Voguing and ballroom culture originated in the Black and Latinx queer communities of Harlem in the late 20th century, providing a space for self-expression, resilience, and chosen family. Emerging from drag pageantry, ballroom houses became safe havens for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially trans women of color, who faced systemic exclusion and violence. Voguing, a dance form inspired by fashion magazine poses, evolved into an art of storytelling, competition, and resistance. The culture gained mainstream attention through Paris Is Burning (1990) and later through shows like Pose, but it remains a deeply rooted, community-driven movement centered on empowerment, identity, and survival.
- GSC Library
- Vogue Down Minneapolis – Vogue Down Minneapolis is a Black queer artist collective dedicated to celebrating and uplifting ballroom culture in the Twin Cities. Through mini balls, dance parties, and community workshops, we create spaces for connection, self-expression, and empowerment. Whether you’re a seasoned ballroom participant or new to the scene, our events welcome all who want to engage with the artistry, history, and energy of ballroom.
- Paris is Burning (Film)
- Pose (TV Series)
Past Voguing and Ballroom Events
Jason Rodriguez Voguing Workshop
Previous Workshop description:
In this workshop we will practice one of three styles of Voguing.
(Old Way, New Way, Vogue Fem)
New Way Vogue specializes in showing mastery of creating lines, shapes and contorted poses to the beat of the music. It rose around the 90s and was categorized as the new way to vogue.
This style can utilize elements such as arms control, poses, duck walk, cat walk and dips.In class we touch upon the history of the Ballroom Scene, pioneers in the scene, and the scene present day.
Please bring comfortable clothes to move and sweat in. Socks or dance specific shoes (no street shoes).
Jose Rodriguez Workshop
Previous Workshop description:
In this workshop we will be focusing on the last of the three styles of Vogue;
Vogue Fem has been influenced by black trans women. It is a highly stylized dance while showcasing femininity in its purest form. Introduced and developed in the early 90s, Vogue Fem is about breaking the line and storytelling in any way, shape, or form. We will be focusing on the 5 elements of Vogue: Hands Performance, Catwalk, Duckwalk, Floor Performance, Spins & Dips. Our main goal for this class is to get comfortable with the technicality of Vogue fem, honoring the blueprints that shaped the dance form by their movement qualities and signature styles, and to have FUN.
Mini Ball
Carleton’s first ever Mini Ball! With special guests judges Jason Rodriguez and José Telfar, and special guests hosts Vogue Down MPLS
Pose Episode Viewing
Previous Session description:
Watching Episode 1 Season 3 of Pose with Jason A Rodriguez.
Followed by a Q&A with Jason about the show, the ballroom scene, voguing and other queer topics.
Vogue Down MPLS Q&A
Vogue Down Minneapolis is a Black queer artist collective dedicated to celebrating and uplifting ballroom culture in the Twin Cities. Through mini balls, dance parties, and community workshops, we create spaces for connection, self-expression, and empowerment. Whether you’re a seasoned ballroom participant or new to the scene, our events welcome all who want to engage with the artistry, history, and energy of ballroom.