Mother Juan Aviance Closes WorldPride with Distrkt NYC

The House of Aviance led by Mother Juan Aviance has long been a major force in NYC nightlife and ballroom scene.  Several talented children have emerged from the family, including the brilliant Kevin Aviance – ranked by Billboard Magazine among the most successful dance artists of all-time — to the beautiful, young star of Hey Queen!, Erick Atoure.

This WorldPride, Mother Juan Aviance and her children are taking it back to the late nineties Sound Factory with a ballroom extravaganza that promises to be be fierce, over, Aviance!

Junior Vasquez, the epitome of NYC’s House Music Underground, will headline Distrkt NYC Pride at Melrose Ballroom.  Kevin Aviance will perform.  “I’ll be on stage in my pumps, serving it like only I can,” he says.

We took the opportunity to speak with Mother Juan Aviance to get a preview of what the legendary house has in store.

Before we begin, let’s take it back.  How did the House of Aviance begin?

Upon moving to Washington D.C. back in 1987, my friends and I would travel to NYC to party and although I heard about houses as a teen growing up in Boston, it was in NYC that I learned more about them and then decided to start my own in August 1989.

How did you become Mother? 

It came naturally.  At first, I never thought to be the Mother because I figured a Mother had to be either a Drag Queen or a Transsexual.  Eventually it just happened and why not, my Mom raised me and she instilled nurturing qualities so it was fitting for me to be the Mother!

Who were some of your first house children?

(Laughing) Wow, you are taking me way back!  In the very beginning there was  Al Aviance now Al Allure, Al Karim Aviance, Anton Aviance, Carl Jones Aviance, Ceasar Aviance aka Charisma Aviance, Damon Steele Aviance, Daniel Henson Aviance (RIP), Diamond Aviance, Dion Aviance aka Okiyo (RIP), Jean-Philippe Aviance, Jimmy Francis Aviance (RIP), Joel Phillipps Aviance, John Fredericks Aviance, Kevin Robinson aka Claudia Aviance (RIP), Kevin Aviance, Kristjan-Elysees Meow Anwar, Larry “Baby” Aviance, Lauren Barrett Aviance, Omar Aviance, Paul Somers Aviance (RIP), Sean Hawkins Aviance, Thom Tavennar Aviance, Tom Tolbert Aviance, Tony Aviance now Capri Bloomingdale, Xavier Bloomingdale, Zev Aviance… and several others!

What made the house a legendary house? 

Diversity, loyalty, dedication and most of all the love of family.

What are your thoughts on POSE?

Pose for me is the TRUTH of those times both the good and the bad.  The story is rich in history and thus far, it is being told accurately with a few name changes for obvious reasons.

Is the show an accurate portrayal of the ballroom scene in the 90s? 

ABSOLUTELY YES! 10’s across the board!

What is the current state of the ballroom scene?

Although the House of Aviance does not participate much in the Ballroom scene we do keep up with the goings ons and despite somethings, I can do without… BALLROOM IS THRIEVING!

Why did you agree to host Junior’s World Pride Closing party at Districk NYC?

For many years, the Junior Vasquez Pride parties have been part of the House of Aviance and it’s just not Pride unless you close it down with JUNIOR and his followers!  It is such an honor and think about it… Mother Aviance hosting Junior Vazquez World Pride 2019!  Honey, this will go down in the history books! 

Will you be gathering all the divas to the dance floor for a battle at Melrose?

To be honest, I never plan battles or runway but I do know how to get the kids to carry.  So when that feeling comes and everything feels right SURELY “the divas will come to the dance floor” without a doubt!

Kevin Aviance is performing. What can we expect from Kevin?

I do not know what his plan is but he will put on a show for the kids as always!

What is your pride message for the 50th anniversary of Stonewall?

During this 50^th Anniversary, let us all remember the past and the struggle that those before us have endured. Of course, celebrate and rejoice but pay homage to the struggle of the past as if can be uplifting and help us move forward to even better times! WE ARE IN CONTROL OF OUR DESTINY NOT ANYBODY ELSE! Love, Peace and Aviance.

Distrkt NYC Pride with headliner Junior Vasquez takes place Monday, July 1 from 6am to noon at Melrose Ballroom, 36-08 33^rd Street, Queens, New York featuring performances by Kevin Aviance and Suzanne Palmer.

Tickets available now at https://distrktc.ticketspice.com/distrkt-nyc-pride?fbclid=IwAR2ELKb3VFkK9d_PVdBW5pTFxfmy2MTXh8SBO7OpndKMqyUhPDLsWrZCidc.