Fashionista Roanoke kicks off pride month with 'Ninja Week'

by: Abby Meyer, Evan Johnson, Amanda Kenney, Odyssey Fields

Posted: Jun 2, 2023 / 04:50 PM EDT

Updated: Jun 2, 2023 / 06:19 PM EDT

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — June is Pride Month events are kicking off with an extravagant ball hosted by Fashionista Roanoke followed by a performance from the International House of Ninja, coming all the way from New York City!

This unforgettable evening will begin at 5 p.m. at the Taubman Museum of Art on June 2. Performances are expected to be bold and the fashion is expected to be wild. After the ball, attendees can stick around for a social mixer with House of Ninja dancers in the Pine Room Bar from 9-11 p.m.

“For the southwest Virginia Roanoke area, and this side of Virginia, they are not used to ballroom. I’m excited to have the House of Ninja, they have done a lot, they are very legendary, very iconic. It’s just an experience that we are bringing tonight to Roanoke that I don’t think they are ready for,” said Amia Baltazar. “It’s going to be nice.”

House of Ninja, is known for its ballroom “voguing” performances. In 1982 the crew was founded by Willi Ninja, who is also known as the ‘Godfather of Vogue.’ Since House of Ninja has planted its mark in the ballroom scene and entertainment industry with its unique dance routines incorporating the vogue technique.

“Vogue is a mixture of all dancing, so basically it is all about voguing and posing. As far as the dancing part about it you can exploit your fashion. Put something together and wow us,” said Aj Ninja.

Ninja shared to put on events like this in Roanoke is fun, and educational, and helps people show their creativity.

Fashionista Roanoke says they are hosting this event to “bring awareness of the needs of our Ballroom community and local LGBTQ+ teachers who are both under attack.”

Here is a list of other Ballroom festivities going on during ‘Ninja Week’ in support of the LGBTQ+ community:

Thursday, June 1 — Meet and take photos with your favorite House of Ninja performers, and connect at a reception at the Roanoke Diversity Center from 7-9 p.m.