LGBTQ+ Dance Movements Dancing Portal

Dance Subsets - Style, Variations, Types

Waacking/Punking

A form of dance created in the LGBT clubs of Los Angeles, involving moving the arms to the music beat, typically in a movement tight to the upper body.

Voguing

A highly stylized, modern house dance originating from the Harlem ballroom scene in the late 1960s that evolved out of the Harlem ballroom scene in the 1980s.

Ballroom/Ball Culture Dance

A vibrant dance style associated with the LGBTQ+ ballroom scene, including various forms of voguing and celebrating community tradition of performance and competition.

Vogue Fem

A dynamic style within the voguing category, known for its fluidity, exaggerated feminine movements, and dramatic storytelling.

LGBTQ+ Dance Movements: Expressions of Identity and Freedom

LGBTQ+ Dance Movements represent a vibrant and expressive collection of dance styles, born from the rich cultural fabric of the LGBTQ+ community. These dance forms are celebrated for their dynamic expression, emotional depth, and the empowerment they provide to individuals.

Cultural Roots

Emerging from the heart of the LGBTQ+ community, these dance styles have played a significant role in self-expression, community solidarity, and cultural storytelling, reflecting the community's resilience and vibrancy.

Waacking/Punking

Known for its expressive arm movements and dramatic poses, Waacking/Punking originated from the LGBTQ+ clubs of Los Angeles in the 1970s. This dance form is a bold statement of freedom and identity, celebrated for its theatricality and emotional expression.

Voguing

With its roots in the Harlem ballroom scene, Voguing is a stylized dance form involving poses reminiscent of Vogue magazine, integrated with elements of Egyptian hieroglyphs and modern dance. Voguing is not just a dance but a powerful form of self-expression and community identity.

Ballroom/Ball Culture Dance

Distinct from traditional ballroom dance, Ballroom/Ball Culture Dance encompasses styles associated with the LGBTQ+ ballroom scene, celebrated in works like the documentary "Paris is Burning." This category includes various forms of voguing (Old Way, New Way, Vogue Fem) and represents a vibrant community tradition of performance and competition.

Vogue Fem

Vogue Fem is a dynamic evolution within the voguing scene, characterized by fluid, exaggerated feminine movements and dramatic storytelling. This style celebrates the diversity of gender expression and the artistry of movement.

Artistic Expression

LGBTQ+ Dance Movements are a canvas for individual and collective storytelling, allowing dancers to express complex narratives about identity, society, and freedom through their bodies.

Community and Solidarity

These dance forms have fostered tight-knit communities where support, acceptance, and mutual respect are paramount. They serve as a space for solidarity, healing, and empowerment.

Global Influence

From local clubs to international stages, LGBTQ+ Dance Movements have gained worldwide recognition, symbolizing the universal language of dance and the global struggle for acceptance and equality.

Preservation and Evolution

While deeply rooted in history and tradition, LGBTQ+ Dance Movements are continuously evolving, embracing new influences and technologies, ensuring their relevance and vibrancy for future generations.

Education and Empowerment

Through workshops, performances, and community events, these dance forms educate and inspire, promoting understanding, inclusivity, and the celebration of diversity.

Cultural Ambassadorship

LGBTQ+ Dance Movements act as ambassadors of culture and identity, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and understanding, and showcasing the rich tapestry of human expression and experience.