Couture Productions - Aggie Fest 2011

So, here's the performance Couture Models put on this past April as a part of the Aggie Fest celebration. Since the staging wasn't something that could be helped, due to school accommodations, I won't say much on that. However, the overall production was a good show. Couture does what they do best, banji-pump their way through and give a mix of burlesque and Golden Delight realness.

Ranzeno Frazier on Entourage Modeling Troupe (Part 1)

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of interviewing a friend of mine who is also an alumni of Livingstone College and a former member of Entourage Modeling Troupe. Ranzeno Frazier served as Mr. Livingstone College from 2007-2008 and was active in Entourage for a majority of his college years. 
Here we go!
When was Entourage started?
Entourage was the Fist modeling troupe on Livingstone college campus dating back to the early 1090's
OK, what are your colors?
The original troupe colors are Red, Black and White.
What do you mean by original?
Have they changed?
Yes they have to become a little more moder with today's fashion I believe the Colors are now a mustard yellow and green but not really sure!
Mustard yellow and green...I've never heard of that before. That's different and quite bold.
Yes it is dare to be different!
LOL. OK, so who were the founders?
I cant recall of the founders but one person that was a major person is Mr.Javen Leach
Oh, when was he in the troupe?
In the early 1990's
Have you seen any footage of the troupe from way back then?
Yes some and they were awesome doing things with fashion that is seen now on the hottest celebs. That was when it was really a fashion troupe, not about a routine and a theme!
Do you think that modeling troupes, as whole, have lost the whole general connection between performance modeling and fashion?
Yes it is now all about the routines and the theme, where is the fashion if everyone is wearing the same thing or sometimes nothing at all!Fashion is all about being innovative, unique and trendy but orginal but in most of today's HBCU troupes you see none of that
OMG! I completely feel you on that! Yeah, it's a complete carbon copy of some other troupe that bested them in some competition, the DC area troupes, and the ballroom scene.
Yes be original and understand that you are to produce fashion
The whole scene was originally influenced by the Ebony Fashion Fair...but not many troupes that came in during the mid-2000's don't even know about that. Ok...back on topic
LOL
What makes Entourage different than others?
Can you say Entourage will shock and entertain the audience you never know what you will see or get!
Ok, so spontaneous! I can dig that.
Yes
What made you want to join the organization over Nexx Leval?
Nexx Leval is a beak off from Entourage which was the best models from entourage that would compete in comps but in the early 2000's it became its own separate troupe. I always go for original and the first!
OK. I assume you saw the two of them perform prior to joining. How did Entourage stick out to you more than the other?
Entourage was more laid back fun.Not saying Nexx level wasn't but i just loved see Entourage
It was the vibe that hooked you. That's wassup. 

Ranzeno Frazier on Entourage Modeling Troupe (Part 2)

The second part to my interview with Ranzeno Frazier. We discuss respect, competitions, and his favorite show from the troupe's catalog. 

The Secret to Victoria's Secret

Don't let the bright lights, singing pop stars, and network exposure fool you. What those models wear in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show are plain old bra and panties from the retail giant that are embellished with extra glitter, rhinestones, ornaments, and whatever props the scene calls for. If you walk with grace, power, and confidence, you're swim suit can look like theirs too ladies (and some of you naughty fellas).

P.S.
Look at how they STRIDE and use fluidity on the catwalk. No dramatics needed, except a lil cheesy wink or arm movement here and there.
*Banji-pumps off to bed*

Epiphany and Mozik: “One Show” Review (Part 2)

Here's a continuation of the previous post.

Paris (Mozik)

Mozik’s theme was Paris, the birth place of high fashion. What better troupe to tackle this challenge than a troupe whose fashion has been some of the best and most creative in North Carolina on the east coast?

The scene took place in the Louvre, one of the most famous museums on the planet.  Like Epiphany, I couldn’t get much from the voice over to understand the entire premise of the scene. The part I got was Mozik’s (MMT) executive board wondering around and being found by a curator, who then shows them the cultural works housed in the museum.

