Are the judges throwing shade or do you need to come correct.
In the world of Ballroom, getting a "tens across the board" score from the judges is the ultimate goal. However, with this high-stakes competition comes the reality of "shade" - Ballroom politics that can be harsh and hurtful. The judges hold immense power in determining a walker's success, and often, personal biases and conflicts can come into play. As a result, tensions can run high, leading to rivalries between houses, and even physical altercations.
In ballroom culture, the concept of shade is a common occurrence, and it can often involve the use of subtle or passive-aggressive behavior to criticize or diminish the accomplishments of others. This can come in the form of negative comments, gestures, or facial expressions, and is often aimed at competitors or members of houses. The competitive nature of ballroom can lead to feelings of jealousy and resentment, which can fuel the spread of shade and create a toxic environment.
It's heartbreaking to see talented individuals being held back due to petty conflicts and jealousy within the Ballroom community. The constant cycle of competition and retaliation can get out of hand, causing talented walkers to miss out on opportunities to showcase their abilities. The effects of these petty battles can even escalate to the point of violence, as seen in the unfortunate incident of judges being maced on the panel in Atlanta, GA or the incident in San Francisco, California. This type of behavior has a profound impact on the ballroom community, affecting the careers of talented performers and perpetuating a cycle of negativity. It can also discourage new members from participating in the culture and may prevent talented individuals from reaching their full potential.
Unfortunately, the prevalence of shade in ballroom culture has reached the point where it is accepted as a normal part of the scene. This leads to lack of accountability for harmful actions, and lack of progress towards creating a more positive and supportive environment for all members of the community. Judging is subjective, but it shouldn't come at the cost of creating a hostile and dangerous environment for those involved. The question arises, how can we move away from this toxic culture and towards fair and unbiased judging in ballroom? It's time for the ballroom community to reflect and strive towards a culture that prioritizes growth, fairness, and respect for all its members.
Don't get me wrong, there are still those in the ballroom community who strive to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. By working together to promote positivity and respect, and by calling out instances of shade and negativity, we can help to create a better and more supportive ballroom culture for all members. Despite the negativity that can come with ballroom shade, it is important to remember that the ballroom culture is ultimately about community, expression, and creativity. Whether it be through uplifting one another, providing constructive criticism, or simply coming together to support and celebrate each other's work, we can work to create a more positive ballroom culture.
At the end of the day, there's always another ball and it is about coming together to showcase our talents, have fun, and build relationships that last a lifetime. Let's strive to make ballroom a place where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and appreciated for their unique gifts and abilities.
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