Check Your Body at the Door is a 2012 documentary film centered on the underground ballroom scene in New York City. The movie revolves around the fiercely competitive and creative world of voguing, a dance form created by the LGBTQ+ community that combines elements of dance and modeling. The film features archival footage from the 1980s and 1990s that celebrates the birth of the ballroom scene and the community that it spawned.
The documentary follows the lives of a group of voguers, including Willi Ninja and Archie Burnett, as they prepare for and attend various balls, which are essentially competitive dance and modeling events. The dancers come from all walks of life and are united by their passion for voguing. The film delves into their personal struggles and experiences with discrimination, racism, and homophobia, as well as their achievements and triumphs in the ballroom scene.
The balls are a place for members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially black and Latinx people, to express themselves in a safe and supportive environment. The documentary explores the history of the ballroom scene and how it has evolved over the years. Viewers get an up-close and intimate look at the elaborate costumes and makeup, the high-energy dance routines, and the fierce competition between the dancers.
Check Your Body at the Door offers a unique perspective on the ballroom scene and reveals the deep sense of community and solidarity that exists within it. The film also explores the impact of voguing on popular culture, including its influence on music, fashion, and dance. Through interviews with voguers and other members of the LGBTQ+ community, the documentary shows how the ballroom scene has been a powerful force for change and acceptance.
Overall, Check Your Body at the Door is a highly engaging and informative documentary that sheds light on a little-known subculture within the LGBTQ+ community. The film celebrates the creativity, resilience, and spirit of the voguers who have dedicated their lives to this art form. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in dance, LGBTQ+ culture, and social justice.
Check Your Body at the Door is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.
