The Birth of Ballroom: A Rebellion Against Exclusion

The ballroom scene began in the early 20th century as a response to the exclusion of Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ individuals from predominantly white queer spaces. Drag balls existed in cities like Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance, but they were often segregated or limited in inclusivity.

By the 1960s and 1970s, pioneers such as Crystal LaBeija had founded spaces where queer folks marginalized by society could celebrate themselves unapologetically. This was how the House system emerged, made of chosen families led by "Mothers" or "Fathers" who nurtured, protected, and celebrated their "children." In fact, for many queer people of color, these houses became places of refuge in a world replete with racism, homophobia, and transphobia.

Voguing: The Language of Defiance

Perhaps one of the most iconic things to have come from the ballroom scene is voguing, an art form inspired by the poses in fashion magazines like Vogue. Far more than a dance, voguing is a language-a way of storytelling, self-expression, and defiance. The three main styles, known as Old Way, New Way, and Vogue Fem, reflect the evolution of this art to celebrate the fluidity of gender and the power of self-confidence.

The 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning captured voguing in its prime, catapulting the art form into the mainstream. Shortly after, Madonna's hit song "Vogue" paid homage to the movement, bringing it to global audiences. Yet, even as it gained popularity, many of the originators-Black and Latinx queer folks-were erased from the narrative. Today, there's a growing effort to credit ballroom's innovators and honor their legacy.

Fashion: The Runway as Resistance

Ballroom is undeniably influential in fashion. From the over-the-top gowns of the Fem Queens to the sharp, tailored looks of the Butch Queens, ballroom categories celebrate creativity while challenging traditional gender norms. Competitions often take the form of high-fashion runway shows, with participants creating couture-level designs from thrift store finds or DIY materials.

Mainstream fashion has borrowed from ballroom aesthetics for a long time. Designers like Mugler and Jean Paul Gaultier have drawn inspiration from the scene, while contemporary brands like Balenciaga and Telfar collaborate with ballroom icons. Even pop stars like Beyoncé and Rihanna have incorporated ballroom elements into their performances, nodding to the scene's unparalleled flair for drama and elegance.