Interview with Isabell from the European Ballroom Scene

Hello, everyone! I'm Melody, a proud member of Venopi. I want to take a moment to share something close to my heart. As an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, I've come across many struggles they face. It's disheartening to hear how some families refuse to accept them, leading to a painful experience of dealing with hatred from others. Unfortunately, violence is also an all-too-common reality for them, even from people who don't know them personally.

 

Recently, I learned about Voguing and its significant impact on the LGBTQIA+ community. I used to think it was just a dance expression, popularized by Madonna, but I discovered it means so much more. To learn more about it, I had a wonderful conversation with Isabell, who has been part of the Voguing community and belonged to the House of Revlon.

 

Meet Isabell!

Today, I am thrilled to introduce you to Isabell (she/her), hailing all the way from the pop music powerhouse, Sweden!

 

Isabell has been an integral part of the Voguing community since 2015 and has an impressive background, having been a member of the renowned House of Revlon. Get ready for an enlightening and inspiring conversation! Let's dive right in!

 

 

What does voguing mean to you?

For me, Voguing is synonymous with "family." When I became a part of the House of Revlon, I discovered the deep-rooted history of Voguing and the Ballroom scene, which originally offered refuge to LGBTQIA+ youths who were rejected by their families. These houses became their new families, filled with loving individuals who took on roles like mothers, fathers, uncles, and aunties.

 

Even though my parents accepted my sexuality and identity, I can't deny the profound love, connection, and warmth I experienced within the House of Revlon. It provided a safe and supportive environment where I could truly be myself and blossom without fear.

 

Voguing has given me a sense of belonging and empowerment, where I've found strength in my chosen family. It's a powerful and transformative community that inspires and uplifts us all.

 

How did you get into voguing?

My journey into Voguing began during my time in Stockholm. As someone with a dancing background, I had friends who were already part of the voguing scene. Intrigued by their passion, I decided to give it a try. I started competing in the Vogue Femme category as a 007 (a unique category designation you'll learn more about soon!). Eventually, I was warmly embraced by the House of Revlon, where I continued to grow and thrive, competing in the Sex Sirens category.

What do you like the most about voguing?

The most cherished aspect of voguing for me is the support system it creates. Having a group of people you genuinely trust and feel comfortable with, supporting and surrounding you, is an absolute privilege. Despite being from different houses and competing on the dance floor, we stand united against a society that discriminates and marginalizes the LGBTQIA+ community beyond the "battlefield."

 

As a white, cis, and straight-passing woman, I recognize that my struggles differ from those of LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly minorities. My close connection with my non-binary, minority partner has given me insights into their quest for societal equilibrium and acceptance.

 

In voguing, every individual gets a chance to shine and become a star. It's a transformative experience that allows you to forget about the outside world and immerse yourself in the joy of dance. The creativity and dedication displayed by each house are awe-inspiring – the countless hours spent choreographing, training, and designing outfits result in breathtaking, full-blown performances. Witnessing this devotion leaves me mind-blown every single time!

 

This is a funny question – what's your favorite house?

Oh, it has to be the House of Revlon, hands down! They are simply unbeatable! laughs

 

I used to be one of the mothers of the Dutch chapter of the House of Revlon, along with Savphire Angels Revlon. While Savphire Revlon is still actively involved in the scene, I took a break from it all when my bakery company demanded my full attention. And now, my excuse is that I live in the middle of nowhere, up in the north of Sweden, with my lovely dogs and soulmate. Life has taken some interesting turns, but the memories with the House of Revlon will always hold a special place in my heart!

 

 

Ah, I love that! As the mother of a house, what do you do? What is your role?

Being a mother in the House of Revlon is quite straightforward yet deeply meaningful. Our primary responsibility is ensuring that our "children" are well cared for. Savi (Savphire Revlon) and I made it a point to regularly check in on everyone in the Dutch chapter. We organized training sessions to ensure everyone was prepared for competitions, but it goes far beyond just training and competing.

 

As mothers, we created a safe and supportive space for our members to open up about various aspects of their lives. We talked about love, crushes, struggles with school, housing issues – essentially anything they felt comfortable sharing with us. We were there to lend a listening ear and offer a helping hand whenever needed, going the extra mile or two to support them in any way possible. It's all about fostering a strong bond and a sense of family within the House of Revlon.

Do you have any tips for someone who wants to join the voguing community or find a house?

