This workshop by renowned practitioner Sattva Ninja explores the origins and core elements of New Way, one of Ballroom’s three performance styles, also known as voguing. Emerging from dancers imitating the poses of fashion models—particularly those seen in Vogue magazine—voguing also draws inspiration from Egyptian hieroglyphs, mime and performance techniques, martial arts, and dance subcultures such as breakdance and popping. In the early 1980s the category Old Way focused on symmetry, lines, and classic poses. A decade later, New Way emerged as dancers began pushing the physical and technical boundaries of the form. The style introduced greater flexibility, contortions, and acrobatic elements, often accompanied by faster House and Techno tracks. Influenced by the attitude of Haute Couture, New Way emphasizes precise angles and complex visual illusions created through body, arm, and hand poses.  

New Way 101 introduces the historical and classical foundations of the style while offering a space to practise its distinctive movement qualities—the base required to continue the evolution of this performance category without losing its essence. The workshop is led by Sattva Ninja, Asia Mother of the Iconic House of Ninja, a Legend in the Kiki scene and a rising Legend in the Mainstream scene. As a choreographer, movement director, Ballroom consultant and performer, Sattva Ninja is famous internationally, working across TV and the music industry. 

Before and after the workshop, a hang-out space provides room for relaxation, exchange, and movement, while various related audiovisual, sonic, and printed materials are also on hand.

The workshops welcome everyone wishing to expand their knowledge, skills, or network. Since Ballroom culture was created by trans women of African, Central and South American, and Caribbean descent—and continues to centre the lives and resilience of racialized and sexo-diverse people—their participation is especially encouraged. 

The session at large aims to be a ‘safer space’. Being mindful of the space one takes, respecting the dynamics of the room, and giving priority to the focus groups is a participation requirement.

Co-production, co-curation: Georgina Philp and Litchi Ly Friedrich

Save the date: the next Pump, Create, Elevate workshop take places on Saturday 24 October, 15:00–19:00.