Voguing: The Message

Voguing: The Message is a groundbreaking documentary film from 1989 that delves into the vibrant and eclectic world of voguing, a distinctive dance form that originated within the African American and Latinx LGBTQ+ communities in Harlem, New York. The film offers an insider's perspective on this unique cultural milieu, charting its journey from the underground dance clubs of New York to the mainstream.

At the center of this documentary is the legendary Willi Ninja, often described as the "Grandfather of Voguing." His presence adds a touch of personal authenticity and historical respect to the narrative. Ninja's compelling story forms a focal point around which the filmmakers weave a vivid tapestry of voguing's origins and growth.

Though only 24 minutes long, Voguing: The Message packs a powerful punch. The rawness, diversity, and originality of the featured personalities juxtapose the significance of this queer subculture against the larger societal backdrop of the late 1980s. By mixing music, dance, fashion, and life in Harlem, the film creates an experience that transcends the boundaries of conventional storytelling.

The film documents the genesis of voguing within the drag balls debutantes of Harlem. These colorful, extravagant events, besides being a platform for self-expression, were also sites of fierce competition. The competitive dancing called "Voguing," named after the fashion magazine, was a significant feature of these balls. The dancers strike dramatic, angular poses, reminiscent of those found in high-fashion editorial shoots, interspersed with fluid, rhythmic movements.

Emphasizing the distinctly performative nature of voguing, the documentary provides an in-depth look into the creative process of its performers. It explores the intricacies of the dance, its rules, and the critical importance of style and shade. The filmmakers also delve into the themes of identity, race, and gender, which are integral to understanding the cultural context of this dance form.

Voguing: The Message captures the life and culture of a marginalized community that found solace, expression, and acceptance in the voguing scene. The film doesn't shy away from highlighting the dancers' struggles against prejudice and their fight for recognition. It documents the dancers' unabashed, defiant attitudes and their ability to transcend the barriers imposed upon them by society's norms.

One of the film's remarkable features is its observational style, with minimal narrative intervention. It allows the dancers to speak for themselves and present their world as they perceive it. This style imparts a sense of realism to the film and reinforces its ethnographic authenticity.

Complementing the powerful visual narratives, Voguing: The Message features a riveting soundtrack rooted in the soul, funk, and disco genres that were popular during the era. The film's music is not just an accompaniment but a pivotal part of the voguing culture. It meticulously encapsulates the mood and spirit of the time, taking the viewer on a nostalgic journey.

Voguing: The Message is more than just a document of a dance phenomenon; it is a commentary on society and attitudes towards race, sexuality, and gender identity in the late 20th Century. Its celebration of individuality and self-expression serves as a socio-cultural critique and a call for acceptance and inclusion.

The film strikes a balance between providing an enlightening look into an underground culture and a fun, energetic, and colorful exploration of a spectacular dance form. By combining narrative truth with aesthetic appeal, Voguing: The Message speaks volumes about the power of dance as an expressive and communicative form.

A pioneering piece of filmmaking, Voguing: The Message brought the world of voguing out of New York's subcultural shadows and into the global limelight. This documentary stands as one of the earliest explorations of this iconic dance style and serves as an important historical reference for both admirers and scholars.