‘Dancing Hermione’ showed up for Pride in London – and the crowd loved it
“Dancing Hermione” has gone viral in a video at Pride in London.
With both Pride in London and UK Black Pride over for another year, there’s one clip doing the rounds on Twitter that everyone’s talking about.
The viral video shows performer Kelsey Ellison reprising her role as “Dancing Hermione” and turning heads as she vogues – and does the splits – in a dance circle at Pride in London. Watch the video below.
The clip was quickly uploaded on Twitter by actor and artist Hannah Snow, and has so far been re-tweeted more than 87,000 times.
Snow captioned the video: “Dancing Hermione found her people,” adding in a later tweet: “Dancing Hermione only sustained minor injury whilst doing the splits on the tarmac. Her knee is otherwise fine.”
The post has also been “liked” more than 266,000 times.
Ellison, a YouTuber, has previously gone viral before for her memorable performances as “Dancing Hermione.”
She wrote on Twitter: “London pride was incredible today (I got changed into dancing Hermione),” adding: “I’m just so thankful and grateful I live in a country where we can be proud a celebrate who we are.
“Also thank you to the Black gay ballroom scene for inspiring me to vogue like no ones watching.”
Dancing Hermione found her people ?️? @KelseyEllison pic.twitter.com/lS9K3plyH1
— Hannah Snow ? (@HannahSnow) July 7, 2018
Voguing evolved from the Harlem’s LGBT+ ball culture in the 1960s, and was showcased in the 1990 documentary Paris is Burning.
The dance form is known for being highly stylised, with early inspirations including poses in fashion magazines and Egyptian hieroglyphics.
Ellison has previously said her moves are influenced by “Vogue Femme,” which dates back to around 1995.
Both Pride in London and UK Black Pride took place over the weekend.
London pride was incredible today (I got changed into dancing Hermione )
I’m just so thankful and grateful I live in a country where we can be proud a celebrate who we are.
Also thank you to the Black gay ballroom scene for inspiring me to vogue like no ones watching ✨ pic.twitter.com/h6am7gbcu1
— Kelsey Ellison⚡️ (@KelseyEllison) July 7, 2018
However, Pride in London’s parade was marred in controversy, after a group of lesbian trans-exclusionary radical feminists hijacked the event – holding signs with phrases such as “transactivism erases lesbians” – and were allowed to lead the march.
After initially citing “hot weather” and “safety” behind its decision to allow the anti-trans protest to continue, Pride in London later apologised over the incident.
In a new statement on Sunday, Pride in London condemned that “vile” actions of the group, saying: “We are sorry.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who was supposed to lead the march but got stuck behind the protestors, also criticised the transphobic group.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London told PinkNews: “Pride is about celebrating difference and London’s amazing LGBT+ community.
“It’s about showing those round the world that in our great city you can be free to be whoever you want to be and love whoever you want to love.
“The vast majority of those present at today’s march respected and embraced that and the Mayor condemns the tiny minority who did not.
“Transphobia is never acceptable.”
