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? 

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.

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.

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)!

Virginia State University's Kerojo Modeling Troupe - Competition Piece - East Carolina University - 2010

Feast your eyes on this lovely show from Kerojo, one of VSU's modeling troupes. I loved it! The rouines were different and precise, the clothing followed a black and silver color theme but each model had on unique and varied attire which was great. Whoever thought of placing the disk skirt with the train on one of the female models should get a shoe thrown at them for evoking my favorite disco diva, Grace Jones!

The Most Creative Region...

In the past 30 years modeling troupes have sprouted all along the east coast. Each region has its own main modeling style, with the DMV area being the vanguard  I don't see why if you will, for the middle southern troupes, and Florida still clinging to the traditions of a more classic era. What region has the most creative troupes in your opinion?

You can fill out the poll on the right column on the blog page. Please be honest!

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. 

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 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!

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. 

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. 

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.

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