Ballroom Culture: the Language of Vogue | Ronald Murray | TEDxColumbus

This is a small glimpse into the underground culture known as the House and Ballroom Scene. House and Ballroom culture has been instrumental in changing the lives of the participants/members and has been influencing mainstream pop culture since the early 80s. With reference from celebrities such as Madonna in her song Vogue, and even RuPaul's drag race has paid homage to this culture and community.

Ronald Murray, also known as Father Ron 'drama' Xclusive Lanvin and one of the curators of the House and ballroom culture in Ohio and throughout the Midwest and nationally, walks us through the long and fruitful history of the ballroom culture and the language of Vogue which was created within this community. This underground scene has existed for more than 40 years as an underground community/culture. The 1990s documentary "Paris is Burning" was the first glimpse in this community. While the culture has been mainly within the LGBTQ of
communities of color, it has recently regained mainstream acknowledgment as the focal point of the hit Ryan Murphy Show "POSE" on FX and on Viceland channel "My House."

Ronald G. Murray is a community leader who lives in Columbus, Ohio with over 15 years of training, education advocacy, counseling and social work experience beginning as a youth HIV/AIDS advocate consultant. Ronald is committed to educating the community about and advocating for the House and Ballroom community as a safe and worthy community to provide outreach, education, community support, and visibility within our local and national community.

Ronald G. Murray is a community leader with more than 15 years of training, education advocacy, counseling and social work experience beginning as a youth HIV/AIDS advocate consultant. He also is the founder and CEO of P.E.A.C.E. of Mind, LLC, a consulting agency that provides personal and professional development and education on the issues surrounding LGBTQ people of color.

[onlyoldnavy]

When you said you were a social worker I almost cried. You’re one of the few genuine social workers I’ve listened to.

[Trund]

I will never understand how a parent can so easily kick out their child for being themselves.

[kandyrogers]

I've been so depressed lately but this video genuinely interested me and made me feel something, real hope and joy, thank you so much for this talk!

[sundiva]

Im not part of the lgbtq but I still felt inspired by this people. They know themselves and I'm proud of them.

[sunrope]

This is one of my favorite Ted talks. The storytelling, the music and dancing, the analysis of their technique - amazing!

[blaykwilliam]

Ballroom culture is everything! It has shaped Queer culture today and influenced pop culture in so many ways, that we owe so much respect and admiration to the Houses and the individuals who are Ballroom culture. It brings me joy to see how Ballroom has been showcased in recent years, from Pose to Ballroom vogue legends going on tour with famous musicians and teaching them choreography. Ballroom is international. We have Ballroom houses here in Newcastle, England and I can’t wait until I get to be apart of it in some way. I can dream!

[alexdifaso]

There is a fantastic documentary called " Love Is In The Legend" its online. Many years ago i got to see Willie Ninja vogue at a Barbara Tucker party and i'll cherish that memory forever.

[manjinghennessy]

What an amazing show I'm so proud of how far the LGBT community has come from and how much the ballroom culture has helped us 😍😍

[Jazzie]

2020/2021 it breaks my heart to see how family and people can kick a child out on the streets and not accept a child just because of something they desire in their hearts. It’s not a choice, it’s life, not a way of life but life. I’m so glad the world is changing but we still have a long way to go and I love this story I just heard. Thank You for explaining to those that simply don’t know 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[Shindai]

If I'd discovered this stuff as a confused kid instead of buying into toxic masculinity to compensate, and the injuries incurred from overdoing martial arts and the gym, I'd probably be a much healthier person these days than i am.

[timtobias]

Just AMAZING!!! The way you broke it down from beginning to

[Etcher]

Reading up on the incredible Paris is Burning documentary brought me here. Really interesting, thank you for this.

[maryann]

Pose brought me here, I didn’t know ballroom scenes exists and I love it

[katherinewoodard]

I first Found this on the TED app, but only the audio was working and I couldn’t see the video. I am so glad I found it here on YouTube. It was amazing and thanks so much for making it!

[thewokeabout]

I’m so joyful to realize where one of my favorite expression of dance developed. Never realized it’s roots. Thank you for your introduction to this culture

[nataliemscrzysxycoolharris]

Ballroom is simply being free to be. Its more than just dancing. Look at the art of it. The family of it. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💯

[lynnedear]

What a wonderful story. You bring a child into the world..you are given no guarantees, only the innocence of a baby that need your unconditional love.
House and ballroom is what family is all about. Loving guidance form productive people that call you family.

[BenSwagnerd]

Queer POC ted talks deserve way more views than they get! I share this widely 💖

[joshin]

Madonna went to the Ballroom, Jose of The House of Xtravaganza auditioned for her right there at the Ball, he and Luis also helped Choreographed the dance for the video, they both went on Tour with her and also the Vogue video came out in 1990, Paris Is Burning came out in 90 or 91.

[lauren]

What an amazing TED talk! So informative and delightful.