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Following the success of the series of our educational program of workshops and events, we are proud to announce The Summer of Love Ball, organised by Luscious 007 in collaboration with deSingel.
The beginnings of the Ballroom Scene can be found in drag balls of the mid-19th century United States, such as those hosted by William Dorsey Swann (aka ‘queen of drag’), a formerly enslaved Black Queer Man in Washington D.C.
The pivotal moment in Ballroom Scene history was undoubtedly 1968 when Crystal LaBeija, after refusing to participate further in a discriminatory white-centred, racist pageant system, founded The House of LaBeija and began organising her events, catered particularly to Black and POC queer communities.
To this day, Black and POC bodies struggle with acceptance among the LGBTQIA2+ community. The brown and black stripes were added to the pride flag only in 2017 to highlight the discrimination of black and brown community members.
Many Black and Brown individuals, until this day, find refuge thanks to the Ballroom scene - an underground community that inspired and influenced industries such as fashion, music, and arts. A lot of participants, often ostracised and oppressed not only by the patriarchal and white supremacist world they find themselves within but also by their biological families, thanks to Ballroom, find their second home.
Ballroom scene became a safe haven for people of different genders and sexual expressions, celebrating the talent and joy of Black and POC individuals. The acknowledgement and respect that many people find within this community help develop talents, not only within the Ballroom categories but also within different professional fields.
Black and POC Fem Queens being a foundation stone from the beginning until this day, play a central role in nurturing, inspiring, building and organising the scene.
Recognising that fact, today, we gather to celebrate the excellence of all Fem Queens that paved the way and sacrificed their energy, time, and often lives (the average life expectancy for a Black Transgender Woman is currently 30-35 years).
Welcome to The Summer of Love Ball! Let’s celebrate the Matriarchat! Bring it to the runway, and let us see your talent!
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?????: 11/08/2023
⏰?????: 13u/1pm
???: TBA
?????: 14uur/2pm
??????: De Singel, Antwerp, Belgium
(Desguinlei 25, 2018 Antwerp)
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Walkers : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvcMr8D5dVS4GqhaIG_rd36_E3V0g5glOBWgsP3MvfhlAReA/viewform?pli=1
Spectaculaires:
https://desingel.be/en/programme/dance/the-summer-of-love-ball-presented-by-luscious-007
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TBA
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TBA
As for the fact Belgian Ballroom scene grew thanks to the members of the Waacking community, we have decided to provide a space and invited members of this community to battle in their style before we start with ballroom categories.
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????????? ?????? - 1 Trophy
?????? - 2 Trophies (EU, AA)
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???? - 3 Trophies (FF & MF & NB)
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??? ????? - 4 Trophies (FF & MF & LB & CB)
???? - 5 Trophies (Big&Beautiful, Luscious, MF Muscle, FF Fitness,Model)
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???????? - 3 Trophies (FQ & TM & BQ)
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?? ??????????? – 3 Trophies (FQs, Drags, Women)
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And the categories are calling for:
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⭐ ???? ??????⭐- GRAMMY award-winning multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer/label owner/radio host. With a diverse music discography spanning R&B/Pop/Dance/Hip Hop/Electronic/Jazz/Adult Contemporary 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20s Jody Watley is recognized as a style icon and one of the architects of 21st-century Pop/R&B/Dance music, an inductee into the Women’s Songwriters Hall Of Fame, listed in Billboard as one of the Top 60 Female Artists of All Time, Top 25 Dance Artists of All Time, Top 100 Black Solo Artists Of All Time. She got her start on the TV dance show ‘Soul Train’ at the age of 14, but it wasn’t until 1987 that she had a complete commercial breakthrough with the release of her namesake album ‘Jody Watley’. Bring it to the runway in an outfit inspired by the fashions of the ‘Still A Thrill’ music video and the fashions of that period.
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⭐ ?????? ?. ??????? ⭐ - One of the most prominent figures of the gay rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s in New York City. Johnson was an influential advocate for homeless LGBTQ+ youth, those affected by H.I.V. and AIDS, and gay and transgender rights. Marsha loved incorporating flowers in her hairdos and headpieces, which today make a staple for which we recognise her image. Bring it to the runway with an OVAH flowery hairdo/headpiece that would be worth Marsha’s gag!
? ?????? - 2 Trophies (EU, AA) ?
