Providing a space through which Black and Latinx queer and trans people may transcend the strictures of society, the ballroom community has been expansive in its reach – and its positive influence continues to rise. Decades on from the birth of modern ballroom and “house” culture in Seventies New York, and the historically significant scene that paved the way for now-thriving representation across the globe, the once underground community has fast expanded – emerging as a force for empowerment and exuberant self-expression.

In short film The Language, director Steph Tari Odu explores ballroom as a refuge for queer and trans people seeking self-expression, and connection to wider histories and cultural identities. Speaking to themes of identity formation, and space, the film offers a gateway into the scene through the stories of those whose involvement has allowed them to find themselves through movement – soundtracked by queer artists of colour, including London-based Mwen, to Atlanta-based Xeraph, and the Bay Area’s DJ Spiider.

Highlighting through the film that thriving ballroom communities exist outside of the commonly documented hubs of London and Paris, as a former Barcelona resident, Odu chose to situate the film within the city’s steadily emerging scene. Delving into rarely-seen parts of the city, using the landscape to platform queer identities, and the liberatory potential of performance, The Language follows London-born Jay Jay Revlon – who also acts as movement director – and Gorgeous Jayce Gucci, as key members of the community there.

Through its central voices, The Language explores the motivations and experiences of instigators of new ballroom communities where Black representation is limited, and the transformative nature of movement in engaging matters of identity. By tracking the changing face of the scene, and the classes enabling its expansion, Odu celebrates the founding figures behind these emerging international networks, teaching the art of voguing – and the unique language that connects the community worldwide.