Channing Tatum was inspired to learn how to vogue on the set of 'Magic Mike XXL,' 'Legendary' host says
- In a memorable "Magic Mike XXL" scene, Channing Tatum stops by a drag bar and starts to vogue.
- "Legendary" host Dashaun Wesley is also in the headline-making scene.
In a headline-making scene in the "Magic Mike" sequel, Channing Tatum's Mike stops by a drag bar on the way to a stripping competition and winds up onstage. The host of HBO Max's "Legendary," Dashaun Wesley was also in the scene voguing, telling Insider that Tatum was inspired to learn the intricate dance style after watching Wesley's videos.
Earlier this month during a red carpet interview for season three, he added that it was "really fun hearing Channing Tatum be like, 'OK, I went back home and I looked at your videos and I studied voguing.'"
Wesley was initially shocked by the news that Tatum wanted to learn the dance style that was originated by Black and Latinx LGBTQ dancers in the mid-1980s, and is now integral to ballroom culture most famously seen in FX's "Pose."
Now Wesley is the master of ceremonies on the HBO Max original ballroom competition series "Legendary." The series features several ballroom houses, or a collection of dancers, from around the world competing for the crown and $100,000. The contestants from each house are judged on different dance styles, including voguing, duck walking, catwalking, among other moves.
Wesley said new cohost Keke Palmer was committed to learning about ballroom culture as well.
While Wesley serves as host and MC on "Legendary," he's joined by the competition's judges: Leiomy Maldonado, Jameela Jamil, Law Roach along with a new addition for the new season, Keke Palmer (who's replacing rapper Megan Thee Stallion).
Wesley said Palmer has "been great" in her new role.
"She knows exactly how to hit her points. She knows the critique. She knows about the ball," he added.
Wesley is also excited about how this season of "Legendary" honors the history of ballroom culture with the appearance of the House of LaBeija. Founded in 1968, it is considered one of the houses central to the culture by standing the test of time as it still exists today.
"We have an opportunity to now tell the world...that when people did not know us and we were underground that we still were present," he said. "You have one of the first houses that ever was created that are now on the show."
"It's just so freaking amazing," he added.
Season three of "Legendary" is now streaming on HBO Max.