and expressing themselves anytime they can. Attend any Pride event or gay club and you will see the joy and expression that dance can bring to such a big community. Here are just some of the ways that LGBTQIA+ communities have paved the way for dance!
Voguing
The term “voguing” comes from Vogue Magazine as the movements that define this style are inspired by the poses of the models in the magazine. Willi Ninja is called the godfather of voguing who helped create this art form and took inspiration from ballet, martial arts, gymnastics, and pantomimes. Voguing has been used to present gender as a performance and was taken over by drag queens in their performances to pretend to apply makeup or other extravagant movements.
The Ballroom Scene
The Ballroom Scene, also known as ball culture or ballroom culture, was founded by African-American and Latino youth that has a subculture in the LGBTQIA+ originated in New York City. This started in the late 20th century when drag queens would hold their own pageants in opposition to the racism experienced in professional drag queen circuits. The inclusion of gay men and trans women is what made the ballroom scene what it is today. Various categories allow for all LGBTQIA+ members to participate and express themselves as they see fit for cash prizes and trophies.
Stereotypes in Ballet
Ballet has always been a style in which gender stereotypes have played a big role in its production. These notions are seen to be outdated and stuck in the past, but LGBTQIA+ innovation has created a new look for ballet. New ways of performing your favorite variations are pushing the dance industry into a new realm where people of all gender identities can be whichever role they are most comfortable with. Queer ballerinas such as Ashton Edwards,
Chase Johnsey, and many others are helping pave the way for a new ballet industry that accepts all dancers' identities, not just cis presenting individuals.
Waacking
Waacking is a specific element of street dance that was created in gay clubs in the Los Angeles area during the 1970s disco era. This specific style of dance is typically done to disco music and has a very distinctive look to it. Rotational arm movements and emphasis on posing and expressiveness can distinguish this style from others. Like voguing, waacking has some of the same influences like gymnastics, jazz and martial arts. This style of dance is in effect because of the LGBTQIA+ community and has caught the attention in modern day media as well.
The LGBTQIA+ community has helped pave the way for various dance styles and new cultures in dance to enhance inclusivity and acceptance. These queer artists go unrecognized for their hard work and passion to create a form of expression where they make themselves and others feel accepted. By learning the history of some of our favorite dance styles, we can honor and acknowledge the accomplishments and sacrifices these artists made for the dance world we love today.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_culture
https://www.lgbtculturalheritage.com/dance
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vogue_(dance)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ6fqQX_e9U&t=87s
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/19/arts/dance/nonbinary-ballet-dancers-swan-lake.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chase_Johnsey
Disclaimer
All content found on the Dancewear Center Website, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and all other relevant social media platforms including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. Offerings for continuing education credits are clearly identified and the appropriate target audience is identified. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Dancewear Center does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on dancewearcenter.net. Reliance on any information provided by dancewearcenter.net, Dancewear Center employees, contracted writers, or medical professionals presenting content for publication to Dancewear Center is solely at your own risk.
Links to educational content not created by Dancewear Center are taken at your own risk. Dancewear Center is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.