Their reality show may be nearing the end of its first season run, but Mobile's Prancing Elites dance troupe is still turning heads: The quintet is the subject of an extended profile in the New York Times' Style section.
The article by Penelope Green, published July 1, starts with an anecdote about the troupe enjoying the perks of local celebrity as members walk through downtown, repeatedly being approached by fans. It goes on to praise the dancers for their dance skills, their determination to overcome societal disapproval, and their "ambitions ... to be an inspirational brand."
"The Prancing Elites are now more than just local celebrities," writes Green. "A team of gay African-American men who practice an exuberant, balletic version of cheerleading called J-setting that has historically been performed by female college students, they have been ejected from Christmas parades and denied the right to perform at other civic and sporting events."
The article goes on to set the Elites' growing career in the context of such landmarks as "Paris is Burning," the influential documentary on vogueing culture.
The 11th episode of "The Prancing Elites Project" airs Wednesday, July 1, on the Oxygen channel. The 12th and final episode is slated to air July 8. For ongoing coverage of the Prancing Elites, click here. For the show's official site, which includes previously airs episodes and various bonus features, click here.