Tandi Iman Dupree facts for kids

Tandi Iman Dupree (born August 14, 1978 – died December 31, 2005) was an American drag queen. She became very well-known for her amazing "Wonder Woman" performance. This show happened at the Miss Gay Black America pageant in 2001. A video of her performance was put on YouTube in 2005. It quickly became a huge hit online.

About Tandi Iman Dupree

Tandi Iman Dupree was born and grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. She started dancing in high school. She was even the co-captain of her school's majorette squad until she graduated.

Dupree began competing in dance at a nightclub in Memphis called N-Cognito. There, she created many new dance routines with other local dancers. Tandi Iman Dupree passed away in December 2005 due to a health issue. She had always dreamed of winning the Miss Gay Black America pageant.

Her Famous Performance

At the 2001 Miss Gay Black America pageant, Tandi Iman Dupree performed a dance. Her partner was Dee St. James. They danced to the song "Holding Out for a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler.

Dupree dressed up as Wonder Woman for the performance. Dee St. James was dressed as Superman. Dupree made a very memorable entrance. She dropped onto the stage from the ceiling. She landed perfectly in a split. In 2009, this exciting video was uploaded to YouTube. It quickly became very popular around the world.

What People Said About Her Show

Many people praised Tandi Iman Dupree's performance. Jake Coyle, a reporter for The Associated Press, called her stage entrance the "greatest entrance of all time."

The Dallas Voice newspaper also admired her show at the 2001 pageant. They specifically called her stage entrance the "Best Drag Queen Entrance Ever."

How She Influenced Pop Culture

Tandi Iman Dupree's performance inspired a tribute on the TV show Glee. In one episode, a character named Kitty Wilde started her dance. She danced to "Holding Out for a Hero." She landed on the floor in a split, just like Dupree did. Out magazine called Dupree's original stage entry an "epic entrance."

Her performance was also mentioned on the TV show RuPaul's Drag Race. This happened in the thirteenth season. Dupree's "drag mother," Tamisha Iman, was a contestant on that season. Kate Kulzick from The A.V. Club said it was "wonderful to see" Dupree's lasting impact recognized.