“It’s starting to make a name for itself and I want it to be known worldwide! I want to take voguing not just to Paris Is Burning, but I want to take it to the real Paris, and make the real Paris burn…My house name is Ninja and I would really like to take my whole house to Japan and really let loose!”
In the 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning, icon Willi Ninja shared his dreams of bringing the art form of voguing beyond its roots in Harlem, New York. Over 50+ years, The Ballroom Scene has become an international phenomenon while serving as a safe haven for queer people of color to express themselves through dance, fashion, and to find their chosen families.
By Mateo Roska AKA Téo “Sunset” Juicy Couture Du’Mure-Versailles
As a queer youth, I was tangentially aware of Ballroom watching RuPaul’s Drag Race because of the constant references to the documentary “Paris Is Burning.” At first, I didn’t quite understand everything except a few general narratives about acceptance and discipline. It wasn’t until 2017 when I took a class with Michael Roberson, founder of the House of Maison Margiela, at The New School titled “Vogueology,” that I found a deeper understanding of the scene. During the class, Roberson spoke of Ballroom in such a revered way, beyond its artistic attributes but in a cultural, political, and spiritual context.
I began to make friends through nightlife outings in NYC that happened to be part of the Kiki Scene (a subdivision of the Ballroom scene for youth) but my first in-person ballroom experience was in 2018 at the Latex Ball. The category that instantly caught my attention was European Runway. I saw Gillette Oricci, a member of the house of Mizrahi at the time; battle Jal 007, then a member of the house of Milan. When Jal tried to literally throw shade at Gillette by tossing their scarf, Gillette caught it and the crowd went up in applause. A moment was made.
Gilette Mizrahi vs. Jal Milan Latex Ball 2018
In 2020 I moved to NYC in the middle of the pandemic and found myself plagued with feelings of loneliness being isolated from my blood family, while also not feeling seen in predominantly white NYC nightlife spaces. In an effort to switch up my surroundings, I attended OTA, a weekly ballroom night founded by Leggoh JohVera and Tim Lanvin. I decided to walk, got chopped, but it set me on a path I was determined to explore and eventually get my TENz. Over the next few years, I would meet my Ballroom mother Aaliyah Du’Mure-Versailles, join my first house, become the NYC Princess of the Exquisite House of Du’Mure-Versailles, New Runway of the Year in the Florida Region, and join the Kiki Scene as part of the Iconic House of Juicy Couture.
Ballroom was founded in the 1960s by Black & Brown queer people that felt ostracized by both the straight community and their white gay peers just as I did in 2021, and just like me ballroom has welcomed and accepted many Asian and Asian American members also seeking community while being drawn to it’s dynamic culture.
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, I wanted to highlight my fellow Asians in the scene that have been making a name for themselves both state-side and internationally that share my love and dedication for the ballroom scene and what inspires us to compete.
How did you join Ballroom?
I was learning voguing in Japan and I found ballroom videos browsing on YouTube in 2007. In 2009 January, I messaged my Father Andre Mizrahi, and asked him if I can be a part of his house. After he watched my videos, he welcomed me to the House of Mizrahi. Then I started to fly to the States for ballroom.
How important is it to you to represent your culture in Ballroom?
Ballroom was originated by black and Latinx queer people, and there were only a few Asians in the scene when I joined ballroom. Many people mix up Japanese culture and other Asian cultures. To me, in this generation, I want to share the right information about our culture with the people in ballroom.
What is your favorite clip & why?
My favorite clip is Selvin and Andre Mizrahi. I watched this over and over. I was impressed by how they synchronized in rhythm.
What do you want people to know about your experience and journey in Ballroom?
I was the first international woman who came and walk balls in the States consistently. This is one of the reasons why I got deemed a Legend. When I first visited I couldn’t really understand what I was seeing but I was so fascinated by the atmosphere and how people presented their craft on the runway. Ballroom influenced so many things in my life from style, language, and character. I wouldn’t have the opportunity to travel as frequently as I have if I didn’t find ballroom. I really appreciate how the community welcomed me warmly to the scene.
