The Latin American ballroom scene is relatively recent. It started in 2013 when a group of dancers started organizing voguing battles in Brazil. Since then it has spread to other countries such as Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica, Argentina and Colombia.
Recently, in Colombia, the viral video of vogueros on public transport buses drew international attention to the scene in Bogotá. It also highlighted an important aspect of the culture there: while some events take place in theaters and dance studios — like the Met Gala-themed evening — the ballroom mostly happens in public. Street dances draw processions of participants who strut and bow to cheering crowds. And almost every Sunday, rehearsals are staged at Parque Renacimiento in Bogotá (until recently featuring Papu), in which dancers polish their steps while dads with babies in strollers and middle-aged men in basketball shorts look on intrigued. .
But as the Latin American scene has expanded, so have concerns about cultural appropriation, exploitation and inclusion. How much should ballroom culture change and adapt in a new context? Is enough being done to include black and trans people?