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.