A Peckham-based trans woman, who teaches dance to LGBTQ+ people of colour, is holding a voguing class at a popular pub as part of its black history month celebrations.
This week, the Prince of Peckham pub will host Bambi Revlon, (Omar Jordan Phillips) for a lesson in ‘voguing’, a dance style created by black and latinx LGBTQ+ communities in the ballroom scene around 60 years ago.
The dance began in Harlem, New York – Bambi, 29 explained that it became a big part of drag competitions from the 60s to the 80s. “They became ‘Vogue Balls.’ These were competitions where queer people demonstrated their talents in categories of fashion, beauty, realness and performance for grand prizes.”
They compete in houses, run by ‘mothers’ and ‘fathers’.
Bambi is the mother of the Kiki house of Laveaux and welcomes people from all avenues. “People join a house for many different reasons.” she said.
“The ballroom scene in general offers an alternative idea of family.” she explained. “I think challenging traditional understandings of family is fundamental in fighting for our collective liberation.”
“Everyone’s searching for a sense of belonging – we definitely have that in the house.”
She was born and raised in Streatham, and has lived in Peckham for the last five years.
“I first heard about voguing in 2014 after seeing it on TV and got obsessed with it.”
“For me, it’s about connecting to our black trans ancestry and history. With black trans people for example – you’re often put in a box by society where you’re either queer or black. You can’t be both.”
“This dance, and the ballroom culture we see today was developed by these marginalised communities. It’s a sign of them taking ownership of their identities.”
Bambi now teaches voguing to anyone who wants to learn. “I like to teach in a way that caters to all abilities.
She added: “The ballroom scene in London is growing. I’ve seen the culture through lots of phases – and now there definitely feels like there’s a new energy and a new life to it. It’s about learning your history and understanding who came before you.”
This free event will run on Wednesday 26th October at the Prince of Peckham pub, 1 Clayton Rd, SE15 5JA from 7pm to 9.30pm. Click here to register your interest.
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