WVoices, the event that reflects on women in dance.
A talk about inclusion and a Dance Battle, to not forget the joy of community
October 25th, 2024
The world of dance is diverse, vast, and far-reaching. It is expressed not only through choreography on grand stages but also in make-up, fashion, and in the underground clubs where it emerges alongside subcultures, inspiring and enriching them. La B. Fujiko, creative director, founder of Unagency, and event organizer within Milan’s ballroom and voguing scene, understands this well. This is why she decided to create WVoices, an event dedicated to women (in the broadest and most intersectional sense) and the dance communities they inhabit.
WVoices: An Event for Women in Dance (and for everyone’s enjoyment, with no exclusions)
On October 19th at the Main Club in Porto di Mare, individuals representing and embodying dance genres like hip-hop, voguing, house dance, waacking, breaking, and twerking came together to talk, have fun, and challenge each other freely, judged solely by a female jury. At the end of the night, just before an all-out party, the jury named the winning dance duo. Let’s dive in.
The Open Talk and Club Care's Contribution
It all began at 3 PM with an open talk on the scene, its personalities, dynamics, personal experiences, and challenges. The key themes? Consent and community, respect for others, and for shared art. The organization asked everyone not to share the audio of the talk’s content. Club Care took charge of ensuring the space’s safety, respecting privacy, and supporting the freedom of expression for all participants—a group dedicated to creating safe spaces within events.
The Dance Battle and Celebration
After the talk, which saw significant participation, it was time to dance. A total of 22 pairs registered for the mixed-style Dance Battle, which began with a series of direct challenges that raised the room’s energy and temperature. Following the battle, a spirited party ensued, where rivals turned back into dancers, ready to celebrate together. Among the artists who participated were Valentina Vernia (Banana), Nemesi, Real from House of Ninja Italia, international twerk and afro dance artist Nady, activist Selam from Cantiere and Spazio Mutuo Soccorso Milano, and performer Mambo spanning from breaking to contemporary dance, as well as Sara from the experimental scene. The night was a vibrant blend of competition and camaraderie, a celebration of dance, identity, and collective energy.