The Art of Competing

Ah, the infamous modeling competition, where groups from all around vie for winning titles and regional recognition. With so many groups around these days, many are bound to lose and face upsets, yet how does one go against trophy winning titans and conquer these foes? Though the last winning show I competed in was in 2008, I have seen my fair share and can tell you what worked for us, our foes, and what made those involved win or lose. Now I won’t give away secrets (so don’t worry EMT), but the series of posts should help your troupe understand how to approach these events and if not win, at least place and have a memorable show!

Get Inspired: Phillip Treacy

So here’s a little something for all the fashion directors/coordinators. Every now and then it would be cute to see a sickening hat on a model or two, or three, or seven, eight, nine. Now, let me reiterate not the same hat, but let’s say for a show that hats will be a common theme for a scene. As a club kid, Grace Jones and her Generation Y-Z counterpart Lady Gaga wow me and most of you all with their nasty fashions, including head wear. Peep these pics of milliner (hat maker)Phillip Treacy’s designs and get inspired from his art!

You Gotta Love an Ol'e School Walk-Off! LMAO!

Some of these people brought it, some raised my eyebrows...in a bad way. This reminds me of the runway battles from 05-08 back in the 336, back when a battle didn't get physical.

Get Inspired: Ovation TV’s Nutcracker Dance-Off!

It’s very important to read up on other performance art forms and learn from their techniques (if you want to have an enriching show)!


For those that don’t know, Ovation TV, the channel dedicated to Fine Art (*squeals*), is having a dance off between six major ballet companies. They’re being judged on who has the best rendition of the Nutcracker Ballet, viewers can see this on TV or via the internet.

Regional Aesthetics (Part 2)

In the previous post I talked about the DMV area troupes and the style they bring to performance modeling. Now it's time to talk about the troupes of North Carolina, a state that, though southern and conservative, boast a large collection of collegiate modeling organizations. This is due to the large number of colleges that are concentrated in the state, around two hundred! Many of these modeling organizations were started at HBCU's, later spreading to PWI's, high schools, and community colleges.

The Troupes of WSSU: The Vice Versa Productions Story (Part 1)

Vice Versa Productions - Wal-Mart Fashion Show - September 30th, 2008

In a previous post, I talked about Vice Versa, an entertainment group that dissolved in the spring of 2009, based at Winston-Salem State University. Though this may be a controversial topic to some of the older WSSU readers, I felt it would be a failure not to share the fate of this organization so that others may learn from the mistakes that cause V.V. to fall. I will be respectful.

Virginia State University's Kerojo Modeling Troupe - Competition Piece - East Carolina University - 2010

Feast your eyes on this lovely show from Kerojo, one of VSU's modeling troupes. I loved it! The rouines were different and precise, the clothing followed a black and silver color theme but each model had on unique and varied attire which was great. Whoever thought of placing the disk skirt with the train on one of the female models should get a shoe thrown at them for evoking my favorite disco diva, Grace Jones!

Xquisite: Showcase for Chat With Lonnie

Here is a more recent video of Xquisite Models. The intricate and challenging choreography is always on point. Their runway is very simple. The look for the show is redundant. Over all, here you have a classic DMV troupe style. What do you guys think, did Xquisite eat the runway, or what?

Regional Aesthetics (Part 1)

Clearly, performance modeling has been revolutionized by the modeling troupes of the east coast. However, not every troupe is from the same region, and each region has fundamentally different styles. For this post I will talk about the three most dominant regions: DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia), North Carolina, and Florida. I've chosen these regions because of the amount of material they have created and that's viewable on the internet; and because of the sheer presence they have had on the modeling scene.

The Most Creative Region...

In the past 30 years modeling troupes have sprouted all along the east coast. Each region has its own main modeling style, with the DMV area being the vanguard  I don't see why if you will, for the middle southern troupes, and Florida still clinging to the traditions of a more classic era. What region has the most creative troupes in your opinion?

You can fill out the poll on the right column on the blog page. Please be honest!

Modeling Troupe Critiques From A Vlogger

The next video is from Emore'J Couture, a DC fashionista who has a channel on YouTube. Some of his videos are critiques of DC, Virginia, and Maryland area fashion shows. These are a mix of professional runway events and performance modeling productions. His vitriolic delivery will cause you to either be turned on or off, however for the most part he is correct in his critique of some of the less tactful things that happen in the urban fashion world. 

My Runway was blocked!

Sorry for the delay you guys, I had a relative pass away last week and spent the past 6 days with family. I'll begin posting again ASAP! ;-P

Vike Nu Modeling Troupe Homecoming 2009

I decided to review this show because, well, because I wanted to. Lol.

