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But for many more viewers,Legendarymay be their first exposure to the contemporary ball scene.
He also serves voguecabulary, inviting outsiders in on the party.
OnLegendary, youre both a ball MC and a reality TV host.
Was it a challenge to balance authenticity to the scene with guiding new viewers through it?
We have little clips of voguecabulary, where we venture to break down the wordings that we use.
Like whats a category, whats an element, whats a move?
When she went on tour, she took people from House of Xtravaganza.
Social media plays a big part in ballroom becoming mainstream.
Now, you’re free to click and find us within three keystrokes.
There are so many [opportunities] we have now to reach out to others.
Like Vogue Evolution [onAmericas Best Dance Crew],My House,orKiki.
Does anything get lost from the in-person ballroom experience as it becomes a show?
On television, you only get a specific amount of time.
A ball event can go for 10 hours, 12 hours sometimes.
So thats why were doing our best to give you an eye-opener into what the ball scene is.
How much freedom did you have shaping your role on the show?
My stylist, Eric Archibald, is part of the ballroom scene as well.
I think its so beautiful that we get to sit on this platform and get creative.
Its just making sure the show is running fine.
And that creative process has been so open for me to just jump in.
Like when you were the only person in the world who could ever tell Dominique Jackson to sit down.
On Twitter, we have a big Latino fanbase, and everyone ran and jumped on that.
But you have to crack that whip on the judges.
When youre at an actual ball, the commentators are usually part of a house.
Its that unwritten rule of not being biased to a house, even if your house is participating.
Because you have houses that might be walking a grand prize worth $10,000.
So, if you ever look to do anything in front of anyone?
Oh, trust me, theyre gonna let us know.
Every time Im on a microphone, its all about being fair.
No, bitch, I dont play those games.
We get to speak and celebrate our trans sisters that are on the show.
I get so many messages every day about this show.
Someone came out to their family.
I had another message from someone like, Im ready to start walking a category.
Im all the way in Alaska.
How can I get involved?
Poseshows what was happening and how the categories were so different, whereasLegendaryis whats occurring at this moment.
If you look atPose,you see how the scoring system used to be.
Now we only go with 10 or chop.
Then we have categories that have evolved.
Voguing femme didnt exist in the 80s like it does now.
Now, we have categories celebrating difference.
Compared to years ago, where [it was more about] realness.
Back then, it was highly celebrated.
But now, it would be a little bit controversial.
You have to be very careful about how you choose to do it.
And then the dynamics of voguing!
Back then, it wasnt as acrobatic as it is today, because baby, these kids!
Do you have any ideas for ball themes forLegendaryseason two?
I would love to have anAmerican Horror Storytheme.
I would love to do a Christmas theme.
At a ball, when we do these categories, youll see the description and then theres the title.
So you go back home and figure out your best robot.
So, what youre saying is,Legendaryshould be renewed for ten more seasons.
Im rooting for a season 12.
There are many, many other houses that people have not had an opportunity to get to know.
Now, we know these eight houses.
If were going for a season two, weve got another eight houses.
And season three, weve got another eight.
I saw in another interview you mentioned you play PS4.
Any games youre playing to get through quarantine?
No one has ever asked me a PS4 question!
Yes, Im a gamer.
Ive played all theCall of Dutygames.
And yes, I have headphones and I have a microphone.
The majority of the time Im talking crap to people who are talking crap to me.
Other games I play areGrand Theft Auto, Injustice… me and gaming?
Oh, Idont play.My friends will tell you.
When Im on my game, Im on my game.
