Voguer Cali Nike was a guest speaker for the Student Health Services “Art of Vogue” event on April 10 and will continue on May 9 with a more hands-on experience to teach students the techniques of voguing.
A voguer is someone who participates in performances where they express themselves through struts, fashion, and dances; they may also incorporate elements of drag.
Nike opened the event by sharing her introduction to ballroom culture, including her entry into the scene that came about when she attended her first Gay club in 2016.
“For me self discovery was a big part of me getting into ballroom culture,” Nike said.
She went on to explain the different categories there are for ballroom culture, such as butch queens, femme queens, and butch queens in drag.
Nike identifies as a femme queen and performs in that category.
Nike gave students the perspective and insight as to what ballroom is, she described ballroom as a space created by Black and Latino members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Nike also spoke on the well-known figures who shape ballroom culture, including Jack Mizarhi, MC Debra, and Precious Ebony.
The ballroom scene consists of people walking, dancing, and voguing while an audience watches and cheers them on.
Since entering the ballroom scene, Nike has hosted her own ballroom events all around Long Beach and Los Angeles.
Nike spoke about her passion for ballroom and her appearance in the first season of “Legendary,” a show where people take on dance challenges and showcase fashion.
During the event Nike presented students with videos from her time being on the show.
“The ballroom scene is a way for queer people to come together and celebrate their differences,” Nike said.
Nike explained the fundamentals of voguing and its five elements: spins with dips, hands, catwalk, duck walk, and floor performance.
The event created an intimate space for students to ask questions and express themselves while learning about ballroom culture.
“I always felt insecure about catwalking, but this event inspired me and gave me a better understanding of ballroom,” said student Asdel Carronza.
Mental health clinician Mark Casas coordinated and welcomed students to the event, where attendees could enjoy various foods and beverages whilst indulging in Nike’s presentation.
“This is the first time we are doing the Vogue workshop series at LBCC. We hope that students are able to learn a lot about ballroom culture,” Casas said.
Student Health Services plans to hold a second “Art of Vogue” event on May 9.