Ballroom; Hold That Pose For Me
2015 – 2021
Internal colour diffusion transfer print (Fuji Instax Wide)
Ballroom; HTPFM series is a chapter in the instant film series where I captured (sub)cultures within the afro diaspora while rebalancing the scale of power dynamics between a photographer and a subject. Just like in Afropolitans I asked every individual how they wanted to be seen and this time let them choose their own signature poses. It is a visual documentation of time and research of the body and identity.
Ballroom and voguing are integral parts of a subculture that emerged from the LGBTQ+ and primarily African American and Latino communities in New York City during the 1960s and gained significant prominence in the 1980s. The ballroom scene is a vibrant, underground community where participants come together to express themselves through performance, fashion, and competition. Events, known as "balls," are characterized by extravagant displays of style and flair, often set in competition formats. Participants compete in different categories that can range from dance to fashion modeling to costume execution, showcasing their creativity and individuality.
Ball culture is organized around "houses," which are alternative family structures within the scene. Each house is led by a "Mother" or "Father" and consists of members who compete together and support each other emotionally and creatively. Ball culture and its houses and events were created as a safe space where people can express themselves freely and find a sense of belonging.
Voguing is a highly stylized form of dance that originated within the ballroom scene. It is characterized by angular movements inspired by the poses struck by models in fashion magazines like Vogue, hence the name. The dance involves intricate footwork, floor performance, spins, and arm movements, often performed to house music at balls. The title of the series is a line the MC at balls yells at the end of every contest when contestants are nearing the end of the battle and have to get ready by holding still in their last pose to be judged by the jury.
Around 2013 ballroom culture set foot in the Netherlands and grew significantly within the next decade. Having a history as a dancer, I came in contact with old friends and started training vogue dancing with them, which leaded to me visiting a ball for the first time. Blown away by the beauty, creativity and work put in by its community I decided to try to capture the magic of ballroom culture.
Over a period of 6 years I joined events, dance classes and visited balls where I filmed and photographed ball contestants backstage on instant film. Shown here is a selection of the instant portrait series.
Ballroom: HTPFM has been exhibited in 2021 at the Comenius Museum during Fotofestival Naarden.
