HONEY BALENCIAGA BROKE SO MANY BARRIERS THIS YEAR AND IS JUST GETTING STARTED
If you don’t know who Honey Balenciaga is, it’s time to come from under that rock you’ve been under! Not only is Honey known for owning the ballroom scene, but they’ve also toured with Queen Bey and is just getting started. If you want to know how Honey has become an extraordinary dancer, why they’re PROUD 2 BE and what to expect next, keep reading below!
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
TALK TO US ABOUT HOW YOU STARTED DANCING.
I got into musical theater and realized that I loved dancing amongst learning and loving theater/acting. I told myself I should just add it to my repertoire.
WHO ARE YOUR QUEER SHEROES?
My top hero is Lady Gaga. I just saw her perform at Nemacolin and I cried my eyes out. I grew up on a different Gaga, so seeing her do jazz renditions is beautifully refreshing. It’s amazing to see how her talent always evolves and changes. You can tell she has a lot of influence on me.
IF WE WERE TO SPEND A DAY WITH YOU IN NYC, WHERE ARE WE HAVING LUNCH, DINNER AND PARTYING?
If it were on a Monday I would do Lunch at Cafeteria, Dinner at Cecconi’s, and partying at midnight for OTA in 3 Dollar Bill!
THIS IS OUR PRIDE ISSUE WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
Myself. I’m gay & I ate it so bad this year! Broke barriers! Yay me! Thank you, God!
YOU HAVE WORKED WITH A TON OF FASHION BRANDS FROM FENDI TO COACH. HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF MAKING YOUR OWN BRAND?
I’ve absolutely given it some thought but I’m taking my time with the fashion world. I don’t wanna rush into anything.
WHAT IS ONE BEAUTY ITEM YOU CAN’T BE WITHOUT?
Lip-gloss & any hydrating facial spray!
GIVE US YOUR DANCE WITH HONEY PLAYLIST.
Weird by Kaytranada ft Durand Bernarr
Heated by Beyonce
No.1 By Tyla ft Tems
Drama by Honey Dijon ft Rimarckable & Dope Earth Alien
Go off by Doja Cat
Okay – By JT
WHAT IS A RED FLAG WHEN DATING?
I have a few. When he doesn’t wash his hands after eating. Talks about himself too much. Wants all the perks of a relationship, but not the exclusivity. No sense of style/can’t dress up.
WHAT IS YOUR BEAUTY PHILOSOPHY?
Self-care as a form of self-love! I realized the more I take care of my body, my skin, & my health, the more I’m happy & content with everything. Flaws and all.
WHAT ADVICE HAS YOUR HOUSE MOTHER GIVEN YOU THAT YOU LIVE BY TODAY?
She’s always told me to not let ballroom consume my life. How can I make who I am & what I love a business. I’m constantly going to her to articulate my thoughts for any job, interview, & etc. Always telling me to keep my head up & stand firm in my own decisions.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 16-YEAR-OLD SELF?
I wouldn’t necessarily give myself advice to change anything. I would just do it all over again but better!
YOU GET THE QUESTION ALOT IM SURE, BUT TALK TO US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH THE QUEEN B HERSELF?
It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the stage with Beyoncé. Her dedication to art and culture is truly inspiring, and being in her presence has fueled my own creativity and passion. I am grateful every day for the chance to learn and grow alongside such an incredible artist.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO PREPARE FOR THAT TOUR?
Preparing for a tour with Beyoncé involves a lot of rehearsals, physical conditioning, and mental focus. Dancers must be in top shape, learn choreography quickly, and embody the energy and charisma needed to perform alongside such a dynamic artist. It requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to push oneself to the limit in order to deliver a memorable performance.
I remember watching the Voguers & myself perform, and Beyoncé would often say, “I love it, but how can we take it to the next level?” Initially, I questioned her approach. It’s a big challenge to break new barriers in Vogue. At first, I was hesitant to challenge my own skillset. However, her push to evolve the performance encouraged me to exceed my own limits and attempt things I never imagined doing. It was truly a rewarding experience.
BEING A QUEER LATINE DANCER + INFLUENCER HOW ARE YOU DISRUPTING THE MUSIC AND FASHION WORLD?
I’m simply just being myself & a representation for people you don’t regularly see make it in fashion. Coming from ballroom you don’t get dancers/voguers step into stardom. I’m a star & I don’t wanna be treated like anything else. Staying true to myself, my community, and my art has been working just fine.
WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU ON THIS SUPERSTAR JOURNEY?
Paris fashion week in September. It’ll be my first and I’m really excited.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor in Chief: Prince Chenoa (@princechenoastudio)
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photography and Creative Direction: Jacob DeKat (@jacobdekat)
Stylist: Willyum Beck (@willyumbeck)
Makeup Artist: Mark de los Reyes (@makeurmark) with Paradis Agency using MAC Cosmetics
Hairstylist: Chika F.K (@chika.hairstylist)
Nails: Juan Alvear (@byjuanalvear) at OPUS Beauty using Apres
