Voguing in Italy: Interview with Barbara Pedrazzi on Ballroom Culture
La B. Fujiko, whose real name is Barbara Pedrazzi, is the founder and organizer of the Scandalous Ball, a yearly voguing celebration held in Milan. She is not only a dancer but also a mother within the Italian chapters of the House of Ninja and the Kiki House of B-Fuji. Pedrazzi was introduced to voguing in 2008 while on a scholarship in the United States, where she trained with pioneers such as Javier Ninja, Benny Ninja, and Archie Burnett. Emerging from the gay community of color in New York during the 1970s and 1980s, voguing features competitive Houses that showcase categories like Realness and Best Dressed. Notably, the House of LaBeija was established in 1972, followed by the House of Ninja in the 1980s.
Key facts
- Barbara Pedrazzi (La B. Fujiko) curates the Scandalous Ball in Milan.
- She is mother of the Italian chapter of House of Ninja and overall mother of Kiki House of B-Fuji (Italy and Netherlands).
- Pedrazzi studied voguing in the US in 2008 with Javier Ninja, Benny Ninja, and Archie Burnett.
- Voguing originated in 1970s–80s New York gay community of color, inspired by fashion.
- Waacking originated in Los Angeles, more cinema-related.
- Houses are family-like communities with Mother, Father, Kid hierarchy.
- Ball categories include Best Dressed, Realness, Runway, Body, Sex Siren.
- Judging requires all tens to pass; elimination is called 'chopped'.
- Three voguing styles: Old Way, New Way, Vogue Femme.
- Women's integration led to woman's performance category.
- First House: House of LaBeija (1972); House of Ninja formed in 1980s.
- Major scene vs. Kiki scene (for younger dancers).
- Music varies: house for Runway, disco for Face, R&B for Sex Siren.
- Iconic Vogue Femme track: 'The Ha Dance' by Masters At Work.
Entities
Artists
- Barbara Pedrazzi
- La B. Fujiko
- Javier Ninja
- Benny Ninja
- Archie Burnett
- Willi Ninja
Institutions
- House of Ninja
- Kiki House of B-Fuji
- House of LaBeija
- Scandalous Ball
- Artribune
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- New York
- United States
- Los Angeles
- Asia
- Europe
- Russia
- Netherlands