Time

Time

The event begins at night, late night. One of the funnier exploits of my research is my inability to properly predict when a Vogue Knights event will start or even finish. This particular event is a celebration of Monea’s birthday at which you will be able to secure reduced admission with a text. Also on the flyer, we learn that one must be at least 18 years old to “vogue” and 21 years old to “drink.” The flyer itself features two male dancers in brightly colored leotards in mid pose. These leotards are similar to those that one sees in popular culture worn exclusively by women. I am thinking a “Let’s Get Physical” era Olivia Newton John, and even those worn by Beyoncé Knowles in her latest video for the song “Blow.” Nonetheless, the flyer mentions no official start or end time. On this night, I arrived at 11pm to find an empty club. Well empty accept for Louis, the man responsible for taking checking patrons’ identification, and Leo the trusted bouncer who provides patrons with appropriate wristbands that separate voguers from drinkers. I asked Louis on this night, “What time should I come if I want to photograph dancers?” He shrugged his shoulders, and replied,” They get here when they get here. Last week people didn’t really start showing up till one or two [in the morning], and I didn’t get out of here till like five [in the morning].” It is this very relationship between time and space, which establishes the foundation of how the Ballroom Community produces the Ballroom Scene. Timelessness is the defining feature of the Ballroom scene. Further, this characteristic carries down from actual Balls. It is necessary to clarify the distinction between a Ball and Vogue Knights.