New Ways

Synopsis

A four-part voguing odyssey withthe father of the House of Milan, Benjamin Milan featuring original music by Gaika

Swedish choreographer and movement director Benjamin Milan leads this visual ode on the transformative power of dance. "This film is about my journey in the ballroom scene," says Milan. "This is about how voguing helped me accept myself and find a community that welcomed and understood me for who I am."

As father of the House of Mila in the UK, the dancer highlights the importance for LGBTQ+ groups, people of color and other marginalized communities to not just find a scene, but a home. Featuring rapturous music from long-term Nowness contributor Gaika, New Ways is Milan's personal odyssey, which he choreographed and conceived with director Jonas Hegi from directing duo Jonas & Julien. 

"For me, it was important to create an artistic and emotional portrait that talks about ballroom on a personal level while being respectful to its community," says director Hegi. "The four chapters are poetic and surreal interpretations of different stages of Benjamin's life." 

The London-based dancer has collaborated with Madonna, FKA twigs, Kylie Minogue, Mykki Blanco, Zara Larsson, Taylor Swift, Teyana Taylor, among others—making a name for himself by seamlessly integrating voracious voguing styles with boundary-pushing ideas and concepts.
"I wanted to present voguing in a different context alongside Jonas, Gaika and my ballroom family," says Milan, "and push where you can take this art form, while still staying true to the essence of ballroom."