Ballroom is Black

Stepping into a ballroom for the first time is like stepping into a revolution. The air vibrates with music, energy, and defiance. It’s a space where every move, every look, every gesture is a declaration: we are here. We exist. We thrive. For Bogotá’s Afro queer community, the ballroom scene is more than just a performance space, it’s a sanctuary, a battlefield, and a celebration of identity. It’s where Black and queer voices reclaim a culture they created, a culture that has often been appropriated, sidelined, or erased.

This project dives into the heart of that world, capturing the electric moments and quiet bonds that make ballroom a lifeline for so many. From the streets of Bogotá to the makeshift dancefloors lit by bold, unapologetic energy, the series documents the fierce determination of a community fighting for visibility, respect, and joy. At its core, ballroom is activism in motion, a rebellion against systemic oppression and a tribute to the resilience of those who refuse to conform.