 | Laganja Estranja |
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With such a fierce personality and the moves to back it up, many people don't know that Laganja Estranja is still relatively new to the drag scene. As Laganja began performing in competitions, she quickly made a name for herself, "smoking out" the competition and racking up numerous titles: SHOWGIRLS Amateur Contest (2011), Drag Idol (2012), Queen of Queens (2012), Drag Search @TheAbbyWeho (2013) and Palace Drag Race (2013).
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The dedication Laganja has to her art and the Bachelor of Fine Arts she received in dance and choreography from the California Institute of the Arts have served her well in becoming one of the strongest up and coming queens around. Not only is she is as versatile as they come, but her attention to detail and performance skills never leaves the audience disappointed! From Bette Middler to Britney Spears to Iggy Azalea, she performs to every different type of music. And when it comes to a runway, this queen knows how to stomp it out!
Her unique style, daring to take on some unconventional elements and even cross over into boy-drag, has set her apart from other queens. High fashion and edgy, yet comedic and campy, she falls into her own category of drag, and is an all around threat.
Her unique style, daring to take on some unconventional elements and even cross over into boy-drag, has set her apart from other queens. High fashion and edgy, yet comedic and campy, she falls into her own category of drag, and is an all around threat.
As a member of the House of Edwards, it's no surprise that one of Laganja's greatest strengths is her dancing. Thats right, Laganja's drag mother is none other than THE Alyssa Edwards (which of course makes Shangela her drag sister). When Laganja isn't performing, she is teaching dance at a number of places including her drag mother Alyssa's studio 'Beyond Belief'.
The House of Edwards has slayed the main stage in past seasons, so there is a little pressure on Laganja to keep it going. If you've watched any of her performances, though, dancing is the last thing Laganja has to worry about.
The House of Edwards has slayed the main stage in past seasons, so there is a little pressure on Laganja to keep it going. If you've watched any of her performances, though, dancing is the last thing Laganja has to worry about.
Laganja's talents extend one step beyond dancing to the impressive art form of contortionism! Her performance alongside Christina Aguilera during the American Music Awards certainly turned some heads. That flexibility seems to continue into all aspects of her drag career. While many can boast that they exhibit a versatile range of looks, Laganja takes this to a whole new level. During a single performance, she can switch from high class couture to funky androgynous, and it's completely natural and refreshing. She even appeared for an Austin Young photo shoot in a fringe style of drag known as "tranimal". Fan favorite from Season 5 of Drag Race, Alaska Thunderf*ck, is also a former tranimal. We see a lot of the same fun, unique qualities in Laganja's drag and hope for equally great things from her this season!
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Laganja uses drag as more than just a source of income. As she mentioned in an interview with Revolutionary Gay Magazine, drag "not only pays the bills but also pays [her] soul." Laganja has dedicated her craft to bringing joy and inspiration to the members of her audience, and delight fans with creative routines, sexy backup dancers, and her infamous death drops!
Laganja really hit the season 6 announcement running! She already launched a new website with Laganja Estranja merchandise, and released a snippet of her new single. Get into it!
Oh, and check her out in Dope Magazine. We cannot even keep up with everything this girl is doing right now.
Are you #TeamGanja?