Top 10: Don'ts In Runway

Ok, so some of these I can agree with, minus the Jessica White, Chanel Iman, and Beyonce disses. However, if you're new to performance modeling or teaching newbies, this could be a good watch.

Top 10: Best Catwalkers/ Models With The Best Walk

This is of models from the past decade mind you, but I think seeing some of these walks is a little interesting. Some of these chicks aren't my total favs, but they work it none the less.

Take This Poll...

Don't forget to take the poll on who  your favorite NC A&T modeling troupe is! I'm leaving it open for a few more days. Thanks guys!

This one's for the FREEZE POSE!

A friend of mine made a great observation about this video, regarding the dancers and their posing towards the end of the video (2:45 min). It's crisp, dramatic, CLEAN, and performance models need to take note!

Kanye West - Runaway (Video Version) ft. Pusha T

The Aggie Modeling Machines: Couture Productions and Verge Modeling Troupe (Part 2)

NC's Competitive Titans:

Couture and Verge are now known for being fierce competitors. You can't talk about either without mentioning their success in wupping ass as stuck up as their members are (Ugh! I know ya'll are about to get a thrill out of this article Aggies!). Both troupes have been known to sweep 1^st or 2^nd place trophies over their existences, with minor slumps here or there for one or both.

The Aggie Modeling Machines: Couture Productions and Verge Modeling Troupe (Part 1)

North Carolina A&T is host to two of North Carolina's most infamous modeling organizations, Couture Productions and Verge Modeling Troupe. They are known throughout NC for the many creative and flamboyant spectacles they put on; especially for their university's homecoming fashion show and various competitions. Both groups were started circa the early 2000's. Couture is the oldest (as I'm told), followed by Verge, which was started by disgruntled former Couture members who reportedly wanted more out of performance modeling.

WSSU Poll Results!

The results from our first poll are in! It asked what troupe from WSSU, past or present, is your favorite. 88% of BI2TR's readers responded in favor of Epiphany Modeling Troupe! Go E-phi! Stay tuned for more exciting polls and quizzes!

The Devil Made Me Wear This Dress: Performance Modeling & Fashion Gone Wrong!

Fashion creativity is one of the aspects of a performance modeling show that can either make a magical experience for the audience, or leave them scratching their heads as to what just walked out in front of their eyes. I frequently allude to the performances and output of various troupes as an art form, and with art, you expect to see a certain point-of-view from groups that should come across not only in their performance and production, but fashion as well. Too frequently I have seen troupes that spend entirely too much time working and perfecting massive group routines, but not enough emphasis on other creative elements, mainly onstage fashion. As a result of numerous errors made by troupes, I have accumulated a list of my Top 5 Fashion Faux Pas on a performance modeling show:

Cliché Modeling Company

The ladies of Cliche assume first position

Word on the street has it that Cliché had disbanded this year due to infighting and drama. Until I can verify such information, I will write on as if the group is still active.

Cliché has (or had) moderate respect amongst the college modeling troupes of the Triad area (Greensboro, High-Point, and Winston-Salem). Those who were around during the 2006-2009 era recall how the group went from unknown and/or undistinguished to sudden wild card status. This was brought on by new management and a revitalized performing style that meshed the elegant, suave, calculated, and sensual movements of the WSSU troupes with the bold sass, excitement, and high energy of NC A&T's modeling styles.

The Troupes of Greensboro

    Greensboro, North Carolina is home to some of the most dynamic and innovative modeling troupes in the state. Though there are several of these organizations that have graced the stage at some point in time, they are all connected by a common performance approach. This style places heavy emphasis on theatrical production, ready-to-wear fashion, high drama, and constant innovation. 

Vintage Runway Show: 1977 Studio 54 Kenzo Fashion Show

Get into this vintage fashion and spinning turn style, looking like Faces Modeling Troupe down in Florida.

I'm Just Sayin'

I really wanted to interview people for this blog to make sure posts were accurately portraying their organizations. Don't be mad when my articles don't sound read the way you want them to, but yo ass couldn't give me the respectful yes or no to do an interview. You got a problem, go lick a dirty boot.

The Troupes of WSSU: Part 2 (The Yin and The Yang)

A Mozik model (left) and an Epiphany model (right) battle
during Mozik's Spring 2006 show "Paradigm Kizom"

Intro:



The first post about the WSSU troupes was limited to history and introductions. It was very sparse on the actual performance and creative aspects, mainly for space constraints. Of the videos and pictures that have been recorded of WSSU troupes, most of the ones on the internet are not the best shows of those organizations, which really is frustrating when you're trying to convey the beauty and art of what these troupes have been putting together for years to people who have never seen it (and validate their existence to conservative campus administrators who view them as misogynous, decadent organizations). 