⭐ ??????? ??? ⭐ – The Mugler Doll - The first openly transgender person nominated for an Emmy award, the first trans woman on the cover of Cosmopolitan Magazine and the first transgender person to win a Daytime Emmy as a producer. The actress made waves when she first emerged on the scene in 2012, starring in Netflix’s ‘Orange is the New Black’, and ever since, she has risen to stardom. She’s a Mugler collector, owning over 500 garments from this iconic brand. Bring it to the runway in an outfit inspired by the legacy of Mugler. (Be ready to provide a reference picture to avoid unnecessary chop if judges question your effect.)
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⭐ ?????? ????? ⭐ - Proud advocate of the LGBTQ+ community, with a centralized focus on giving Transgender Females a voice. Actress, model, author, and dancer, we could go on... Viral doll and a fixture within the ballroom community, also known for her role as Cotton in the Fox television series Star and her appearance in the eighth season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. In 2019, Scott published her first memoir, Memoirs of a Mermaid. Inspired by this title, bring it to the runway in a creative, fashionable mermaid-inspired look!
? ???? - 3 Trophies (FF & MF & NB) ?
⭐ ?????? '??????' ?????? ⭐– Widely known as the first Black trans model. She appeared on a box of Clairol hair dye in the 1970s and landed a contract with Avon. In 1971, she was photographed for Italian Vogue, followed by shoots for Essence, Harpers Bazaar India and New York Magazine. Inspired by the lifetime achievements of this ballroom Icon, bring it to the runway in a white, polished, elegant look and convince the judges you have what it takes to get your close-up for a high-end fashion editorial.
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? ??? ????? - 4 Trophies (FF & MF & LB & CB) ?
⭐ ???? ????? ????? ⭐ - ‘The Mother of Sex’ - An essential figure in the ballroom community. Ruler of multiple categories, including sex siren, face, and femme queen body. Sinia’s captiviting sex appeal comes to mind as a first thing, whenever she appears in the conversation. To celebrate the Icon that still inspires generations of kids, bring it to the runway in your most sexy outfit and seduce the judges to get your 10s!
? ???? - 5 Trophies (Big&Beautiful, Luscious, MF Muscle, FF Fitness,Model) ?
⭐ ????? ????? ⭐ - American actress, model, dancer, and activist. She has attracted the press as a trailblazer for transgender performers in the entertainment and fashion industries, within the ballroom community known as a face doll, and a NYC Mother of the House of Mugler. She’s the 1st trans woman to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated! In her Instagram post, she says: ‘I dedicate this cover to all ballroom femme queens past, present and future. This historical moment is important to #girlslikeus because it allows us to live and be seen. Many girls like us don’t have the chance to live our dreams, or to live long at all. I hope my cover empowers those, who are struggling to be seen, feel valued. Let me be a messenger guiding us to a future of respect and appreciation for all women in all forms and from all walks of life.’. Inspired by this iconic cover, bring it to the runway in a swimwear ensemble.
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? ???????? - 3 Trophies (FQ & TM & BQ) ?
⭐ ????? ??????? ⭐ – Ballroom girl making it big in Hollywood! An American actress whose most notable roles include Shea in the television series Transparent and Tracey in the feature film Hustlers. Lysette has spoken at various events and colleges across the country, including Women’s March Las Vegas and Out & Equal in Philadelphia, about her experiences in hopes of highlighting the injustices that members of the trans community face. In 2017, she recorded an online PSA with Trevor Project dedicated to suicide prevention awareness for LGBTQ youth. Personally, she’s passionate about sports, describing herself on Instagram as a ‘sport junkie’. Bring it to the runway in a sportswear/sports-related outfit, following the main requirements of the type of realness you’re walking.
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? ????? ??? & ???? ????? ? – An iconic ensemble of Femme Queens. The simple outfit that became a staple within the scene is considered a white canvas that doesn't take away attention and helps focus on the performer's elements. The judges and audience will quickly know whether you got this or not! Bring it to the runway in a white top and blue jeans, and make sure your five elements are on point, so you can get your 10's!
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⭐ ???? ???? ⭐ - An American transgender rights activist, exotic dancer, singer, comedian, and actress. Active on stage, television, radio and film from the mid-1960s to 1970s, she is a popular and influential personality in the Los Angeles-area African-American LGBT community. She actively protested L.A.’s notorious Rule protested L.A.’s notorious Rule №9, which made cross-dressing illegal. In honour of Lady Java, bring it to the runway in a feathery look (you can incorporate feathers as a trim or accessory, i.e. feather boa, etc.)!
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⭐ ??? ??????? ⭐ – Former Mother of the Royal House of LaBeija and an American fine artist. Her most well-known series, 24, is a sociopolitical commentary on the effects of growing up as a young woman of colour with HIV. Her poise, elegance, and clean lines stun every person who has a chance to see Kia perform. In 2016, she appeared in Pillar Point’s music video – Dove. Get inspired by the stunning imagery of this music video, and bring it to the runway in a colourful outfit!
