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.

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.

The Troupes of WSSU: The Vice Versa Productions Story (Part 1)

Vice Versa Productions - Wal-Mart Fashion Show - September 30th, 2008

In a previous post, I talked about Vice Versa, an entertainment group that dissolved in the spring of 2009, based at Winston-Salem State University. Though this may be a controversial topic to some of the older WSSU readers, I felt it would be a failure not to share the fate of this organization so that others may learn from the mistakes that cause V.V. to fall. I will be respectful.

Regional Aesthetics (Part 1)

Clearly, performance modeling has been revolutionized by the modeling troupes of the east coast. However, not every troupe is from the same region, and each region has fundamentally different styles. For this post I will talk about the three most dominant regions: DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia), North Carolina, and Florida. I've chosen these regions because of the amount of material they have created and that's viewable on the internet; and because of the sheer presence they have had on the modeling scene.

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.

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. 

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