Epiphany and Mozik: “One Show” Review (Part 1)

Last month, I attended the first ever joint production put on by both Epiphany and Mozik Modeling Troupes of Winston-Salem State University. When initially starting this blog, I intended to never review any show of the two to not step on toes be biased as a former student of WSSU. Then I thought about how a constructive critique can be the best thing for all to hear and learn from cause…well I want them both to kick ass on the east coast and be known far and wide. Can’t do that holding back now can we?

Let’s just start off  with how proud I am that the two campus rivals came together and were civilized! It took almost a decade for this show to happen, but the models and organizers didn’t let past petty dramas, allegations, and sucker punches get to them well, sort of.

Evalesco Models: My Style, My Swag, My Show '11

Wasn't too impressed with this show. The routines were intricate, the music was high octane, but it all seemed so similar to what everyone else is doing, and I know EVALESCO can do better. The fashion was passable. However, routines aside, what makes this a unique show? 

Images Modeling Troupe - 2011 Spring Show Teaser

Now this is how you do a commercial/teaser to titillate your fan base about a show. The video was of good quality, the models were hot, and I loved the old school realness that the performers gave. If you're going to be a traditional urban modeling troupe, then this is the swag you need to have.

Infinity Modeling Troupe... 1st yet again

So here's a clip from Infinity Modeling Troupe's latest competition piece. I don't know what it's titled...but the setting was in a museum, and similar to the film Night at the Museum, the exhibits come to life and fierceness happens.

Honestly, besides the continued banji-pump, museum curator kicking off her skirt not very seductive, and the traffic runway I've seen a thousand times from modeling troupes over the years, this was a GOOD show! It had the variety of music/energy level, consistency, and creative staging. 

The fashion was OK, uniformity again with very little variation in group routines, but hopefully that will be fixed next year. 

Overall, it was an entertaining spectacle. I don't know who else competed, but I can see how Inifinty got first place. 

Epiphany and Mozik "History in the Making"

Well what do ya know? Winston-Salem State's two modeling troupes, Epiphany and Mozik, will be hosting a joint fashion show April 4th 2011. This is definitely history in the making since the last time both troupes appeared on the same stage was to battle it out in 2008. This show isn't like that at all, both troupes will be in two scenes, walking together in a show of unity and school spirit! It took almost a decade for this to happen, but hey, at least it's getting done! I'm so proud of the leadership from both troupes in organizing this, and the university for not tying them both down in RED TAPE *cough*. As for whether or not I'll be in the audience, that remains to be seen...for now, don't bank on it kids.

Side note: Isn't this video lovely! The photo shoot seems like it was kick ass too! 

Bon Vivant: Domestic Violence Program

The following video is of Bon Vivant Fashion Society, a troupe based at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). I'm putting this clip up on here for two reasons, one, to start as a precursor to a post I'm going to do about exhibition shows vs competitions vs intermissions. The second reason I'm posting this, because their ending runway was cute. I haven't seen anything like it in a long time and it mixed j-sett with performance modeling in a classy way. I was taken back by the beginning at first but the show warmed up on me. The music selection for the intermission show was consistent as well. Good urban glossy RnB from contemporary artists made this a smooth, performance.

Strange…I’ve Seen That Show Before

I remember a time when most modeling troupes looked different, had their own sense of style and presentation. Then, around 2007, the creativity of the performance modeling world began to mutate, and not in manner to survive as organizations. No, this mutation was like that of a living creature exposed to dangerous levels of radiation. The radiation, though, was the hive mentality that fueled itself on the rise and winnings of various competitive titans, and their dominance in the consciousness of their rival performers and defeated adversaries. Those who lost, instead of looking at what the judges said about their music, fashion, or lack of energy, instead copied and made replica of those who beat them.

O'Shea Couture ECSU Spring 2010

I'm at a loss for words right now...please forgive me for this speechless moment.
I have a lot to say about this performance. For one, I'll commend the choreographers on the difficulty and creativity of the routines. Good job to the models for pulling off said choreography. This show was good, but it was not GREAT!

