Zoe West
By: Dennis Richmond, Jr.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to spotlight the importance of emotional well-being and the ways we care for ourselves and each other. For many, especially within LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities, mental health support isn’t always easily accessible. But healing can take many forms, and sometimes, it looks like movement, music, and unapologetic self-expression.
That’s where Ballroom Plus, the groundbreaking app created by Xoey West, comes in. What started as a dream in 2016 is now a global digital platform centered on ballroom culture—a space historically created by and for queer and trans communities of color seeking refuge, celebration, and connection.
More Than Just an App—A Safe Space for the Soul
Originally from Baltimore, MD, and now living in Richmond, VA, Xoey is more than a tech founder. She’s a full-time nursing facility worker and a student of both cosmetology and business management. A proud trans woman, she is channeling her experience into a digital tool that empowers others. “The app itself was created to make a space specifically for our community—especially ballroom,” she says. “A place just like how ballroom was created years ago: as a safe space.”
That safe space now lives in the form of Ballroom Plus, an app that includes live streaming, real-time chat, comment threads, trending audio, a “find a ball” feature, and even an online store. It’s perfect for folks in Westchester County—and beyond—who are looking for a joyful, affirming outlet to unwind, connect, and even heal.
And when it comes to mental health, these connections matter. Dance has long been shown to reduce stress, release endorphins, and even support trauma recovery. For people facing anxiety, isolation, or depression, the sense of community that ballroom fosters—digitally or in-person—can be lifesaving.
“We’re the #1 app for ballroom,” Xoey says proudly. “All of our features are about building real-time bonds that stretch worldwide.”
From Vision to Vitality
The app officially launched in 2024 after years of planning and two years of development. With the support of co-founders, international developers, friends, and family, Xoey created a platform that resonates deeply with a global audience.
In light of conversations about social media censorship and mental health implications of major platforms, Ballroom Plus arrives as a refreshing alternative: not built for likes or virality, but for authenticity and belonging.
“People are slowly switching, and the community response has been amazing,” Xoey says. “We have a 5-star rating across both platforms.”
Dance as a Form of Healing
Ballroom culture is rooted in movement—vogueing, runway, old way, new way. These aren’t just dance styles; they are acts of resistance, survival, and joy. Research shows that dance therapy can improve mood, increase body confidence, and strengthen social bonds—all key to good mental health.
In ballroom spaces, people are encouraged to own their stories, perform their truth, and be celebrated for it. That’s the kind of energy that Ballroom Plus brings to users worldwide—from New York to Brazil to France.
Preserving the Past, Nourishing the Present
More than a social platform, Ballroom Plus is a digital archive of a thriving culture. “The misconception is that ballroom is still underground. It’s not,” Xoey clarifies. “With every swipe on our app, you see an art form that is mainstream.”
Through Amazon Web Services, Ballroom Plus securely stores ballroom events, lingo, and trends, making it a tool for education, preservation, and empowerment.
“We’ve come out of the group chats and private Facebook groups. Now, you can open an app and find a ball anywhere in the world. It’s never been done before!”
A Reminder: You Are Not Alone
During Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s especially important to uplift voices like Xoey’s—voices that remind us of the power of community, creativity, and movement. As a trans woman navigating tech, business, and wellness, Xoey’s journey is one of resilience.
“I don’t have much experience in the tech industry, but I’m working my way in,” she says. Her message is loud and clear: “The sky is the limit. Dream big and go after it.”
Whether you’re in Westchester or across the globe, whether you’re struggling or thriving, Ballroom Plus is there. Download it. Dance a little. Heal a lot.
Dennis Richmond, Jr. (@NewYorkStakz) is a journalist, historian, and educator from Yonkers, NY. He writes to uplift unheard voices, honor history, and inspire change.
