Fabulous

Director: Audrey Jean-Baptiste
Release Year: 2019

In the 2019 documentary Fabulous, directed by Audrey Jean-Baptiste, viewers are invited into the world of voguing, a dance style that transcends traditional boundaries and provides a platform for marginalized communities to express themselves freely. At the heart of this exploration is Lasseindra Ninja, a professional transgender dancer and a leading figure in France's voguing scene.

 

Born in 1986, Lasseindra has become an icon in the world of dance, specifically in the voguing community, which originated in the underground clubs of New York in the 1980s. Lasseindra's journey into voguing began at the age of 20 when she joined one of the most renowned dance collectives in New York. Through her experiences in the ballrooms of New York, Brazil, France, and other major international scenes, she developed her unique artistic expression, eventually returning to her home country of French Guiana to introduce voguing to a new generation. This return marks a significant moment in her career, not only as a dancer but also as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and empowerment. The documentary chronicles Lasseindra's work in French Guiana, where she conducts workshops for aspiring dancers. These workshops become more than just lessons in movement - they serve as tools for self-expression and self-empowerment. Through voguing, Lasseindra teaches her students how to assert their identities and navigate the challenges of a world that is often hostile to those who do not conform to mainstream norms. Voguing, for Lasseindra, becomes a means of resistance - a way for individuals, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, to carve out spaces of acceptance and joy in a society that may marginalize them. 

 

One of the core themes of Fabulous is the concept of self-liberation and the freedom of expression through the body. Voguing, which initially emerged in New York's ballrooms as a form of competition and self-empowerment for queer people of color, offers a platform for dancers to create and perform elaborate poses and movements that challenge traditional notions of beauty, gender, and sexuality. The dance style itself is a visual manifestation of identity, an art form that allows its practitioners to communicate their lived experiences and emotions without words. Through her workshops in French Guiana, Lasseindra provides a glimpse into the emergence of voguing in a new cultural context, one that is both influenced by the rich history of the dance style and shaped by the local environment. 

 

By teaching young dancers how to embrace their uniqueness, she gives them the confidence to navigate a world that may not always be kind or accepting. For many of her students, this process is transformative - a way to reclaim power and agency in a society that has historically been unwelcoming. Lasseindra Ninja's influence in the voguing community extends far beyond French Guiana. As a dancer and choreographer, she has spent over a decade based in Paris, developing her artistic practice through collaborations, choreographic works, and solo performances. Her deep engagement with voguing allows her to bring a pan-African and transatlantic perspective to contemporary dance. In her work, she explores the intersections of real and virtual spaces, questioning how movement is performed and perceived in different contexts, from the stage to the screen. 

 

Additionally, Lasseindra is the founder of the House of Ninja, an international "house" of voguing based in Paris. The "house" concept is a central element in the ballroom scene, providing a sense of family and support for its members. The House of Ninja carries on the legacy of influential figures like Stephane Mizrahi and Glo Brooks, who introduced voguing to France before Lasseindra's time. Under her leadership, the House of Ninja has become a beacon for those seeking to express themselves freely, and it has played a crucial role in the growth of voguing culture in Europe. In recognition of her contributions to the ballroom scene, Lasseindra has earned the title of "Légende" within the international voguing community. This honor is a testament to her dedication to the art form and to the LGBTQ+ community. 

 

Beyond her work in voguing, Lasseindra also explores contemporary creation, musical composition, and digital arts. She has collaborated with prestigious institutions such as the Centre National de la Danse and the Ballet National de Marseille, bringing her unique perspective to the world of contemporary dance and the arts. Lasseindra's story is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of dance and the importance of self-expression in shaping one's identity. Her work, both in France and French Guiana, highlights the role that voguing plays in the broader LGBTQ+ movement, offering individuals a space to resist societal pressures and celebrate their authentic selves. Through voguing, Lasseindra provides a platform for those who have been historically silenced or marginalized to assert their presence and take pride in who they are. 

 

The documentary Fabulous not only highlights Lasseindra's personal journey but also sheds light on the cultural significance of voguing as a form of resistance, self-expression, and empowerment. It serves as a reminder that art, in all its forms, can be a powerful tool for social change, allowing individuals to challenge the status quo and create spaces of belonging and acceptance. As Lasseindra Ninja continues to inspire new generations of dancers and activists, her legacy in the voguing community remains a testament to the enduring power of dance as a means of self-liberation and collective solidarity.

 

via: youtube

villamedici.it and outplayfilms.com

Image credits: YouTube