Voguing is a dance form that originated in New York City's LGBTQ+ ballroom scene. The word "voguing" is spelled with the /v/ sound, followed by the "oh" sound made with the /oʊ/ diphthong. The word also includes the "guh" sound made with the letter /g/ and ends with the "ing" sound made with the /ɪŋ/ ending. Together, the word is pronounced as "voʊɡɪŋ" in IPA phonetic transcription. This spelling ensures that the word's pronunciation is accurate and consistent across different dialects and languages.
Voguing is a dance style that emerged in the 1980s in the African American and Latino LGBTQ+ communities of Harlem, New York City. It originated from the underground ballroom scene, where participants engage in competitions known as balls. The term "voguing" is derived from the fashion magazine Vogue, which served as an inspiration for the dance form.
Voguing involves intricate movements, exaggerated poses, and dynamic gestures, often imitating the postures and attitudes seen in high-fashion magazine spreads. The dance is characterized by its emphasis on sharp, precise movements and intense synchronicity with the beat of the music.
Voguers often add their own personalized style and flair, incorporating elements of drama, storytelling, and self-expression. The dance is known for its focus on attitude and confidence, which is conveyed through bold gestures, challenging poses, and deliberate facial expressions.
In addition to dance, voguing has become a renowned cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion, music, and popular culture. It has served as a platform for marginalized communities to express their identities and challenge societal norms. Voguing has also become an art form embraced by many outside the LGBTQ+ community, transcending boundaries and promoting inclusivity.
Overall, voguing encapsulates a blend of dance, fashion, and self-expression, combining elements of creativity, attitude, and storytelling to create a vibrant and powerful art form.
The word "voguing" has its origins in the underground ballroom culture of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly among African-American and Latino dancers in New York City. It emerged in the 1980s and was popularized by the documentary film "Paris Is Burning" (1990).
The term "vogue" itself predates the ballroom scene and has roots in the fashion industry. It refers to striking dramatic poses reminiscent of models in high-fashion magazines such as Vogue. The dance style known as "voguing" evolved from these poses, incorporating graceful and exaggerated arm, hand, and body movements.
As for the etymology of the specific word "voguing", it derives from the verb "to vogue".