In celebration of Pride Month, MEFeater and TENz Magazine proudly honor influential figures in the Ballroom community who excel in various aspects of their lives and make a significant impact. By highlighting these trailblazers, we aim to acknowledge their achievements and inspire our audience to pursue their dreams. Meet the fabulous and talented Rylee Locker, also known as Rylee Prodigy, and the equally impressive Davanna Booker, known as Diva Davanna. They are two remarkable CIS performers and ‘Trailblazers’ in the Ballroom scene who epitomize ambition. To discover the complete Ballroom LSS Trailblazers list, click HERE.
“TEN TEN TENS ACROSS THE BOARD!” RYLEE & DAVANNA
MEET RYLEE LOCKER, A.K.A RYLEE PRODIGY
When people envision women in Ballroom, they typically think of Femme Queens or Drags. However, Ballroom Culture embraces inclusivity, welcoming allies and performers of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Rylee Locker, known as Rylee Prodigy, is the Philadelphia Mother of the Iconic House of Prodigy and the Founding Mother of the Kiki House of Paragon, established in 2020. Rylee is a competitive Ballroom participant engaged in the women’s categories, or “Cis” or “cisgender.” Cisgender refers to individuals whose gender identity aligns with their assigned sex at birth.
Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Rylee is a dance artist and educator currently residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After earning her BFA in Dance Education from Arizona State University in 2019, Rylee relocated to Philadelphia to advance her career in the Ballroom Scene. She has gained international recognition for her exceptional performances. Rylee holds the esteemed position of Philadelphia Mother at the renowned House of Prodigy. Recently honored with the title of “Mother Of The Year 2023” at the 29th Dorian Corey Awards Ball, she boasts fifteen “Of The Year” accolades for Women’s Performance. Apart from showcasing her voguing skills at Balls, she also participates in All Style Battles.
In her role as an educator, Rylee places a strong emphasis on how community involvement enhances our movement. Prioritizing her students’ needs is a key aspect of her teaching philosophy. She imparts knowledge in various dance styles including Vogue Femme, Heels Dance, Contemporary, Waacking, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Street Jazz. As a traveling teaching artist, she conducts workshops across the United States and has shared her expertise in Berlin and Toronto. Currently, Rylee holds teaching positions at Urban Movement Arts and Koresh School of Dance, both situated in Philadelphia.
As a choreographer, Rylee crafts contemporary pieces that focus on fluidity and femininity, seamlessly blending contemporary, Vogue, Waacking, and Heels dance styles. Rylee’s choreographic repertoire also includes works designed for both stage performances and intimate community settings. Rylee’s overarching goal is to inspire and empower others through her artistic creations and teaching methods. Stay connected and updated on her endeavors by following @ryleeprodigy.
MEET DAVANNA BOOKER A.K.A DIVA DAVANNA
photo credit: Davanna Booker
Davanna Booker, a.k.a Icon Diva Davanna, is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, coach, and member of The Iconic Legendary House of Miyake Mugler. She developed a passion for Ballroom at a young age. Davanna made her debut on the mainstream ball scene in 2008. She was just 8 years old at the time, participating in The Latex Ball at the iconic Roseland Ballroom in New York City. Over the years, Davanna, a cisgender woman, has risen as a prominent figure. She has excelled in various categories, including ‘Women’s Runway,’ ‘Female Figure Runway,’ and ‘Open To All Runway.’ Remarkably, at the age of 12 in 2012, she was recognized as Ballroom’s youngest ‘Legend’. This title was bestowed upon her by the infamous ‘Icon Father James Icon,’ a title usually earned after years of hard work.
Ballroom and Beyond
Continuing to flourish in Ballroom and actively engage in philanthropy for the past 11 years, Davanna has collaborated with Icon Kelly Mizrahi/Gorgeous Gucci. They donated thousands of backpacks and school supplies to her community. In 2022, at only 22 years old, she received the prestigious title of the youngest icon in Ballroom history. This honor came from Icon Kelly Mizrahi/Gorgeous Gucci, Icon Andre Mizrahi, and Icon Father James Icon, a highly esteemed accolade in the ballroom community. These accomplishments have paved the way for her business and brand, “Diva Davanna.”
Davanna now proudly owns a modeling & etiquette school in her hometown of Newark, NJ. She aims to empower her students with the same confidence she has exhibited since the age of four, thus establishing herself as an icon. Her coaching expertise has taken her to host runway classes internationally in countries like Spain, Belgium, Italy, and various states across the US.
As an entrepreneur, community activist, and model coach, Davanna aims to inspire and uplift others and set a shining example. Follow Diva Davanna on Instagram @_divadavanna.
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