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

I really don’t know where to start off when talking about the Ball Room scene and runway performance.  There’s so much that can be told.  The ball room scene, populated by mainly gay/bisexual men and transwomen of black and Hispanic descent, is highly influenced by the movers and shakers of popular culture.  Houses (really close knit performance troupes that operate as surrogate families) are named after iconic fashion houses/designers.  Performance categories are themed after movies, cultural eras, Hollywood fashions, and a plethora of other aesthetics and inspirations from the art and entertainment world.

Runway in the ballroom scene is parallel to the Ebony Fashion Fair in some regard.  Fashion (or “effect” in Ball Room lingo) is the number one attraction. However, since the ball scene isn’t a marketing tool (but more so a pageant meets street brawl with pixie-dust and pretty boys), performance is of utmost importance.  The goal, to outshine one’s opponent(s) and through devastating effect, powerful walk, and a lil magic touch here and there.

Styles (interpretations may vary given the location, ball, and event hosts):

• All-American-a category that calls for masculinity, neat appearance, and sophistication
• European-More elaborate than All-American, one’s femininity is celebrated and showcased; clothing is extravagant and inspired by Paris Couture and European High Fashion. Gender bending is embraced.
• Realness- to walk a realness category is to deceive, to wear a mask that mimics the behavior, movement, and outer appearance of what society describes to a given gender role or sex.
• Butch Queen Up in Pumps-this category focuses on footwear, and the ability of the contestant to walk in the pumps (high heeled shoes), the usual requirement is that the heels must be 3’inches or higher. 

Ball-Room runway takes America's obsession with materialism, fast paced consumer ideals, heteronomative gender roles, and need for instant gratification and turns it on its head, satiring, lampooning, or reinterpreting all the concepts of what beauty and the avant-garde is, should be, can be, or has no business tootin' down the catwalk called life. It's the American Dream (or flights of fantasy) brought to life momentarily by artists and performers who shine like jewels and stars for a night, only to go back to everyday life and reality a few hours later. 

Below:

Latex Ball 2010 (Female Figure Runway Category)

For more footage of Ball-Room Runway, type the phrase into Youtube and enjoy what pops up!