By Niamh Gray

The fierce clicking sound of 7-inch heels echoed through the room as models struck alluring poses. 

EnRage Models, a University of Maryland modeling team, is a group of aspiring models subverting the norms of urban modeling. EnRage emphasizes that they strive to build an inclusive and positive environment for models who are working to grow their confidence and modeling skills.

“Our main goal is to pioneer inclusivity in fashion. So we accept all models, all shapes, all sizes, all heights, all colors, everything,” said Samantha Balaba, a freshman accounting major and the social media coordinator for EnRage Models. 

EnRage Models was launched in 2018 by three former students who were disheartened by the lack of representation for modeling at UMD. 

Due to COVID-19, EnRage fell under the radar, and it was not until fall 2023 that the group reestablished itself. 

Their practice sessions focus on building the confidence of their models by training their walks, poses, facial expressions and sequences, ultimately preparing them for their runway shows or photoshoots. 

“EnRage is very strict on cracking down on the methods of having a clean runway and having personality added within that,” Balaba said about the group’s learning objectives. 

However, for most models, EnRage is more than just a space to improve their skills.

“It’s beyond just learning how to be confident with yourself, but starting to love yourself,” said Rania Bien-Aimé, a sophomore biochemistry major and secretary of EnRage Models.

EnRage Models said they draw inspiration from the traditions of ballroom culture. Ballroom culture is an underground queer subculture where people compete, perform and model in different categories, such as runway, voguing, face and more. It was founded by transgender and queer individuals of color to challenge gender and racial constructs while offering an escape from harsher realities.

Each model in EnRage Models develops a unique stage persona and adopts EnRage as the last name of their stage name. 

Within ballroom culture, individuals will sometimes choose their families and live under one house. Then they adopt the chosen name of their house as their last name; this is meant to represent these longstanding relationships as a family.

“For me, because we are an all-Black team, and its founders are all Black, it’s about showcasing Black beauty in the aspect of physicality, mentality, creativity and just the layers that we all have,” said Destiny Bell, a senior communications major and member of EnRage Models,

EnRage highlights its uniqueness and individuality as it challenges the industry standards placed on models.

“EnRage fights the norms. It’s unorthodox, but it’s what you need for success.” Bell said. 

Featured Image: Courtesy of Abby Yusuf and Brynae Ekabe