This is The Lesson You Must Learn:
If I Don’t Call You Out Then Wait Your Turn!
by Michael Haynes Ebony
Over the last decade the spirit and desire for change and expression has given us more than 18 new Ballroom Houses; Lux, DMV, Maison Margiela, West, Balmain, Bottega, Basquiat, Soulja, Moncler, Gorgeous Gucci, Moscow Mule, Alpha Omega, Oricci, Makaveli, Harve Leger, Tisci, Energy, and Marc Jacobs. It is this zest for a new life and new energy that has given Ballroom a new face.
I sat down with five of the new house founders and picked their brains on how they felt about Ballroom and what inspired them to step out on their own. In talking to these 5 leaders, I wanted to find out what was the motivation for, or in some instances, the final straw that made them step out on faith and start their own house and create their own brand.
In speaking with Lee Soulja from the House of Soulja I found out he’s been around Ballroom since 1985 but didn’t begin walking Bazaar until 2006. Lee Soulja’s House of Soulja formed as the traditional houses of old started, his mentorship and work in the community made some fledgling and Ballroom curious souls look to him and the rest was history.
Omari Oricci became mesmerized by the scene and felt he had to be a part of it after watching the POCC Ball in 2004. Being a true dancer at heart Omari, born in Dakar Senegal, West Africa joined the Iconic House of Mizrahi soon after. For Omari, the split from Miza happened while out of the country. Watching the house divide was tragic, not being able to pick a side and choose between the two people he loved and respected cleared a path in the only direction he could take. That was for Omari to align with Gillete and form Oricci. While Omari feels that the scene on a whole is based on European ideals, he wants to bring Black regality to the forefront.
James West and Vinny Margiela both came into Ballroom in 2006 as schoolboy’s before becoming some of Ballroom community’s most prolific leaders.
The Unstoppable James West wanted to build a family (with love) that would not only be self-sufficient but a fraternity/sorority that would endure all trials and tribulations together. West’s mission is clear and that’s to change the landscape of Ballroom, the very things they say you can’t do fuels him and the Wests to defy the odds.
When speaking to Vinny, the Legendary father of the House of Margiela, he proclaimed that he wasn’t just leaving the House of Milan he was leaving Ballroom all together. But at the coaxing of his mentor Michael Roberson, he decided to start a new movement.
The Legendary Mother of DuMure Versailles, Aaliyah DuMure Versailles, entered Ballroom in 1995 for face and pretty boy, later gravitating to Butch Queen in Drags categories. Aaliyah never wanted to leave Garcon, it was never his intention. However the break from Garcon made him reflect on things and trail a new path moving forward.
All acknowledge that the shade from the more established houses poses the biggest obstacle. From stealing members to casting shade from the judge’s panel, treatment from the legendary houses can be extremely problematic. The houses also acknowledge that the status thing is taking the fun out of Ballroom and all agree that there should be some general consensus on how status is achieved and rewarded.
While all would love to see a change in the way we select our judges, Lee stresses his focus on bringing fun and creativity back to the scene. Vinny feels we should include more of our family members in Ballroom. Aaliyah feels that “Half of the judges don’t even know what the category is calling for and they judge based on house affiliation. Or it just being a straight up girlfriends thing.” James and the Wests feel that since they made dress codes mandatory, Ballroom as a whole has embraced it and is now more theme and color code oriented.
These five leaders are so engaged and all approach the runway from different angles but agree that their brand will be a pivotal player in Ballroom’s future. So, before I ended our conversation, I inquired about what they wanted to be known for as well as the houses they represent.
When asked, Lee said he and his house want to be the vehicle of change, displaying their creativity and innovative spirit on the floor at all times. James said he wanted to be respected as an honest original individual and the Wests as the House that brought energy back to Ballroom. Omari said he wants to be known as a multiple category walker and a house of diversified everyday people who have a knowledge of ballroom and their category. Aaliyah along with the house 0f DMV wants to be Ballroom’s signature house, embodying the true essence of Ballroom.
The chant that MC Debra made famous, Vinny instills in his members daily. “You can be anything that you want to be. Study your craft and work hard at it. CAN’T should never be part of your vocabulary”! If these new houses stick to their plans and stay true to their goals – all with a sprinkle of total opulence, then all of Ballroom will know their names.
