I'm Just Sayin'

I really wanted to interview people for this blog to make sure posts were accurately portraying their organizations. Don't be mad when my articles don't sound read the way you want them to, but yo ass couldn't give me the respectful yes or no to do an interview. You got a problem, go lick a dirty boot.

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. 

Side, Pivot Twist, Dior: Naomi Campbell Style!

People who don't understand the whole performance runway art form like to criticize it as being "not real modeling," and "ghetto." I decided to put up some vintage Naomi Campbell clips showing her doing a couple of footwork elements and runway acknowledgements (circa 90's) to prove them wrong. She was paid for those pumps and twirls! Plus, it's Naomi, you can't go wrong there!

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.

Distractions

Sorry for the 2 week delay in posts you guys. The past few weeks were filled with distractions, I will try and do better and at least post more often for you guys. 

Moving on, my next posts will be series that talk about the troupes from my alma mater, Winston-Salem State University. As a loyal Ram, it would be insulting for me not to pay my respects to where I was first introduced to the P.R. style and subculture. So stay tuned! 


Also, if you know any modeling troupe shows and competitions that are coming up, give me a 1 month notice if you'd like for me to attend and cover your show for this blog. Thanks!

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

Ebony Fashion Fair

Once known across the United States as one of the fashion events for and by African-Americans, the Ebony Fashion Fair has influenced the perceptions of fashion, beauty, and business within the black community for decades.  From the clever and precise runway techniques of its models to the cutting edge styles of its future designers, the Ebony Fashion Fair was and is an influence on runway performance art and the global branding of beauty. 

Continues after the jump...