I. What is Vogue Dance?
Vogue dance, also known as voguing, is a style of dance that originated in the LGBTQ+ ballroom scene in New York City in the 1980s. It is characterized by intricate hand and arm movements, fluid body movements, and dramatic poses. Vogue dance is often performed in competitions called “balls,” where participants compete in various categories such as runway, vogue femme, and vogue performance.
Vogue dance is not just a form of dance, but also a form of self-expression and empowerment for many members of the LGBTQ+ community. It is a way for individuals to showcase their creativity, confidence, and individuality through movement and style.
II. History of Vogue Dance
Vogue dance originated in the underground ballroom scene of Harlem in the 1960s and 1970s, where LGBTQ+ people of color would gather to compete in dance and fashion competitions. The dance style was inspired by the poses and movements of fashion models in magazines such as Vogue, hence the name “voguing.”
Vogue dance gained mainstream popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s, thanks to the documentary film “Paris is Burning” and the hit song “Vogue” by Madonna. The film showcased the vibrant ballroom culture of New York City and brought vogue dance to a wider audience.
Since then, vogue dance has continued to evolve and grow, with new styles and techniques being developed by dancers around the world. Today, vogue dance is practiced by people of all backgrounds and is a popular form of dance in the LGBTQ+ community.
III. Elements of Vogue Dance
Vogue dance is characterized by a number of key elements, including:
1. Hand and arm movements: Vogue dancers use intricate hand and arm movements to create shapes and lines that mimic the poses of fashion models.
2. Catwalk: Vogue dancers often incorporate elements of runway modeling into their performances, strutting and posing as if they were walking down a fashion runway.
3. Duckwalk: The duckwalk is a signature move in vogue dance, where dancers squat down and walk on their toes while striking poses with their arms and hands.
4. Floorwork: Vogue dancers often incorporate elements of floorwork into their performances, using the floor as a stage to showcase their flexibility and agility.
5. Dramatic poses: Vogue dancers use dramatic poses and facial expressions to convey emotion and attitude in their performances.
IV. Famous Vogue Dance Moves
There are several iconic vogue dance moves that have become synonymous with the style, including:
1. The Death Drop: The death drop is a dramatic move where the dancer falls backwards into a split or dip, often accompanied by a hair flip or other flourish.
2. The Dip: The dip is a move where the dancer leans back and arches their body, often while striking a pose with their arms and hands.
3. The Spin: The spin is a fast and fluid movement where the dancer rotates their body in a circle, often while striking a series of poses.
4. The Hand Performance: Hand performance is a key element of vogue dance, where dancers use intricate hand and finger movements to create shapes and lines.
5. The Catwalk: The catwalk is a signature move in vogue dance, where dancers strut and pose as if they were walking down a fashion runway.
V. Vogue Dance in Popular Culture
Vogue dance has had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing music, fashion, and dance around the world. The hit song “Vogue” by Madonna brought vogue dance to the mainstream in the early 1990s, and the music video featured iconic vogue dance moves and poses.
Vogue dance has also been featured in numerous music videos, TV shows, and movies, including Beyoncé’s “Formation” video, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and the FX series Pose. The dance style has become a symbol of empowerment and self-expression for many members of the LGBTQ+ community.
In recent years, vogue dance has gained popularity on social media platforms such as TikTok, where dancers share videos of themselves performing vogue-inspired choreography. The dance style has also been embraced by mainstream fashion designers and choreographers, who incorporate vogue elements into their work.
VI. Vogue Dance Communities and Events
Vogue dance has a vibrant and active community of dancers, choreographers, and enthusiasts around the world. There are numerous vogue dance events and competitions held in cities across the globe, where dancers come together to showcase their skills and creativity.
One of the most famous vogue dance events is the annual Ballroom Throwback, held in New York City, where dancers compete in various categories and showcase their talent on the dance floor. Other popular vogue dance events include the International Vogue Ball in Paris, the London Ballroom Scene Awards, and the Berlin Voguing Out Festival.
Vogue dance has also inspired a number of dance companies and collectives, such as the House of Ninja, the House of LaBeija, and the House of Xtravaganza. These houses serve as a support network for vogue dancers and provide a sense of community and belonging for LGBTQ+ individuals.
In conclusion, vogue dance is more than just a style of dance – it is a form of self-expression, empowerment, and community for many members of the LGBTQ+ community. With its roots in the ballroom scene of New York City, vogue dance has evolved into a global phenomenon that continues to inspire and influence dancers and artists around the world.