HBO Max's ballroom dance reality series Legendary premiered on the streaming service on May 27, with Megan Thee Stallion, (open in new tab) Jameela Jamil, and self-proclaimed image architect Law Roach among The show, which will be judged by a panel of judges, is the first mainstream program on socialite culture, along with FX's Pose (open in new tab), and is expected to generate a huge response. Legendary will follow eight teams, known as "Houses," as they compete in an astonishing ball, highlighting the fashion, culture, and dance at the heart of the ballroom. The goal is for one House to achieve "legendary" status.

As for Roach, he was named one of Hollywood's Top Stylists (open in new tab) by The Hollywood Reporter and boasts a client roster that includes Zendaya and Kerry Washington; Roach also served as a judge on America's Next Top Model. Roach also served as a judge on America's Next Top Model. As for reality TV, "Legend" is not the first rodeo for this image architect, but he asserts, "I've never seen anything like it."

MC: How did you get involved with Legendary? What has been your experience with the ballroom community?

LR: I was invited by Jamila Jamil. I'm not in the ballroom community, but I've been going to ballrooms for 10-15 years, so I know the culture of the ballroom community. Some of my best friends are house mothers and fathers. After talking to Jamila Jamil, one of the producers called me and asked me to be on the show. I think Jamila has a great eye and I owe everything to her for getting me on the show.

MC: In addition to Jamila Jamil and Megan Seastallion, the show features social icons like Dashawn Wesley, Ramey Maldonado, and DJ MikeQ. What was it like working with these social legends?

LR: I've watched Dashawn and Rayomy for years because I remember them from the "America's Best Dance Crew" crew called Vogue Evolution. I think Dashaun is amazing as a host. He is very natural and very inspiring to watch.

Ramey is the Wonder Woman of Vogue. No one else can sit on that stage and get into the technicalities of voguing like she can. She is an expert. She sees everything and catches everything. No matter what mistakes the dancers make, she catches them right away. She was very helpful and made sure she understood everything we didn't. It has further deepened my knowledge of voguing.

MC: With shows like "Pose" and now "Legendary," the ballroom scene is getting more mainstream attention. How do you think this will change the community?

LR: I think it's long overdue. I think ballroom is one of the last subcultures that really gets its due recognition. There are so many things in fashion and pop culture that have come out of ballroom. Innovators and pioneers rarely get their due recognition. I think this show will encourage that. Other subcultures like punk and club kids have earned mainstream recognition by their innovation and pushing the envelope. I think ballroom has done the same for a long time.

MC: As a judge, what did you look for in a house?

LR: First of all, I am someone who loves entertainment that gives me goosebumps. My number one criterion is entertainment: would I support this house or would I want to see it again?

Then there's something about love, the emotional thickness of love in the room. When these houses come out, you know they are family. You can feel the love they have for each other before they even exchange a word. Each house has a parent, a house mother or father, as if they are in a traditional mother and children room. I really can't wait for them to see that place. It's really incredible to see people who weren't born as a family, but became a family.

But of course, I also want to see style and talent. Legendary is no different from other shows America has loved over the years. The setting is the same, but the cast is what makes this show so special. I have never seen anything on television on such a large scale.

MC: How would you describe the social scene to someone who only sees it as "voguing"?

LR: It's not just that, and that's why this show is so beautiful. When my friends and I went to the ball, we went to see the fashion section. We went to see the labels and the runway categories. So Legendary is introducing the other categories of the ballroom.

MC: I would love to hear more about the fashion aspect of the show.

LR: The costume designers, Eric Archibald and Johnny Wujek, did an amazing job of allowing the Maison to tell their story through the costumes and fashion. Each ball had a theme and the Maison worked with stylists and costume designers to bring their vision to life. I love fashion, so I loved seeing the Maison's creativity in fashion. The [producers] didn't skimp on the costumes either. The whole show was really beautifully done.

MC: What are you most looking forward to?

LR: I'm really looking forward to seeing these underrepresented people really get their due recognition and be pushed into the mainstream. I think we've all seen The Pause, and this is actually happening, and I'm very excited about it, and I think it's going to be a great thing to see."

I want to see everything I didn't get to see as a juror. I can't wait to marvel and gasp at the beauty and talent of these homes.

Watch "LEGENDARY" on HBO MAX (opens in new tab)

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