For the entire time, the same genre of music played in the background, the same clothing was worn by the models all show long, and the energy was one long bar that didn't go up or down. The first time I saw this I admit to fast forwarding to the end because of this fact, I was bored. It's the same show put on by eastern North Carolina troupes who continue to emulate the DMV modeling style don't rely on their own personal inspirations. Not get me started on props! Yes, NC Triad (Greensboro, High-Point, and Winston-Salem) and Charlotte troupes have spoiled me when it comes to executing good overall staging. If only the rest of the state's groups would discover the magic a good backdrop can help manifest.

Existence Modeling Troupe Performs for the Ques

Lord have mercy on me! What do ya'll think about this show?! The whole time all I could think of was "big-girl revolution" "lace don't love everybody" and "who is this sole sista-big-bone gay male  storming the stage"!

Regional Aesthetics (part 3)

This is the final addition to my east coast modeling troupe regional aesthetic article.

Florida is home to some very interesting troupes in the United States. The state is a giant peninsula with a tropical climate and a cultural clash between Anglo-American values and the Latin American heritage of its many residents.  It’s a state where the beach, and the millions of dollars in tourism profits it brings annually affect the life of its inhabitants, influencing public policy, environmental regulation, cuisine, and most notably, fashion.  Indeed, of the regions of the east coast outside New York City, Miami is arguably the most important hub for retail.  It is fashion industry that has a heavy influence on the performance modeling style of the Florida troupes, which have become an anti-thesis to those in North Carolina and the D.C., Maryland, Virginia areas.

Kerojo at FAAM Awards

I'm a sucker for good production! This show started off magically. Smoke, props, costumes, oh yeah! The only downers were, once again, fashion (uniform clothing, no costume changes). I give this show a B- for good scenery, nice color palette, and good fashion silhouettes. As for the countless queen corps trapezing on the runway, if you're gonna have all that effeminacy on stage, go all out. The ancient Egyptian men (straight and gay) wore make-up, flashy jewelry, and flowing robes. The macho silhouette created from the clothing worn in this show seemed so contrived and out of place on the dainty fairies who wore them. Don't be afraid to take it there guys, you might as well...

YouTube Personality Lonnie and MC RJ Speak Modeling Troupes and Ballroom Culture

My sista' girl directed me to this insightful interview on YouTube and you know I had to post it! *Thanks Sodom* Anyway, this interview was of ballroom MC RJ Balenciaga, who is a commentator and ballroom runway legend. The two discussed, amongst all things, the blurring fusion of modeling troupe and ballroom culture in the DMV area. Now you all know how I am in regards to this subject. I'm a purist and proud of it! So for this to be brought up and discussed is something I, and other traditional performance modeling enthusiasts, love and agree upon. I also can see how disrespectful it can be to label modeling troupe events and participants the same as the ballroom scene, seeing how the latter group has had to suffer for decades to manifests their creative talents. I just pray the troupes in North Carolina will continue to keep the separation between ballroom and performance modeling clear and distinct. They are two different worlds and each have their own rules and guidelines.

John Galliano - Fall Winter 2011/2012 Full Fashion Show - Menswear - Hig...

Leave it to Galliano to spice up the mens collections of fashion. I love his taste and unconventional vibrancy. Get into the mild performance the models give. As a user commented below, Galliano doesn't just give you a collection of clothes, he transports you into another world. If you couldn't feel the cold air and buoyant attitude of Eastern Europe while watching this, I don't know what to tell you!

Kerojo Presents...Monsters (circa '07-08)

I thought this was a lovely show when it first aired on YouTube way back. I've grown to appreciate it more as time has passed. The fashion was good, they could have expanded the color palette once the music became more club oriented though. Just a thought.

Professional Runway: F/W 11/12 GIORGIO ARMANI FULL SHOW

Looks like colors of stormy weather and 1950's meets 90's euro club chic (towards the end) are the inspiration behind Armani's new F/W collection. It's very masculine, but with an...intellectual side. It reminds me of the film noir genre. The good thing for those regular joes out there, most of the men's collections out there look A LOT like attire you can find in MensWareHouse, Sears, Belks, and other traditional department stores, cause they are quite reserved this year.

Side Note: Is it me or did the first wave of models resemble actor James Franco? Maybe it was just the way they were styled. Gotta love Italian/Greek men.

