Derek Prada Murphy Explains the Different Eras of Ballroom

Ballroom's legend and scholar explains how he developed the different historical eras of ballroom–and why

Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow

Derek Prada Ebony (2001) by Gerard H. GaskinBallroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow

Ballroom's Historian

Derek Prada-Ebony is a historian, scholar, and Ballroom icon. Since 1985, he has been part of the culture–and currently the keeper and storyteller of its historical arc, and magic.

Breaking Down the Eras

Watch Derek's explanation of how he structured the different eras of Ballroom, why the colors correlate to each era, and how the history of the Ballroom evolved.

Dray Ebony, Aisha Prodigy Derek Ebony, Pony Zion, Dashaun Evisu-Basquiat and Denise Infiniti (2009)Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow

Creating Ballroom's Legacy

Derek's comprehensive collection of photos, from across the generations, and his abiding commitment to telling the history of ballroom have been integral to the development of the Google Arts & Culture digital archive on Ballroom.

Ballroom Icon Derek Prada-Ebony, and Jaimee Balenciaga, at the premiere of Newark is Burning, Thomas (Derek Prada-Ebony) Murphy, 2013, From the collection of: Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow

Ballroom Icon Derek Prada-Ebony, in Charlotte, N.C, Thomas (Derek Prada-Ebony) Murphy, 2007, From the collection of: Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow

Ballroom Icons, Derek and Grandfather Dray Ebony, at the 3 Kings Ball, Thomas (Derek Prada-Ebony) Murphy, 2010, From the collection of: Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow

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See Derek with Ballroom Icons and Legends across the eras.

Ballroom Icons J'lyn Evisu - Lanvin and Derek Prada-Ebony (2010) by Thomas ( Derek Prada-Ebony) MurphyBallroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow

Want to Learn More?

Listen to more lessons in Ballroom history with Derek on the podcast "Trippin."

The Pionerring House of Ebony members in Charlotte, N.C., Thomas (Derek Prada-Ebony) Murphy, 2007, From the collection of: Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow

Trevon Allure-Garcon, and Derek Prada-Ebony, at The House of Mugler Ball, Thomas (Derek Prada-Ebony) Murphy, 2017, From the collection of: Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow

All Ballroom Eras, at the PIcnic on the Pier, Thomas (Derek Prada-Ebony) Murphy, 2015, From the collection of: Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow

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Red Era Icons Roy, Dray, and Derek Ebony, at a ball in Brooklyn, Thomas (Derek Prada-Ebony) Murphy, 2011, From the collection of: Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow

Victor Ebony, and Derek Prada-Ebony, at the 3 Kings Ball, Thomas (Derek Prada-Ebony) Murphy, 2009, From the collection of: Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow

Ballroom Icons, at the Ballroom Pioneers Luncheon, and Awards Ceremony, Thomas (Derek Prada-Ebony) Murphy, 2007, From the collection of: Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow

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Credits: All media

The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

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