You’ve probably seen her. Maybe it was that viral clip of a gravity-defying dip on a glittery stage, or perhaps you caught her flanking Beyoncé during the record-breaking Renaissance World Tour. When people ask who is Honey Balenciaga, they aren't just asking for a name on a birth certificate. They’re asking about a force of nature that bridged the gap between the underground ballroom scene of Harlem and the highest peaks of mainstream pop culture.
Honey isn’t just a dancer. She’s a blueprint.
Born Honey Schuman and hailing from Brooklyn, she grew up in an environment where movement was a language. But it wasn't just any movement. It was Ballroom. For those who don't know, Ballroom is a Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ subculture that originated in New York City, characterized by "houses" that compete in categories ranging from "Face" to "Vogue Femme." Honey found her home in the House of Balenciaga—hence the name—and quickly became one of its most recognizable stars.
The Ballroom Roots and the House of Balenciaga
Honey’s rise didn't happen overnight in a studio with mirrored walls and a barre. It happened on the floor.
Ballroom is a tough teacher. You have to have "cunt"—a term used in the scene to describe a specific blend of confidence, femininity, and untouchable grace. Honey had it in spades. She became a standout in the Vogue Femme category, which is essentially the most athletic and expressive form of voguing. It’s not just about the hands; it’s about the "duckwalk," the "catwalk," the "floor performance," and, of course, the "dip" (often mistakenly called a death drop by outsiders).
She didn't just participate. She dominated.
What makes the question of who is Honey Balenciaga so interesting is how she transitioned from the local Pier 46 battles to the television screen. When HBO Max launched Legendary, a reality competition series centered on Ballroom culture, Honey was a central figure for the House of Balenciaga. She became the face of the show's second season, not just because of her technical skill, but because of her attitude. She was polarizing. She was fierce. She was, quite frankly, better than almost everyone else on that stage, and she knew it.
Beyond the Ball: The Beyoncé Effect
If Legendary put her on the map for TV audiences, Beyoncé put her on the map for the world.
The Renaissance World Tour was more than a concert; it was a massive, big-budget tribute to queer culture, house music, and the pioneers of Ballroom. It made total sense that Beyoncé’s team would look for the best of the best. Honey Balenciaga was recruited as a principal dancer, and honestly, she stole the show during the "Pure/Honey" segment.
There’s a specific moment in the show where the dancers take center stage for a ballroom battle. When Honey steps out, the energy shifts. It’s a rare thing to see a backup dancer command the same level of gravitational pull as a global superstar, but Honey manages it. She brings an authenticity that can't be choreographed. It’s muscle memory born from years of being judged by the harshest critics in New York.
The Complexity of Fame and Identity
Being a trans woman of color in the spotlight comes with a set of pressures that most people can't fathom. Honey has been vocal about the need for respect within the industry. It’s not just about hiring trans dancers for "aesthetic" or "diversity points." It’s about recognizing the labor and the history they bring to the table.
She's kind of a rebel.
In interviews, Honey often speaks with a level of bluntness that catches people off guard. She isn't interested in being a polished, PR-friendly version of herself. If she thinks a judge's critique is wrong, she’ll say it. If she feels the culture is being watered down, she’ll point it out. This honesty is why her fanbase is so fiercely loyal. They don't just see a performer; they see someone who hasn't forgotten where she came from even while wearing custom designer gear on a stadium stage.
Why Her Technique Actually Matters
If you watch Honey dance, you'll notice something different from traditional jazz or hip-hop dancers. Her centers of gravity are different.
- The Softness: In Vogue Femme, there is a "dramatics" style and a "soft and cunt" style. Honey masters the latter. Her movements flow like liquid, making high-impact transitions look effortless.
- The Musicality: She doesn't just dance to the beat; she dances to the "clicks" and "ha's" in the music.
- The Stare: One of the most underrated parts of Honey’s performance is her face. She maintains eye contact with the audience (or the camera) in a way that feels like a challenge.
It’s this technical proficiency that has led her to work with brands like Calvin Klein and perform at major events like the Grammy Awards. She isn't just a "viral sensation." She is a professional athlete whose medium is dance.
Common Misconceptions About Honey
People often get a few things wrong when they look into who is Honey Balenciaga.
First, there’s the name. No, she isn't officially sponsored by the fashion house Balenciaga (though she certainly wears it). In Ballroom, you take the name of your house. It’s a chosen family structure. The House of Balenciaga is one of the "Mainstream" houses, and being a member is a badge of honor.
Second, people think she’s "new." She’s been a staple in the NYC scene for years. The mainstream is just finally catching up.
Third, there's the idea that she’s just a "Voguer." While that’s her foundation, her versatility in commercial dance is what keeps her booked. She can do the high-energy choreography required for a three-hour pop concert while still maintaining the "stink" and "flavor" of the underground.
Impact on the Next Generation
Honey has effectively become a bridge.
Because of her, kids in Middle America who have never stepped foot in New York are learning about the history of the ballroom. They’re looking up the icons like Leiomy Maldonado or the late Willi Ninja because Honey opened that door. She’s proving that you don't have to change who you are or how you speak to fit into the rooms where the big checks are signed.
She stays Brooklyn. She stays Ballroom.
She’s also part of a shifting tide in how the entertainment industry treats trans talent. We are moving away from "tragic" narratives and toward narratives of excellence and joy. Honey Balenciaga is the personification of trans joy. She is successful, she is beautiful, and she is at the top of her game.
Actionable Takeaways for Aspiring Performers and Fans
Understanding the rise of Honey Balenciaga offers some pretty clear lessons for anyone trying to make it in a creative field or just trying to understand the culture better.
- Master Your Subculture First: Honey didn't try to be a "general" dancer. She became a master of a specific, niche style (Voguing). That hyper-specialization is what eventually made her indispensable to people like Beyoncé.
- Study the Roots: If you’re a fan of Honey’s style, don’t stop at her Instagram clips. Look into the history of the House of Balenciaga and the origins of the Ballroom scene in the 1970s and 80s. Understanding the "why" behind the dance makes the "how" much more impressive.
- Authenticity is a Currency: In a world of filtered, sanitized influencers, Honey’s raw (and sometimes prickly) personality stands out. Being "difficult" is often just a label given to people who know their worth.
- Watch the Credits: Start paying attention to the dancers in major productions. The "background" is often where the most influential cultural shifts are happening.
- Support Trans Artists Directly: If you appreciate the art, support the artist. Follow their projects, buy tickets to their shows, and recognize that the "trends" you see on TikTok often start with people like Honey who have been doing the work for years without the mainstream's permission.
Honey Balenciaga is more than a viral moment. She’s a reminder that the underground always eventually becomes the blueprint for the overground. Whether she’s on a runway, in a ballroom, or under the stadium lights of a global tour, she’s carrying a whole history with her. And she’s doing it in four-inch heels without breaking a sweat.