Strike a Pose

Strike a Pose is a candid and deeply touching documentary that captures the true essence of style, honesty, transformation, and self-identification. Directed by Ester Gould and Reijer Zwaan, the 2016 masterpiece shines a light on a defining moment in pop culture and a revolutionary era in the LGBTQ+ community. It specifically focuses on the culture-transforming 1990s, with Madonna at the reigns of this seismic shift. Strike a Pose isn't only about Madonna’s influence, though; it empathetically tells the stories of her backup dancers who were a part of this transformative journey.

The documentary revolves around seven male dancers who shared the stage with Madonna during the zenith of her fame in her 1990 'Blonde Ambition' tour, one of the most controversial and successful tours of the time. It was not only a celebration of Madonna’s status as the Queen of Pop, but it was also seen as a groundbreaking moment for the visibility of the gay and queer community. Madonna’s backup dancers - Luis Camacho, Oliver Crumes, Salim Gauwloos, Jose Gutierez, Kevin Stea, Gabriel Trupin, and Carlton Wilborn - much to their surprise, found themselves becoming symbols of pride and honesty, carrying the weight of representation on their young shoulders.

Equally as renowned for their talent as for their flamboyant expressions of self and sexual identity, these dancers - six gay, one straight - weren't just background props. They were recognized as strong individual characters who relished the spotlight and inspired millions across the globe. This was largely due to the simultaneous release of the backstage documentary Madonna: Truth or Dare. The film, showcasing their vivacious personalities and talents, alongside scenes of their intimate interactions, provoked both intrigue and admiration on an international level.

At the heart of Strike a Pose, we are presented with compelling narratives of each of the dancers, taking us on a journey that unfolds the pressure of fame, the struggle with identity and sexuality, and the harsh reality of living with HIV in a time when the disease was considered a death sentence. We also witness their individual battles with drugs and alcohol, as well as the spiritual awakenings and personal growth that came with their self-acceptance.

Today, the dancers bear little resemblance to their younger selves, but their impact remains undeniable. All seven have followed different paths, from choreography and teaching dance to exploring other fields such as recipe development. However, their shared past inevitably forms a common thread. The heartfelt interviews detailing their experiences during and after the tour give audiences an intimate perspective on their lives and the long-lasting impact of their early fame.

Exploring both the glitzy allure and the gritty reality of showbiz, Strike a Pose beautifully balances exposure and empathy. It is notably honest about the inevitable disillusionment that comes after the euphoria of fame, yet it also uplifts with stories of personal strength, resilience, and renewal.

The Barcelona premiere of Strike a Pose at the 19th Annual Amsterdam LGBTQ Film Festival proved to be a great success, garnering positive critiques and appreciation for its sensitive yet graphic portrayal of a significant cultural milestone.

Overall, Strike a Pose acts as a time capsule that successfully epitomizes an unforgettable era. By presenting the then-and-now stories of Madonna’s dancers, it demonstrates their significant role in shifting social and cultural norms. It is a striking tribute to these dance icons who, along with Madonna unfurled a bold new world that embraced diversity, flaunted convention, and rejoiced in the freedom of self-expression. Strike a Pose is a documentary that encapsulates triumph and tragedy, rebellion and resilience, making it a must-watch for both Madonna fans and those interested in LGBTQ+ history.