Title

The Birth and Legacy of Ballroom Culture

Creator

Gavroglou, Myrto

Abstract

The documentary explores the history and legacy of Ballroom culture. It aims to reposition Ballroom culture, moving beyond its stereotypical association with “rebellious” 1980s youth subcultures to its roots in 19th-century Harlem, where it began as a space for the self-expression and empowerment of Black and Latinx groups. Through archival footage and clips from Paris is Burning (1990) and Pose (2018), the film challenges narrow portrayals of marginalization, which often focus solely on struggle, instead emphasizing the joy, creativity, and resilience at the heart of the culture. It invites viewers to see subcultural expression as both a resistance to the mainstream and a celebration of identity.

Keywords

Individuality

Queerness

Subculture

Subject

interdisciplinary

Date Available

May 23, 2025

Type

Video

Course

HSS 2215 Rebels Without a Cause

Course Offering Term

Fall Semester 2024

Instructor

Giannakopoulou, Georgia

Session

Honors Creative Projects

Location

Student Lounge

Event

Year 2025 | 9th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium