Celebrating a Body of Work That Redefined Ballroom Power, Leadership, and Grace
May 2025 – New York City
It is with immense pride, deep respect, and overwhelming love that we honor a ballroom trailblazer whose name has long deserved to be etched into history:
Samil LaBeija has been officially deemed LEGENDARY.
This title celebrates not only her excellence in the category of Female Figure Body, but also her role as a cultural ambassador, a trusted leader, and a true historian of our movement.
From her ballroom debut in 2017 to this very moment in 2025, Samil LaBeija has been a force of nature—walking, winning, leading, and uplifting with unwavering intention. Her résumé speaks volumes:
Each win was not just a trophy—it was a declaration of standard, of style, and of discipline. Samil didn’t just compete—she showed up with storytelling, fashion, and finesse that reminded everyone what Female Figure Body was supposed to look like.
In December 2019, Freddie LaBeija appointed Samil as the first-ever New York City Chapter Mother of the Royal House of LaBeija. This historic appointment laid the foundation for the next era of LaBeija leadership in the city where the House was born.
As Mother, Samil built a chapter grounded in discipline, love, mentorship, and truth. Her role was not symbolic—it was lived. She showed up for her members, guided their ballroom journeys, and ensured that LaBeija’s legacy was passed down with reverence and power.
Her approach to leadership is deeply intentional: lifting while leading, teaching without ego, and honoring the name she carries with integrity.
Samil’s influence isn’t confined to the floor—her work has helped elevate ballroom to mainstream and international platforms:
Through these contributions, Samil has worked to ensure that ballroom is not just seen—but understood, respected, and preserved. Her cultural advocacy is a form of activism.
Samil LaBeija has participated in community work including:
To remove Samil’s presence from ballroom would be to erase a vital link in the chain of our lineage—a gap in historical memory, cultural education, and femme representation.
Ballroom is not just about looking good—it’s about knowing where you come from, lifting where you stand, and leaving something behind. Samil LaBeija has done all three.
She once said:
“Ballroom is the sanctuary where resilience meets brilliance. It’s not just an escape—it’s a revolution we live every day.”
And it’s true—she has made every walk, every campaign, every mentorship moment, and every international appearance part of a much bigger revolution.
The Legendary status of Samil LaBeija was conferred by:
Pioneer Junior LaBeija, Icon Chris LaBeija, Icon Peter LaBeija, and Icon Andre Mizrahi
—four giants in ballroom who saw clearly what the community has always known: Samil is and has always been legendary.
You didn’t rush.
You didn’t chase.
You built.
You taught.
You led.
And now, you reign.
Legendary. Forever.
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