Strike a Pose

Strike a Pose revisits the lives of Madonna’s backup dancers from her iconic 1990 Blond Ambition World Tour. Directed by Ester Gould and Reijer Zwaan, it follows the journey of six of the seven original dancers 25 years after their groundbreaking performances alongside the Queen of Pop.

The documentary focuses on Kevin Stea, Carlton Wilborn, Luis Xtravaganza Camacho, Jose Gutierez Xtravaganza, Salim Gauwloos, and Oliver S Crumes III. These dancers, who were prominently featured in Madonna’s 1991 documentary “Truth or Dare,” became symbols of self-expression and LGBTQ+ visibility during a time of widespread AIDS paranoia.

The film provides an intimate look at the dancers’ lives before, during, and after their time with Madonna. It reveals the personal struggles and triumphs they faced, including battles with HIV, drug use, and homelessness. It also pays tribute to Gabriel Trupin, the seventh dancer who passed away from AIDS-related complications in 1995.

Strike a Pose also sheds light on the legal battles some of the dancers faced with Madonna after the release of “Truth or Dare.” Three dancers sued the pop star for invasion of privacy and financial compensation, adding another layer of complexity to their shared history.

The documentary captures the reunion of the six surviving dancers, showcasing how their lives have evolved since their time in the spotlight. While some pursued careers in acting and continued to dance, others faced significant challenges. Despite their diverse paths, it highlights the lasting impact of their experiences with Madonna and how it shaped their lives.

Through interviews and archival footage, it paints a picture of a transformative era in pop culture and LGBTQ+ history. It showcases how these dancers, who were part of Madonna’s “Fellini family,” as described by “Truth or Dare” director Alek Keshishian, contributed to a shift in societal attitudes towards sexuality and self-expression.

The film also touches on the broader cultural impact of the Blond Ambition Tour and “Truth or Dare.” It illustrates how the tour and subsequent documentary challenged societal norms and pushed boundaries, particularly in their portrayal of LGBTQ+ individuals and themes.