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⭐ ?????? ??????? ⭐ - The blueprint for vogue, as she created many moments that ballroom dancers copy/mimic in their performances to this day. Known and celebrated for her unique and creative hand performance, it is no surprise we decided to dedicate her this particular category! Bring it to the runway in gloves that will focus on your hand performance skills!
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⭐ ?????? ??????? ⭐ - Ballroom icon, historian, entrepreneur, trans activist, and mental wellness advocate. Niambi realized her true purpose was to serve her community through activism and advocacy for the most marginalized and discriminated against: her community of Black Trans Women. Over 25 years, she has won numerous trophies, accolades, and awards for her dedication, excellence, and contributions to the art of vogue. She’s very vocal about the scene, judging girls left and right. Tonight, we don’t ask you to bring in any specific effect – make sure your 10’s is flawless and Niambi-worthy!
? ?? ??????????? – 3 Trophies (FQs, Drags, Women) ?
⭐ ?????? ????????? ⭐ - currently one of the most well-known voguers and ballroom figures. Former judge of ‘Legendary’ show, Icon. Creator of the 360 dips and her signature dramatics — an athletic mix of acrobatics and poise — helped earn her the nickname “The Wonder Woman of Vogue.” It is always a treat seeing Leiomy grace the floor to this day! The 11/24/2016 Vogue Nights was one of the iconic nights from the modern history of Ballroom! The dolls, including Leiomy, came to battle for 2K, and they all looked fab, per usual! Inspired by Leiomy’s look, bring it to the runway in a sexy body suit!
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⭐ ????????? ??????? ⭐ - Tobagonian-and-Trinidadian-American actress, author, model, reality television personality, and LGBTQ+ community advocate. Even though she’s been around the ballroom scene since 1993, being part of the House of Revlon and Allure, as well as House of Sinclair, a lot of people got to know her better thanks to her iconic role of Electra Abundance in the FX Pose TV series! Inspired by this breathtaking character, bring it to the runway in the look inspired by one of the very first scenes we see in the series – Royalty-themed ball. Don’t forget your crown!
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⭐ ????? ??????? ⭐ – For all the Twisters that want to walk Realness with a Twist, it is mandatory to walk the Realness category first. We will ask you to perform Twist during the performance part of the ball if you successfully get your 10s during the realness part. If your effect does not allow you to fully perform, we allow the change of the outfit to avoid wardrobe malfunction or limitation of the movements. But please do keep in mind that walking the Realness category first is OBLIGATORY!
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⭐ ????? ????? ⭐ – Actor, writer, director, model, social activist and founder of Beetlefruit Media, Inc., a production company focused on storytelling in various mediums. Born and raised in the Bronx, they have appeared in Vogue and OUT and assignments for GQ, Gucci and Christian Dior. They are known for playing the role of Angel Evangelista in the FX television series Pose. Moore is transgender and non-binary and uses they/them and she/her pronouns! Indya lives their lives unapologetically, and that’s a fact! They don’t compromise or step back from being their true selves! Today, we ask you to bring it to the runway with your most authentic self! Come as you are and get your 10s by showing us your personality!
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⭐ ?????? ????? ⭐ - A black, trans woman from the American South who took Toronto's local music scene by storm. As a pioneer of 1960s Soul Music, she contributed to the Toronto Sound and is best known for the single 'Any Other Way', a regional Top 10 hit in Toronto in 1963 and a modest national chart hit across Canada in 1967. We celebrate all Femme Queens tonight, so we ask you to bring it to the runway with an original chant incorporating the words 'Femme Queen' in it!
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⭐ ????? ????? ⭐ - Grammy Award-winning black trans DJ, producer, and fashion icon whose music and style have made her a leading figure in the dance music scene. She certainly made more than one booty shake! In celebration of this icon, come in your most authentic self and show us your best moves!
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⭐ ????? ????? ⭐ - the first openly trans woman to perform at an NBA game. This legendary performer is one of the supreme Beyoncé impersonators in the United States and the world. Once, in an interview, she stated, 'I tell people to never put a cap on their dreams—dream without limitations.' Impersonating Beyonce helps Riley live to the fullest. Inspired by her story and her success, we ask you to Lip-Sync to one of Beyoncé's greatest hits!
10s:
Beyoncé – Alien Superstar
Battles:
Beyoncé – America Has A Problem
Beyoncé – Break My Soul
Beyoncé – Heated
Event Venue
deSingel, Parking de Singel, 2018 Antwerpen, België,Antwerp, Belgium