Community
Why was dance important for queer communities?
It created safe spaces for expression and survival
In ballroom culture, what is a "house"?
A chosen family led by a "mother" and "father" due to a lot of queer youth being kicked out or disowned by their blood family.
Whacking started in what city and decade?
Los Angeles, 1970s.
Ballroom began in what city and decade?
New York City, 1960's
House music is the evolution of ?
Disco music, a lot of the samples in house music is from disco, latin, jazz, and gospel music.
What does it mean when we say "dance kept us alive"?
It allowed queer folks to build community, find joy, and resist erasure
What was the main purpose of houses?
To give queer and trans people family, protection, and belonging
What movements inspired whacking?
Which communities created ballroom?
Black and Latinx queer and trans woman!!
Which cities are most connected to the birth of house dance?
Chicago and New York
What role did queer dance play in activism?
It brought visibility, challenged norms, and celebrated identity
Houses often competed in what events?
Balls (categories like vogue, runway, realness, etc.)
Whacking was originally called what?
“Punking” (slang for reclaiming an insult).
What is “voguing”?
A dance style inspired by fashion poses in vogue magazines, a series of poses on a runway, settling things on the floor battling.
What is “jacking” in house dance?
The groove, the heartbeat, the foundation of this style.
How is queer dance both personal and collective?
Individuals express themselves, but the community shares in the healing
Why were houses especially important for LGBTQ+ youth?
Many were rejected by biological families and needed support
the origin of the term “Punking"
the word punk was a derogatory term for gay men but was reclaimed as a way of empowerment!
What was ballroom a response to?
Racism, homophobia, and exclusion from mainstream pageants.
What makes house dance different from other styles?
Focus on feeling the music, and club culture!
Why is it important to learn the history of queer dance?
To honor its roots, give credit to Black and Latinx creators, and keep traditions alive
How did houses function beyond competition?
As lifelong support systems—providing mentorship, housing, and care.
Why was Whacking revolutionary for queer people?
It made them visible and unapologetically expressive against racism and homophobia, a form of therapy to release emotions and artistry.
Name one icon from ballroom history.
Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, Dorian Corey, Crystal LaBeija, Paris Dupree, Leiomy Maldonado, Octavia St. Laurent (any accepted).
What movements inspired this dance?
footwork and grooving!