Courtesy of Fashion TV FMEN

The Art of Competing: Dynamic Energy

Yes, that’s a diagram that you see, all will be explained in due time. Two of my band directors once told me that a key to a great musical piece is changing dynamic levels. Dynamics in music refers to sound level and quality. No matter how nice a melody is, if it never changes or progresses it’s flat and can become a bore. The same can be said of a performance spectacle, whether in theater, choral singing, dance, and even performance modeling.

Cute Models Inc. show from '09

Living Legends Entertainment Salt Performance

Here's the video of Living Legends Entertainment's "Salt" show. The opening with the video was cute, and it started off strong, but I lost intrest in the show 3 minutes into it. The music, fashion, and group routines became very stagnant. The energy level remained the same through out the entire show. Not much changed, and you all know how I feel about those uniform outfits in a modeling troupe show...not impressed.

Just NAKED!!!

You've gotta love those raw, sensual Florida troupes. Though troupes in more northern regions of the eastern USA seem to have left the army of bikini-clad vixens back in the mid 2000's, such an image has become a staple of this region's shows. As tactless as this clip is, I love it! Is it any wonder this is the region of the nation that mothered the FAMU sex tape?! This brings back memories of Verge's Sean Paul "Temperature" inspired 4 seasons competition piece in 2006, and vintage Mozik/Epiphany.

The Troupes of WSSU: The Vice Versa Productions Story (Part 2)

Vice Versa as M.O.D. attending Epiphany's 2009 spring show

Last month I wrote a piece about the life and death of Vice Versa Productions (VVP), a troupe from WSSU. Now I will finish the tale of this group, summing up what killed the organization and how to not let such a thing happen to yours.

Word On the Street: CANDYLAND

Previously I made a remark that nothing of interest is going on in the P.M. world, well silly me to have forgotten that all I had to do was think of an event I’m helping to put together and talk to one of my Sista Girls about local competitions. See where presumption gets you, with a foot in the mouth. Anyway…

What’s going on the performance runway world?

I haven’t seen anything new from the NC troupes since summer 2010! Is there a creative drought going on? If so, then please get it together ASAP. Lest 2011 be a long year.

The Art of Competing: Know Thy Enemy!

As clichéd as the above quote is, in the world of competition it’s one of the most essential elements towards victory over adversaries. In the business world, analyzing competitors and their strengths/weaknesses rules how most corporations (that have survived for the long haul and are successful) handle their quarterly affairs. In performance modeling any troupe serious about being taken seriously should do the same.

Review: Xquisite Flintstone Scene

Below is the video of Xquisite Models' Flinstone inspired show. A friend sent it to me and asked for my thoughts. I was thoroughly surprised (in a good way) to see such a commitment to fashion from a DMV troupe and even gasped at, of all things to behold, STAGE PROPS! Now ya'll know those troupes up there yonder don't focus on the whole staging aspect of a show at times! Imagine my elation to see some actual commitment to a theatrical aesthetic in this DC based troupe, as opposed to the usual creative outputs from the region (i.e. All you're gonna get is some intricate choreography laced between voguing beats)!

Say HIYA to stress!

I am back from a much needed downtime you guys. Next time I'll let you all know in advance before saying "Hiya" to stress. LOL. New Posts coming soon!

The Art of Competing: Foresight

“He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious.” 

–Sun Tzu, The Art of War

I’m writing this with the NC troupes in mind. No shade to the other regions, but my knowledge is battle tested and biased towards by own experience.


Well, it’s that time of year. Yes dear, the spring semester is usually when classes are notorious for giving important assignments in slim framed time spans, new clothes and flesh are revealed in time for the spring/summer season, spring romance takes root in young trollops lovers hearts and loins and modeling competitions take place across the state! This is a first in a series of posts that will help make your competition show, a memorable one. Won’t say winning because judges do shade now-a-days like it’s a Ballroom event! *gasps and clutches pearls*

Happy New Year!

Hoping everyone is enjoying the start of 2011. Be safe, and looking forward to the new shows and artistic directions yet to be seen on the performance modeling circuit!