Queen City Pride and Dance
As we conclude pride month, we would like to reflect on the history of pride and its influence on the Charlotte Ballet family.
Pride representation in the Queen City began in the 1970s following the Stonewall Riots in New York. During the month of August, members of the pride community come together at the annual Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade. Here, individuals can emerse themselves in LGBTQIA+ culture where it is not only welcome but embraced
The LGBTQIA+ community represents unity, celebration and joy. Dance allows individuals to express themselves to the full extent without judgment, and has always been an aspect of LGBTQIA+ culture.
Many popular dances that are still widely performed today were created and popularized by the LGBTQIA+ community. Voguing is a highly styled form of dance created by Black and Latino groups in Harlem, New York. Voguing began to transform drag competitions previously known as “balls” into Vogue battles. The 1970’s Disco dance genre was heavily popularized by the LGBTQIA+ community as it emerged in the urban nightlife scene among teens and young adults.
At Charlotte Ballet, we facilitate an environment that welcomes and encourages dancers of all identities to be themselves and exist freely.
One way you can support the LGBTQIA+ community is by donating to local charities and causes. Charlotte Ballet is proud to sponsor The Plus Collective, as it is their mission to award grants to organizations that support the LGBTQIA+ in the Charlotte, North Carolina region while also cultivating partnerships with community allies.
As an organization we are proud to recognize and support the LGBTQIA+ community through creativity and partnership. Happy Pride Month! And don’t forget, the annual Charlotte Pride Festival will be back August 19-20, 2023.
