Kirk Pressley, known to the ballroom world as Legendary Boom Boom Balenciaga, died in January 2026 at the age of 36. His passing was publicly shared by the House of Balenciaga and met with an outpouring of grief across social media from houses, peers, and communities he had touched. Pressley was widely recognized for his commanding presence as a ballroom commentator, his appearances in mainstream media, and the energy he brought to every space he entered.
His official announcement from the House of Balenciaga called him “a legend in ballroom and a dedicated soul,” and recognized the deep loss felt by many.
Kirk Pressley’s life began long before ballroom fame. He attended Bowie State University, where he graduated in 2011. During his time at Bowie State, he served two terms as Student Government Association president, demonstrating an early commitment to leadership and community. He was also an active member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., an organization grounded in service, scholarship, and civic engagement. His university studies focused on communications, musical theater, and social justice — a combination that later informed his voice, presence, and performance style across contexts.
After graduation, Pressley continued serving the Bowie State community as a program coordinator for the ATOD (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs) Prevention Center, working in student health and wellbeing, a role that reflected both compassion and leadership.
Pressley’s impact on ballroom was profound. Ballroom commentators are more than announcers; they are catalysts of energy, calling out performers, affirming expression, and helping shape the emotional experience of events. Boom Boom’s style was distinct and joyful, and he became known for the signature phrase “Let’s get excited!” — a chant that rallied performers and audiences alike.
His runway appearances added another dimension to his influence. In 2018, he went viral for walking at Philadelphia’s The List Part 2: Wanted Ball, where he creatively embodied a villain character, showcasing his theatrical flair and fearless performance instincts.
Voices Remembering Kirk
Public reactions from social media show the breadth of admiration and grief following his passing. On Instagram, one tribute read:
“🕊️ Rest in Peace to Kirk Pressley Boom Boom Balenciaga 🕊️ Prayers to his family, friends, his ballroom family and the community at large …”
Another post noted the depth of loss felt in local and community circles:
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Kirk Pressly, AKA MC Boom Boom Balenciaga. A true force and a core part of DC, and many communities.”
In collective mourning, another tribute captured the shock and sadness shared across houses:
“Joining others in utter shock and heartbreak at the passing of Kirk Pressley communally known as Kirk Boom Boom Balenciaga.”
One Instagram reel tribute reflected on his energy and approach to life:
“Kirk ‘BOOM BOOM’ Balenciaga. My friend and NEÉ. Thank you for your light and your energy. Thank you for all the times you said ‘YES.’”
On X/Twitter, many also expressed spontaneous grief in the moments after news spread:
“Omg RIP Kirk ‘Boom Boom Balenciaga’ Pressley wow.”
These posts came from a range of accounts within and adjacent to the ballroom scene, and together they reflect both personal affection and community-wide loss.
Pressley also gained visibility beyond ballroom circles through television and media. In 2018, he appeared on Pose during its first season, contributing authentic ballroom presence to scripted television. In 2023, he appeared in an Apple Music promotional teaser tied to Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime show, where his voice and image opened the clip and introduced ballroom chants to a broader audience. In 2025, he served as a commentator on Survival of the Thickest, further illustrating how ballroom culture and its voices were increasingly visible in mainstream media.
Legacy
Kirk Pressley’s legacy cannot be contained within one arena. He bridged leadership, public service, artistic expression, cultural celebration, and media presence. He brought ballroom into spaces that had previously overlooked it, and he brought joy, affirmation, and life into every room, stage, and screen he touched.
He leaves behind a legacy carried forward by performers, commentators, houses, and communities who will continue to echo his energy and remember his voice for years to come.