So to all the old heads and alumni that have tapes of great (or not so great) epic shows, let the young bloods see the magic of what was to inspire them (cause legacy is not being passed down as well as it should, Ram Fam). For those still walking in troupes, make sure you record every show and pass it on. It's a part of the artistic history of HBCU's, underground cultures, and Generation Y and X. 

Side, Pivot Twist, Dior: Naomi Campbell Style!

People who don't understand the whole performance runway art form like to criticize it as being "not real modeling," and "ghetto." I decided to put up some vintage Naomi Campbell clips showing her doing a couple of footwork elements and runway acknowledgements (circa 90's) to prove them wrong. She was paid for those pumps and twirls! Plus, it's Naomi, you can't go wrong there!

The Troupes of WSSU: Part 1

The 3 troupes of WSSU at the Wal-Mart Fashion Show Competition
September 30th, 2008

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU from here on out) is a liberal arts college and historically black college (HBCU) located in Winston-Salem, NC.  It is a member school of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund. Winston-Salem State has been ranked #27 by U.S. News & World Report in the Top Public Comprehensive Baccalaureate Colleges of the South for the last nine years (2001–2009) category. WSSU is a recognized regional institution offering baccalaureate and graduate programs to a diverse student population.

The university is home to both Mozik and Epiphany modeling troupes.  At one time, four troupes existed on the campus, including the two previously mentioned, Vice Versa Productions, and the G.A.M.E. (Generation of Amazing Models and Entertainers).  The latter organizations merged under Vice Versa’s name and leadership, only to dissolve in the spring semester of 2009.

Distractions

Sorry for the 2 week delay in posts you guys. The past few weeks were filled with distractions, I will try and do better and at least post more often for you guys. 

Moving on, my next posts will be series that talk about the troupes from my alma mater, Winston-Salem State University. As a loyal Ram, it would be insulting for me not to pay my respects to where I was first introduced to the P.R. style and subculture. So stay tuned! 


Also, if you know any modeling troupe shows and competitions that are coming up, give me a 1 month notice if you'd like for me to attend and cover your show for this blog. Thanks!

Ball-Room Runway and the "Banji-Pump"

In the past 5 years, the Ball Room scene’s more…dramatic and flamboyant styles (minus vogue) have been seen on the performance runway shows.  Troupes have implemented certain Ball-Room techniques into their routines and walking styles. These new walks, exaggerated in form and posture, have created controversy and left many in the audience scratching their heads or amazed and entertained, or sometimes both. Guilty pleasure much? I like to call it the “banji-pump,” you know it when you see it, the flying arms, the bent knees, lurching posture. There’s little emphasis on control as opposed to attitude. It’s like a tornado wreaking havoc, unpredictable, messy, and oddly beautiful to some. It’s as menacing and grotesque as it is innovative and energetic. In North Carolina, troupes have won many a competition with the banji-pump aesthetic. So much so that almost everyone is doing it…*side-eye to the swagger jackers*

Is the Ball-Room scene to blame for this new style? Yeah, in a way. However, let’s be clear, the Ball-Room scene is different in every state and region of the U.S. Walk the POCC or Latex Balls with that nasty banji-pump and you’ll probably get banji-chopped! In the south, it’s a different point of view. I’ve seen runway divas get prizes when banji-pumpin’ and I’ve also seen them sent home empty handed. Beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder, and correct runway aesthetic isn't immune to that eye either. 





NC A&T's Verge Modeling Troupe (circa Spring 2008-2009) is a textbook example for the banji-pump! Love it or hate it, the kids racked up some trophies and new fans. 

More on the Ball-Room Runway after the jump

Ebony Fashion Fair

Once known across the United States as one of the fashion events for and by African-Americans, the Ebony Fashion Fair has influenced the perceptions of fashion, beauty, and business within the black community for decades.  From the clever and precise runway techniques of its models to the cutting edge styles of its future designers, the Ebony Fashion Fair was and is an influence on runway performance art and the global branding of beauty. 

Continues after the jump...

Performance Runway, what's that?

Performance runway is a term I coined to describe the kind of art form that modeling troupes, participants in the ball room scene, and the Ebony Fashion Fair use as a medium. To me, the term is accurate in conveying this subcultural phenomenon.


Below is an article I wanted to post on Wikipedia about this subject. However, since there are stipulations on posting articles that don't have journalistic sources and other ish, I decided to abort the notion and post it on this blog. View  the full article after the jump!

Why blog about this?

I decided to start this blog because after searching the web for way too long, I noticed how there’s not a lot of info out there about modeling troupes and performance runway. It would also be an interesting way to further discussion on this topic. Also, shit, I live in the suburbs, and it’s boring out here! So why not?!

Here you’ll find articles on different organizations; they’re style and aesthetic philosophies, upcoming events, notable shows, opinionated rants, polls, and different topics we can discuss.