Ballroom Icon Ayssa Mugler-Garcon walking BQ Up In Drags at the YMCA in Brooklyn (2012)Ballroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
25 New Houses in 4 Years
Ballroom in the Red Era experienced its most significant growth, adding 25 houses in a brief four year period. The houses founded then continue to thrive today and are now iconic.
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House of Omni Ball Tracks Legendary Voguer Cesar Valentino background right Willi Ninja (1989) by Chantal RegnaultBallroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
Madonna and Popularization of Vogue
In 1990, Madonna released her #1 track Vogue, and a music video featuring vogue performance. Although the song and video popularized voguing, the origins of its art form were never acknowledged as belonging to Ballroom and the Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community
Legendary Mother Pepper La Beija and daughter Modavia La Beija (1990) by Chantal RegnaultBallroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
Paris is Burning
In 1990, the documentary on Ballroom, Paris is Burning is also released. The creative genius of Ballroom is revealed to the mainstream--but not by the community, on its terms. The documentary's title is taken from the name of all Paris Dupree's balls: Paris is Burning
David Xtravaganza Ultima and Luna Xtravaganza (1997) by Luna Luis OrtizBallroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
Red Era: Kids Leading Kids
“After members of the Gold and White Eras passed away, it was the Red Era who carried the origin stories. This era was 'kids leading kids' because of the AIDS epidemic: creating their own legacies while protecting the legacies of their families.” – Luna Luis Ortiz
“A lot of folks in the Red Era, like me, lost their parents and siblings, and needed both protection and to look out for themselves. Back then there weren’t many agencies (particularly for Black and Brown communities) as there are now. You were really living together as true ‘houses’.”
Evie Pendavis and Luna Xtravaganza (1998) by Luna Luis OrtizBallroom Throwbacks/Destination Tomorrow
Red Era and House Mother Avis Pendavis
Luna joined the House of Pendavis, headed its Mother, Avis Pendavis. Avis was deeply involved in her children’s lives, particularly in making sure they had jobs and were attending school. Avis saw this responsibility through to Luna's graduation, where she was in attendance.
Seamstress and Nurturer
“Avis was a brilliant seamstress. When we were at her house she would make a big pot of macaroni and tuna, and we’d drink kool aid and watch old movies. She’d say 'you see that dress right there? I made something just like that and it won the grand prize against Peppa Labeija.'"
"Avis taught me more about life than about Ballroom: how to get an apartment, how to be a gay man, the importance of education and having a job, the reality of the health crisis. Her childrens' lifespan was important to her and her legacy." – Luna Luis Ortiz
