Check Out Ryku Lyght’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryku Lyght.

Hi Ryku, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am Overall Founding Fatha Of The Dauntless House of Lyght, Ryku Lyght!!

I am a community leader and activist for the House/Ballroom Scene that is an LGBTQ/POC underground club scene that was started in the late 60s in Harlem, New York. Now Ballroom is now worldwide. Notable mainstream references would be Madonna “Vogue”, more recently FX “Pose” and HBOmax “LEGENDARY” my house was featured on season 3 of the Emmy award-winning show.

I started Ballroom 2005 in the DMV area. I have traveled state to state walking (competing) balls from NYC, Philly, Richmond, Pittsburgh, and moved to the Los Angeles area in 2011. Once here, I continued to compete and in 2018, I put competing on the back burner and decided to start a photography and videography business (RyB Productions Inc.) to help curate the West Coast Ballroom Scene. I saw a need in my community that no one was filming our moments at balls and knew how important it was that our community see their VALUE on film and photo.

Throughout my history of walking and curating, I’ve had to face hardships along the way homelessness, substance abuse, physical abuse, and Living with HIV. If it wasn’t for the hard times I wouldn’t be the man I am today,

I now live a purpose-driven life and that purpose is to ease suffering and create community, so that people can heal. I started the House of Lyght in 2021 with hope and a dream that the house would become a beacon of hope and a Pilar in the community. I am truly living my dreams. I have done some things that I could’ve only imagined in the short time that the house as been opened.  We are a small house in comparison to some of the International houses in Ballroom, but I feel like our principals, mission and spiritual practice’s level the playing field.  Through many trails and tribulations it has defiantly made us a tight family-oriented group. When taking on the responsibilities of becoming a “Fatha” it has been a task of learning and growing.  So many things go into being a leader of a house, and TBH a lot I wasn’t really ready to handle.  My faith in myself and God has pulled me through those uncomfortable moments.  I feel like the only way I can fail is if I quit, which is defiantly not happening.

I wanted to build a legacy, create VALUE, and make a meaningful difference in my community on a local level (national and international in the future) I am meeting these goals and have my work cut out for me in the future but am welcoming everything that’s coming my way 1000 fold.

House of Lyght Mission Statement:

The Dauntless House of Lyght mission is to raise the overall consciousness of spirituality in ballroom thru value creation, individuality, self-empowerment and one’s spiritual practices. The house sets goals and standards amongst its members, investing time in the personal growth in and outside of ballroom, and continued excellence in service within the LGBTQ community; this in turn will cultivate and produce productive leaders into society. The House of Lyght maintains a nurturing and creative “family” based structure that fosters excellence, spirituality and sportsmanship amongst its members and the ballroom community at large. The House of Lyght stands committed to being beacon of hope and a pillar in the ballroom community for advocacy, transformation and service; where everyone that has a dream or goal can be supported to live that vision to fulfillment.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently have 2 brands under my belt one is my Videography and Photography business (RyB Productions Inc) that services the LGBTQ/POC providing high-quality images and media for the West Coast Ballroom Scene. The second brand is The Dauntless House of Lyght that competes in Ballroom which is my newest brand, connecting Ballroom and spirituality.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Wow! Seems like taking risks is all I do!

I am a quiet and closed off person due to years of bullying and feeling like I was invisible, I know now that creating a house in ballroom takes BALLS (pun intended.) So long, I felt like my voice didn’t matter or that I could make a difference. Now I know that is not the case. Being a leader in this Scene has defiantly pushed me to come out of my shell and has challenged me in so many ways because I am no longer just fighting for myself but my family I love and created. If I don’t speak up for us no one will. I have come to a point in my ballroom career where I have realized that the title “ICON” Or “LEGEND” doesn’t really make an Icon or legend it’s the actions, intent, WORK that make you thus. I have taken a huge leap of Faith in starting this House and I believe wholeheartedly that it is successful.

Pricing:

• Portrait Photoshoot 3 poses/outfit changes $200
• Event Photography $250
• Event Videography $300 and up
• Group Portraits of up to 5 people $300 and up

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rybproductions.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/fatha_lyght or www.instagram.com/rybproductionsinc or www.instagram.com/house_of_lyght
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/rykub or www.facebook.com/rybproductionsinc
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/ryku_b
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/rybproductionsinc2
• Cashapp: $RyBproductionsinc

Image Credits
Blue Blazer portrait @moderndrew For most but not all @rybproductionsinc