‘Strike A Pose’ Gives Different Look At History’s Most Controversial Tour

Published

8 years ago

May 26, 2016

I didn’t know much about voguing as a child. From my highly monitored home, I thought it was a form of dance created by Madonna that complemented her hyper-sexual, high-fashion persona. In the two decades since her controversial 1990 Blond Ambition Tour and corresponding film Truth or Dare, I and the world have learned so much more.

One of the vehicles by which I learned about the origin of voguing was Paris is Burning, the 1991 documentary that jumped into the consciousness of America via Netflix. The film delves into the underground world New York’s queer ballroom scene in the Eighties. But the form of drag queens imitating models actually goes back to the 1960’s Harlem, where men would perform in small clubs.

Which leads to my second education on voguing, from the incredibly documentary Strike a Pose.

Directed by Ester Gould and Reijer Zwaan, the film showed this spring at Tribeca Film Festival in a screening hosted by Lincoln Motor Company. Strike a Pose documents the dance of voguing going from underground to the main stage through seven charismatic dancers on Madonna’s Blond Ambition Tour.

As noted by The Village Voice, by the Eighties, voguing was folded into the balls that brought Houses, largely composed of black and Latino performers, together to compete. After Madonna saw Luis Camacho and Jose Gutierez, both members of the House of Xtravaganza, dance, she invited them to audition for her upcoming tour. As the two dancers remember it, their spots were pretty much guaranteed: She needed them to teach her how to vogue. They also choreographed and performed in the “Vogue” video.

The documentary examines the lives of Camacho, Gutierez, Oliver Crumes III, Salim Gauwloos, Kevin Stea, Gabriel Trupin, and Carlton Wilborn who were backup dancers in the tour.

Overflowing with gay pride in the early ’90s at a time when homophobia and the HIV epidemic were at its peak, made an incredibly bold statement— and impacted the lives of many. These men, in a sense, were the welcoming liaisons to a world that many gay men wanted to live out loud.

But as the film tells, the platform they stood on was marred with shame and secrets that they hadn’t talked about until now. Three of the men on the tour were HIV-positive, with one passing away in 1995. There were also lawsuits against Madonna after the debut of Truth or Dare from dance members who claimed fraud and deceit, intentional misrepresentation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress for displaying their private lives in the documentary.

“It’s not just about these guys who went on tour with Madonna,” Gould told Hotdocs. “We wanted the themes to be recognizable for everyone. Because we haven’t all been on tour with Madonna, but we have all struggled with shame and pride.”

Adding, “When you’re in your 20s, most of us feel on top of the world. Even if you’re not on the Blond Ambition tour. So growing up, for everybody, is about embracing reality. What we like about this film is that Truth or Dare was provocative and about daring to be yourself in an outgoing, extravert way. Our film is about self-acceptance in a more introverted way, off stage.”

Gay pride, dance, competition, parties, laughter, HIV, tears, loss— the film touches upon so much of what these men went through and how they’re living today. And while Madonna herself isn’t in the film, her presence isn’t missed, with the men’s raw honesty being sufficient.

With the film showing in select theaters worldwide, we highly suggest you check it out for a moving and informative story.

The post ‘Strike A Pose’ Gives Different Look At History’s Most Controversial Tour appeared first on StyleBlazer.

Source: styleBlazer

Videos

Unveiling BIG 4.1’s Anthem: “BIG SACK”

Published

8 mins ago

May 16, 2024

Tampa Mystic

Hailing from Gwinnett ‘DA NAWF’, BIG 4.1 emerges as a beacon of authenticity in the realm of hip-hop. With his latest track, “BIG SACK,” recently released and produced by the skilled Joe Peoples, BIG 4.1 delivers not just a song, but a mantra for financial empowerment and self-improvement. In a world obsessed with flaunting bags, BIG 4.1’s message cuts through the noise, urging listeners to focus on filling their “BIG SACK” with tangible wealth rather than mere appearances.

The song’s genesis stems from BIG 4.1’s desire to instill a culture of financial responsibility and foresight. Emphasizing the journey from a single $100 bill to a sizable nest egg, “BIG SACK” serves as a daily anthem for those striving to secure their futures. In an exclusive statement, BIG 4.1 explains his motivation: “It’s that time, it’s right on time for what’s going on and to teach our culture to save up that BIG SACK start at 20. By the time you’re 40 you can retire yourself if you do it right.” With lyrics that resonate beyond the beats, BIG 4.1 aims to spark a movement towards financial literacy and empowerment.

As BIG 4.1 gears up for his show in Anderson, South Carolina, alongside his team, the BOONDOCK KINGS, his mixtape “ME VS ME BAR-4-BAR THE MIXTAPE Vol 1” sets the stage for a musical revolution. Promising “HIP Rock” or “Kuntry Rap,” BIG 4.1 delivers an authentic sound that transcends genres, appealing to listeners from all walks of life. With originality and consistency as his guiding principles, BIG 4.1 stands out not just as an artist, but as a visionary ushering in a new era of meaningful music.

Victor Ray’s Heart Explodes In “i tried.” EP

Published

10 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Big C

Victor Ray, the rising star on Capitol Records, is set to release his highly anticipated EP, i tried., on June 14th. Until then he unveils the soul filling single Falling Into Place featuring the mesmerizing vocals of UK soul star Debbie. Written from personal experience, the track delves into the whirlwind of emotions that come with falling for someone new, capturing the hope and uncertainty of budding romance. According to Victor:

Falling Into Place” is about “meeting a stranger that you know could end up becoming a lot more.

Debbie relating to the same sentiment added:

The song makes you feel something.

Their collaboration brings an additional depth to the tracks genuine emotion. The EP follows Victor’s sold-out European tour and sees him joining Teddy Swims on his sold-out UK tour, kicking off in Manchester. Named as Apple Music’s new Up Next UK artist, Victor continues to captivate audiences with his soulful sound and heartfelt lyrics. Don’t miss out on his latest musical journey and follow Victor Ray today on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify. Stream “Falling Into Place” below and here.

Entertainment

WATCH “Irresponsibull” MOVIE NOW | @northendempire

Published

1 day ago

May 15, 2024

DaReal Fatboi

NorthEnd Empire Films LLC presents “Irresponsibull” movie. Allen is ready to settle down. Only his girlfriend Theresa doesn’t think he’s anywhere close to being responsible enough to start a family. When an unexpected opportunity arises for Allen to keep Theresa’s nephew and niece (Brian and Britt) and prove his maturity, he jumps to it…without knowing these two kids are not your average youngsters. Marcus is a low level scam artist that works for his uncle, the most “dangerous construction boss” in Chicago. He continues to screw up job after job and is desperate to show his uncle/boss that he can be responsible and counted on in the family business. The boss gives him just one more chance to prove himself. Then, the most unlikely of events happens, causing a chance meeting of Allen and Marcus and starting a downward spiral like no other. Can any of these men make it out and show that they are indeed NOT Irresponsibull?

WATCH MOVIE NOW
https://irresponsibullmovie.com/watch-movie-now/