"The documentary Paris is Burning and Madonna’s "Vogue" first brought the ball culture into the mainstream in the 1990s—until then, this club and catwalk mashup was restricted to the queer community of color in major cities, especially NYC. It faded from pop culture until the launch of the recent FX show Pose, starring a largely trans ensemble. If you’re inspired to join the fray, the two best-known parties are run by DJ MikeQ: Vogue Knights (its longtime venue just shuttered, so check the Facebook page for the next location) and House of Vogue, a regular event at Brooklyn’s raunchy, eccentric House of Yes nightclub. To prep your hip-swiveling before unleashing your inner Naomi, sign up for a dance class taught by one of the champions of the scene, like Javier Ninja, protegé of late Paris is Burning star Willi and a three-time international Champion of the Year. Javier teaches at Broadway Dance Center, while fellow House of Ninja member Archie Burnett runs classes at the Peridance Capezio Center." - Mark Ellwood
