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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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*

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!

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.

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. 

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.

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: