Ballroom Culture, Drag, and Queer Dance

Developed by Teresa Yen, GWSL Intern
Office of The Gender and Women’s Studies Librarian
University of Wisconsin System
2021

About this Guide

This bibliography is number 94 in the series “Bibliographies in Gender and Women’s Studies,” published by the University of Wisconsin System Office of the Gender and Women’s Studies Librarian.

Research on Ballroom culture largely relies on media format. You can find many interview clips and documentaries around the topic in this bibliography. Paris is Burning is often the go-to documentary when referencing the ballroom scene and how the public was largely introduced to the ballroom scene of New York. However, it is important to note that some members of the ballroom community have spoken out about the director of the film–Jenny Livingston–and how the documentary was exploitative of their culture. The 2006 film, How do I Look? offers insight into how the ballroom community deals with the aftermath of Paris is Burning.

If you have suggestions for additions or updates, please contact Karla Strand.