Absolutely! To become a part of the voguing community, start by attending the Balls. Being social and making connections is crucial. The voguing community is often close-knit, and everyone knows each other. So, remember to be mindful and respectful because your reputation can spread quickly. On the flip side, if you're shady, it won't go unnoticed.

 

There are generally two kinds of Balls: the Kiki ball and The Ball. Kiki balls are more fun and laid-back versions of the ballroom scene, making them a great entry point to the community.

 

Now, if your goal is to join a house, practice is key. Dedicate time to perfect your voguing skills. Engage with people in the scene, get to know them, and make a name for yourself. The more you improve, the higher the chances of getting noticed by the mothers or fathers of the houses. Eventually, they might even approach you if they see your growth and potential! Keep pushing yourself, and the right opportunities will come your way.

Hypothetically, if I attend many Balls without belonging to a house, would it be appropriate for me to compete at the Balls, or would it be better to start with Kiki balls?

Absolutely! Participating in both Kiki balls and The Ballroom level is possible, but I'd suggest starting with Kiki balls to build your skills and confidence. Competing at The Ballroom level without mastering certain skill sets might result in being "chopped" by the juries. There are essential techniques you'll want to develop before diving into the higher-level competitions.

 

However, if you've been practicing and feel well-prepared, you can certainly compete at both levels. In the voguing community, independent performers like you are known as "double-o-sevens" or "007s." It's worth noting that houses often scout and recruit talented "007s," so giving your all during competitions consistently can open doors to exciting opportunities.

 

Remember, "chopping" means being cut from a category, and you won't advance to the next round. Take your time to perfect your skills, and with dedication, you'll shine on the voguing floor!

How has joining a house impacted you both physically and mentally, and how has it contributed to your personal growth and evolution?

Joining a house tremendously impacted me because the support system felt incredibly genuine. It was like discovering an extended family that I had only just found out about.

 

Initially, the instant family feeling posed a challenge, as with any family dynamic. But soon, I sensed that everyone had my back, and the sense of "I got you" was profoundly comforting.

 

When I joined the House of Revlon, I was going through a period of deep depression, with some very dark episodes. However, being part of the house allowed me to live my life without shame or the need to explain myself. I could be my authentic self around them, and the connections we formed were remarkably quick and genuine.

 

It's important to note that being vulnerable in the house was not a sign of weakness; rather, it fostered a strong bond among us. The truth is, even the least traumatized LGBTQIA+ individual still carries some form of trauma. Despite not having grown up together, our shared experiences and the need to find safer spaces in society united us. We all understood and supported each other on our journeys through life.

 

What are your thoughts on Voguing becoming more mainstream?

It's indeed a complex question, and there are ongoing discussions within the ballroom community.

 

For many people outside the ballroom scene, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, the term "Vogue" or "Voguing" is often associated with Madonna or a magazine. However, shows like Pose have played a crucial role in educating the public about Voguing's true history, which is a positive development.

 

This growing mainstream awareness is great because it provides marginalized groups who have struggled for acceptance and understanding, with a sense of visibility and acknowledgement by society. I've witnessed transgender women in our community who previously faced challenges finding jobs now having opportunities to build their careers, thanks to Voguing's increased prominence.

 

These individuals have endured more hardships than I have as a straight-passing queer person. It fills me with pride and happiness to see them finally realizing their full potential by doing what they love.

 

On the flip side, we've also seen some straight dancers, unfamiliar with the history and background of the ballroom scene, appropriating dance moves and conducting workshops purely as a dance style rather than as a part of the culture and family. They profit from these workshops without truly being connected to the community. Personally, I believe these opportunities should be primarily for the people within the ballroom community.

 

It's a double-edged sword, but I believe that the positive impact of Voguing becoming more mainstream outweighs the negatives. The growing acceptance and recognition it brings to underrepresented communities far outweigh the challenges posed by cultural appropriation.

 

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Closing thoughts...

In conclusion, my conversation with Isabell shed light on the empowering essence of the voguing community and its positive impact on LGBTQIA+ individuals. Voguing, with its tight-knit houses and unwavering support, provides a haven for its members, fostering a sense of family and acceptance that contrasts with the struggles faced in society. As voguing gains mainstream recognition, there are challenges to navigate, but the community's resilience and unity prevail. Through dance and shared identity, voguing emerges as a vibrant and transformative force, uplifting and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community in all its authentic glory.

Let's celebrate love ❤