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. 

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! 

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.

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!