Jonte' is the new shit!
Remember the documentary
PARIS IS BURNING?
The movie covered the scene that invented voguing.
Made in 1991 Paris Is Burning closes with two neon-lit boys holding each other on the streets of Harlem. One looks into the camera and asks, «So this is New York City and what the gay lifestyle is all about--right?» This documentary takes an honest, humorous, and surprisingly poignant peek into one of America's overlooked subcultures: the world of the urban drag queen. It's a parallel dimension of bizarre beauty, where «houses» vie like gangs for turf and reputation ... only instead of street-fighting, they vogue their way down makeshift catwalks in competitive "balls." The only rule of the ballroom: be real.
Well, Malcolm McLaren brought voguing out on vinyl and Madonna brought it on tour and on to MTV. They jumped the bandwagon of course, but at the same time it brought the antics of vouge, runway out to a wider audience. And then it went silent ... i think.
The other day i was surfing around MySpace when suddenly i stopped. Someone seemed to have made a cover of Vanity6 and their «Make Up».
Now i love that song. Both the original and several cover versions - like the Soft Pink Thruth version.
This time it was an artist by the name of Jonte' who was tearing it up. And who is this Jonte' i hear you ask ... Well, besides being fabulous, talented and a fierce personality this is the story:
Born and raised in Portland Oregon, Jonté began dance training at age 13 with choreographer Kim Borgaro (Michael Jackson, Lionel Ritchie). Under her guidance, he trained in Ballet, Flamenco, African and Modern Dance at the Oregon Ballet Theatre. Jonté went on to become a member of the nationally acclaimed Jefferson Dancers and performed in the African AmeriKan Ballet for four years. This brought Jonté to New York were he then trained at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Jontés first professional job was as featured dancer for Latin recording artist, Thalia at her Madison Square Garden concert. From there, Jonté went on to concert, television and video performances with Jordan Knight, Mya, Mario, Ciara and Carmit of the Pussy Cat Dolls just to name a few. But, his crowning achievements were Madonnas Confessions on the Dance Floor documentary and the now infamous 2004 Janet Jackson Super Bowl performance. These two experiences were career - defining moments. After dancing for two of the most important artists in the history of the music industry, Jonté knew what his next move had to be. With varying artists from Grace Jones to Nina Simone as his inspiration, Jonté has moved from the background into the spotlight. By bringing shock and drama but ultimately entertainment to the music industry, he promises to be one of the edgiest performers to come along. His exotic look and style has already garnered him coverage in such publications as, The Ones, Quixote's Chin Magazine, Elle Magazine and a featured model wearing the latest Couture by Patricia Fields and Dutchess in the first issue of Gazelland with Boy George. To catch a sneak preview of things to come, Jonté can often be seen on Thursday nights at New York City hotspot, Duvet, wrecking the stage at Kenny Kenny and Boy George's party Rich Powerful Beautiful and Famous along with club luminaries, Richie Rich, Amanda Lepore and Sophia Lamar. Yes, the time has come for Jonté. Lights, Camera, WORK!!! ENJOY JONTE' «MAKE UP»
Get this video and more at
MySpace.com VISIT JONTE' @ MYSPACE
Innlegg
