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!
Performance Runway is an art form that focuses on dramatic elements and entertainment contrary to traditional runway modeling, where models walk the catwalk for the commercial presentation of clothing and accessories. The style of performance usually includes, but is not limited to: turns, various dance movements and choreography, posing, or other aspects of theatrical presentation.
History
The roots of performance runway can be found in the fashion shows and underground subcultures, such as night clubs and drag balls of the 1970’s. Models would present clothing by fashion designers in a dramatic presentation. In some of these fashion shows, the models would use acting skills to portray a character or emotion depending on the clothes worn on the catwalk the theme of the overall collection. Besides character portrayal while on the runway, certain body movements such as turning and freeze posing can be traced to this era also.
Gay Clubs and the Ball Culture
Performance runway has been heavily influenced by the LGBT community. In many gay clubs, casual runway strutting is a spectacle that revelers partake in to show off their “effect” (wardrobe attire) for the night or their “fabulousness” (skill in imitating feminine mannerism and movement). The emergence of the black/latino ballroom culture added new elements to the art form. Here, contestants would walk a runway category to win prizes, usually in the form of trophies and money. Runway categories called for certain fashion criteria to be met. These categories usually follow the overall theme of the ball (i.e. The Lights Camera Action Ball may have an overall theme of Hollywood glamour. Contestants in the Virgin Runway category might be asked to wear fashions that bring to mind the Lolita image or a Shirley Temple inspired look).
Turns (or spinning), were incorporated to demonstrate to the audience and consumers the overall performance of fabrics and various sewing details that went into a garment, especially skirts, dresses, or trench coats. Over time, turns became more stylized and modeling schools developed different techniques and manners in executing them. They even became a form of entertainment in some events. Excessive turns have fallen out of favor in major designer runway shows since the 2000’s. However, smaller fashion houses, amateur, art house, and collegiate fashion shows still incorporate turns.
Walk aesthetic
In performance runway, the walking style is one of the most important elements of presentation. Casual walking and posture conveys emotion. Given the theme of the show or runway, performers will be asked to walk in a certain manner so that the audience will receive the needed emotional mood of the program.
Thoughts, did I leave anything out?
Modeling Troupes
A modeling troupe is an organization that is composed of people who use performance runway and fashion as a means to showcase their creativity and perceptions of culture. This perception is usually shaped from contemporary ideas on what’s acceptable in society or what the ideal is or should be. This is achieved by staging theatrical fashion shows and competitions. Such organizations are found heavily on the east coast of the U.S. Some were founded in the 1970’s, however the first decade of the twenty-first century saw the emergence of dozens of these organizations. Modeling troupes can be found on many HBCU campuses in the Southeastern region. In the Northern states, many troupes act as community organizations; however some operate as student groups in high schools and colleges.
Thoughts, did I leave anything out?
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