The Joy of Dance: Movement, Expression, and Community

At Indigo Movement, we celebrate all forms of movement that help reclaim joy, self-expression, and connection! One of the most powerful ways to experience this is through dance. Side note: did you know our founder, Tiana is also a dancer? Whether it’s in a class, at the club (LOL), or in the privacy of your own home (don’t be shy!), dancing unlocks something deep within—a sense of freedom, rhythm, and release.

For Tiana, dance became a gateway to an entire world of culture and self-discovery. She first learned about Willie Ninja and Harlem’s ballroom culture through the iconic documentary Paris Is Burning. This film opened her eyes to the transformative power of voguing—a style of dance that emerged as an art form of resistance, beauty, and identity within the LGBTQ+ ballroom scene.

Willie Ninja. known as the "Godfather of Voguing," was a pioneering choreographer who played a crucial role in bringing voguing to the mainstream. As the founder of the House of Ninja, he shaped ballroom culture by blending elegance, precision, and dramatic poses inspired by high fashion and martial arts. His artistry gained global recognition through Paris Is Burningand collaborations with designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier and Madonna. Today, he still remains an enduring icon of dance, identity, and self-expression, inspiring generations to embrace movement as a means of storytelling and empowerment.

As we continue celebrating joy this Black History Month, we invite you to explore how dance can bring more joy,  storytelling, and finding your voice through your body. As Audre Lorde explained, joy gives us the “energy for change” to resist the oppressive structures and status quo that make us tired and apathetic. We will not be defeated, we will continue to wave our flag of joy in the face of it all. That is how it has been and will continue to be. 

Cheers,
Team Indigo Movement

Spotlight: Kisha Vaughan

We also want to highlight the incredible work of local business owner Kisha Vaughan, who has dedicated her career to teaching dance as a form of empowerment and self-expression. Kisha helps individuals of all ages find confidence and joy in movement. Whether leading high-energy choreography or soulful, expressive routines, she creates an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to explore the art of dance. Make sure to follow her HERE!