The House of Avant-Garde was established in 1986 by Wardell Ford, Thomas Sampson, and DeRico “Tracy” Reed.
Aaron Pierre Brown moved to Chicago from Michigan in the Fall of 1986. He began learn to vogue after watching music videos such as Malcolm McLaren’s, “Deep In Vogue,” in early 1989. It was almost a year before he felt confident enough to attempt to dance “live” at any of the dance clubs.
Then, one night at The Rage, a short-lived Clark Street nightclub, he met Father Wardell Avant-Garde frozen in an asymmetrically, statuesque silhouette, center stage on the dance floor. That chance encounter marked the beginning of Father Wardell taking Aaron under his wing and bringing him into the Avant-Garde family in 1989. As a member, Aaron was Ball Coordinator for the House.
The House of Avant-Garde submitted a video to a contest MTV was hosting to promote Madonna’s “Blond Ambition” tour in 1990. MTV selected their entry as one of ten $1,000 winners.
The House of Avant-Garde was just learning vogueing techniques.
The House of Avant-Garde gave birth to two houses, Enigma, which was begun by Aaron in 1992, and a sister house, Elan (begun by Kenny Davis 1992). View profiles of the members of the House of Enigma at aaronpierrebrown.com/enigma/profiles.html.
>> Read the full story at aaronpierrebrown.com/apblog/9-9-24_MyHouse.html.
Aaron produced a zine, Cut Magazine, through the Thing office from 1992-1993. Cut features interviews, commentary, and history of the Chicago Ball circuit. Read it online at aaronpierrebrown.com/enigma/cut.
Aaron Pierre Brown shares his experiences with all things creative and “Avant Garde” at aaronpierrebrown.com. Join Aaron and other artists and art lovers every Monday at Randall’s Pub, 6341 N. Clark St. in Chicago for “Drink Drank Draw.”
