Vogue is a dance style based on movements that imitate the poses and facial expressions of vogue models. This dance, which has Afro and Latin American roots, originated in the 60s of the last century as a way of expressing gay culture. Today, vogue no longer has a pronounced sexual color, both boys and girls can dance it.
History of vogue
Vogue originates in the second half of the twentieth century. At that time, sexual minorities – mainly Afro and Latin American gay men – were actively looking for a way to express themselves. This desire resulted in participation in the New York Harlem balls, the highlight of which were women’s outfits.
Even for the advanced American society such events seemed wild at the time, and it was often difficult to hold them. At the same time, the number of gays among the population of black and colored neighborhoods was growing, and by the end of the 60s, many of them began to perform in Las Vegas burlesque shows. It was then that poses and pantomimes of models were used in dancing, which later formed the basis of vogue.
In the 1970s, vogue underwent some changes: the emphasis was no longer on women’s costumes, but on the individual style of the dancer. Thus, vogue became a way of self-realization and marked the beginning of a new street subculture.
Despite the fact that the style appeared in the 1960s, for a long time it was known only to a narrow circle of people. The popularity of vogue was brought by the documentary film “Paris is Burning” in 1990, which showed the lives of black and Latino transvestites and transsexuals in New York.
Thanks to him, the world learned about two sides of the life of American gay men: the daytime – full of discrimination and poverty, and the second, nighttime – with bright costumes, dancing, and wild shows. The popularity of the style was consolidated by the song of the same name by Madonna, which topped the world charts in 1990.
Trends of vogue
Like many modern dance styles, vogue has undergone many changes since its inception. Some dancers have embraced these changes, while others have remained true to the old style. The difference in views has led to the fact that there are 4 main directions in Vogue.
Old way vogue is a sub-style based on the original vogue movements with an emphasis on grace and posture.
New way vogue – a new sub-style, formed after 1990. Dancer new way vogue has more complex elements that require control and balance, actively uses the movement of hands and arms.
Vogue femme is the most feminine dance style. It was preferred by the “queens” of the ball.
Vogue dramatic is a sub-style based on acrobatic stunts: racks, falls, jumps and rotations.
vogue houses
The vogue world has its own structure and hierarchy. Style dancers often unite around the house. The most famous vogue houses in the world are House of Ninja, House of Mizrahi, House of Xtravaganza, House of Lebeija, House of Aviance. Each house is a dance society with its own social philosophy. Members of the house position themselves as a family. There are children, mother, father and founding father.
How to dress in the studio for vogue?
The best clothes for vogue (as well as for other modern dances) – the one that adjusts to the right manner, emphasizes sexuality, does not hide and does not constrain movements. Fitted bright T-shirts and T-shirts, tight trousers, jeans and leggings made of elastic fabric are suitable. You can also complement the image with jewelry and accessories such as voluminous bright bracelets and earrings, but the main thing is not to overdo it, because safety during the dance should come first.