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Play, download and edit the free video Get Your 10s.

GET YOUR 10s is structured around the evolution of an artistic work. A Black gay man who grew
up outside New Orleans and made his way into the art world in New York and Paris, Rashaad’s
artistic practice incorporates a complex mix of traditional art forms and modern technology to
provoke audiences into a broader examination of race, sexuality, culture and power. The film
opens as Rashaad is preparing to stage his performance piece FIVE in New York and
Philadelphia. As we watch him develop the piece in his studio, we witness how integrating
other artists is critical to his work. When he was first commissioned to perform the work ten
years ago, Rashaad reached out to local voguers via personal contacts and the internet to invite
them to audition for the piece. Gradually, he became immersed in their world as a trusted
fellow artist eager to showcase their talents for a larger audience, providing excellent access to
key characters in this film.
Two of Rashaad’s long-time collaborators are Omari Mizrahi and Ranika Prodigy. The child of
well-known Senegalese choreographer Marie Basse Wiles, Omari moved to New York and
discovered vogue as an outlet for his feminine side, which he had smothered amidst cultural
norms of African masculinity. While still a teenager, Omari was cast in Rashaad’s first
performance of FIVE in 2009, eventually catapulting him to success as an internationally
recognized vogue performer and teacher and the founder of his own House. Meanwhile, Ranika
(formerly Kevin JZ) Prodigy performs as a commentator, the M.C. who provides vocal stylings
for the dancers. From her home in Philadelphia, Ranika created beats with her commentary,
which went viral on YouTube and soon became voguing staples. Now the most renowned
commentator on the international ballroom scene, the film follows Ranika as she accompanies
Rashaad to performances. Simultaneously, it traces her gender transition.
GET YOUR 10s chronicles Rashaad’s process as he embarks on a new international performance
piece. Determined to take his vogue-based performances to the next level, he travels to France,
Japan, Brazil, and South Africa to collaborate with queer dancers and document their
movement patterns with custom made motion-tracking gear. In each location, he identifies a
particularly proficient performer and invites them to come to the US. The film culminates with
the creation of a large-scale performance in a major NYC museum featuring dancers from all
four countries as well as Omari and Ranika. As documented through intimate behind-thescenes footage, the film shows how intensive rehearsals, the stress of preparing for opening
night, and the act of uniting in collective artistry—rather than competing at a ball—create
strong bonds between the performers. The dancers witness how their participation elevates
vogue from a frequently marginalized dance form into the world of high art. For many, it brings
a new experience of being widely celebrated as queer people of color.

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