The new documentary Strike A Pose chronicles the lives of the dancers who performed on Madonna's Blonde Ambition Tour and are featured in the iconic film Truth or Dare. On this episode of The Perfect Podcast two of those dancers, Jose Gutierez aka Jose Xtravaganza and Carlton Wilborn join me to share what life was like touring with Madonna in the early 90's and why they decided to bare it all once again for the Strike a Pose documentary. But we begin each conversation focused on the subject of Voguing as A Perfect Dance Style.
Just like other great American cultural creations like Jazz and Rock and Hip Hop; Voguing was created by young African American and Latino artists. The creators of this dance style were also gay and voguing became a way for them to create community, to dream, to survive and ultimately to express themselves.
Highlights of the conversations include:
- Jose discusses what it was like to teach Madonna how to Vogue
- Carlton reveals why he is missing in key scenes from Truth or Dare
- Jose explains why houses - like the House of Xtravaganza are integral to Voguing culture.
- Carlton tells me that the first time he ever vogued was at his audition for Madonna.
- Carlton and Jose share the experience of filming Strike a Pose and reuniting with their fellow dancers after years of being out of touch.
If you are a fan of Madonna and/or a fan of dance this is an episode you MUST LISTEN TO. But this episode is really for anyone who enjoys hearing artists speak passionately about what they do. Jose and Carlton are two dancers and choreographers who also happened to be part of one of the most iconic phases of one of the biggest pop stars in the world. That experience change their lives and touched the lives of millions of others.