"Legendary" MC Dashaun Wesley on Ballroom Culture
By: Warnermedia Entertainment
Tags: LGBTQ, Television, Hbomax, Ballroom, Film

From his start on Christopher Street in the West Village to his new role on the stage of the new HBO Max series Legendary, Dashaun Wesley has always had a passion for ballroom. As a dancer, actor, and commentator, Wesley has become an iconic figure in the ballroom scene, appearing on America’s Best Dance Crew on the Vogue Evolution Team- and acting on FX’s Pose, among other high profile roles.

Wesley’s latest endeavor is serving as the emcee of Legendary, a voguing competition series that highlights modern day ball culture. The show follows divas, who battle on teams called “Houses” in fashion and dance challenges like voguing for the chance to snatch the legendary trophy and win a cash prize. Below, Wesley shares his journey to becoming the master of ceremonies, how ballroom helped him find a sense of belonging, and what he hopes people take away from Legendary.

How would you describe ballroom culture to people who are learning about it for the first time through Legendary? What are three words you would use to describe ballroom?

WESLEY: You’re going to see passion. The judges, MC, contestants, all around. There’s so much passion in this show and for what these contestants do.

You’re going to see authenticity. There’s nothing like seeing someone take an idea and bring it to reality in a way that you would never expect. No two people think exactly the same, so you’re going to see a lot of that in this show and in ballroom culture.

Lastly, I want to bring emotion into this. This series is going to be an emotional rollercoaster. You’ll see things that you like, things you won’t like, things that you’ll possibly love. This show brings you to a place that is truly beyond words. You’ll want to experience it and I believe it will be captured on screens and televisions everywhere.

How did you get started in ballroom culture?

WESLEY: I started off as a teenager inside the community. I was a young, black gay man finding out who I was on Christopher Street in the West Village. I knew who I was, I just wanted to find my place, where I belong. After spending time in the Village and discovering ballroom culture, I wanted to learn and experience more. As years went on, I constantly went out and about, met friends, mentors, and people I now call sisters and brothers.

It also gave me the opportunity to be a competitor. I have put in so much work over the years and have grown so much. I was always involved in the production and was able to travel around to classes and let people see what the culture was all about.

Getting involved at an early age just felt comfortable. I was around people that thought how I thought and moved how I moved. It felt like the place I needed to be. Since my first day on the floor, I knew I never wanted to let it go.

What made you want to get involved with the series Legendary?

WESLEY: I’ve been involved with this project for the last two years. Originally, I was supposed to be a competitor on the show. However, after years of trying to find a home for Legendary, I started sitting down with the show creators and producers and shared my expertise on ballroom culture. They found out that I had experience being an MC for ball events and after that, it was almost a given that I would come on as a host. I was so excited and love that the show that we once talked about has now become a reality. It’s just so amazing.