25/07/2025
When a story becomes a legend ✨
Ballroom has been full of cathartic moments for me since the very first time I stumbled into class, back in 2008 not knowing what I was about to experience. I remember feeling very angry and depressed that day and the moment he pumped the beat I felt completely transformed. Not knowing anything about ballroom and the cultural context I could deeply relate to the rhythm, movement, sound, emotion and story. It felt spiritual.
Ballroom shaped me into the person I am today, and even though ballroom is rigorous at times, it is still a place I deeply cherish for all it gave, provided, and poured into me. Like with every love story I learned to be in it, but also to be out of it. It can lift you up and exhilarate you - yet, in its intensity, it can also consume and swallow you, leaving you feeling empty, drained, and defeated. This complexity is what makes ballroom so powerful and transformative. It builds, crushes and reshapes you and once you manage to integrate the blessings it provides and the lessons it teaches you, you will be able to transfer that knowledge, skill and wisdom onto other spaces and situations.
Thank you for reaching out in 2012 to join you in building a space where we can feel free and celebrate each other. At a time where I felt completely lost, your gesture would turn out to be life changing for me. Thank you for seeing me when I felt invisible and being the first person to teach me the elements of vogue. Thank you for telling me to let my hair down cause it is my superpower. Thank you and for teaching and supporting and deeming me a legend. Thank you for acknowledging me.
Getting deemed at HAU was a full circle moment. Being surrounded by my siblings, kids and loved ones.
Thank you community.
Thank you ballroom for being my village
🧡🧡🧡
📸 by the amazing
🎥 by