How did you join Ballroom?
My gay mother took me to my first ball back in 2019 in Brooklyn. I honestly didn’t know much. But I could feel the magic. Then I was a spectator until I started walking consistently in 2021.
How important is it to you to represent your culture in Ballroom?
“It’s been a journey for me to reconnect to my heritage because I have always strived for white standards while growing up. In ballroom, I am constantly inspired by how unapologetic and creative one can incorporate storytelling, their cultural identities into their production. So for HMI Awards Ball, I have my last name Wang (王), which means King, sewn onto my effects. That was the core of my look, my family’s last name, and my kingdom identity.
Photo by Jay Valentino
Photo by Jay Valentino
What is your favorite clip & why?
Mo’dayvia LaBeija FQ Performance 1992. This is one of my fav clips. It is so rare to find her clips, especially performances because she’s a face girl. Her performance is effortless, graceful, and regal. It’s mesmerizing to watch. She could stay in one place, break it down and capture you. And I believe she’s Sinia’s mother.”
What do you want people to know about your experience and journey in Ballroom?
“Ballroom saved my life in many different ways. I might not even be here in NY. And I will always be grateful for that. I want people to know that there is love, there is community and there is a place for you and your talent to be seen. And it can also be absolutely fierce!”
How did you come into Ballroom?
“I started dancing street jazz, and hiphop in Taiwan. The first time I came to NYC was in 2007, and during that time I went to a dance event called House Dance International. I saw Javier Ninja Battle, that was my first time seeing vogue. I was so into the energy and the vibe and felt like I needed to learn more about this art.”
So I found Benny Ninja ‘s class at the Broadway Dance Center, and Archie Burnett‘s workshop. After two months of training, I headed back to Taiwan, but there was no vogue and ballroom scene there, so it was hard to continue learning. In 2010 we had a famous singer named Jolin who invited Benny Ninja to Taiwan to make a vogue-inspired Choreo to her song “Honey Trap.” She invited Benny to perform with her in her concert. (She is like the Taiwanese Madonna) That was the first time Taiwan I saw Vogue.
I was one of the dancers at Jolin‘s concert. During the time Benny was in Taiwan, I got to know more about the history of Vogue from him and learn more with him.
My first time walking was in 2013. I flew back to NYC to walk the Rumble Ball and Latex Ball. That was my first time really being at a ball. After that, I went back to Taiwan and hosted the very first ball in Taiwan. It was called the Kick Ass Ball. The first one was thrown on Dec 23, 2013. That time we had Koppi Mizrahi from Japan to help us. Koppi really helped the Asian scene grow. After that, we did it till Vol 7.”
How important is it for you to represent your culture in Ballroom?
“Ballroom started with the Black and Latinx LGBTQ community. To be very honest as an Asian cis woman, I don’t think I can represent my culture in ballroom. I would love to just keep learning, keep experiencing and sharing what I love, and bring back what I learn back to Taiwan.”
What is your favorite Ballroom clip & why?
https://youtu.be/1V5veUqtWxY
Daesja (Blahnik) LaPerla vs. Aamina (Karan) Prodigy – “I love watching Daesja. How she vogues is so effortless, elegant, and beautiful. Also, this entrance is epic!”
What do you want people to know about your Ballroom journey?
“I want people to know to never be afraid to keep trying, never give up, remember to stay humble, always be willing to learn, and always have fun.”
How did you join Ballroom?
“It was an outlet to show my creativity when I was at a standstill in my life at that time. With ballroom, I feel challenged to sharpen my craft in fashion at every function. My father Legendary Daebrian Balenciaga and Icon Mariah Balenciaga believed I can be successful in ballroom with my new ideas. They have been the first supporters in my ballroom career.”
What is your favorite clip & why?
John Moschino Infinit Latex 2012 (2:55-6:30) – “My two favorites are near and dear to my heart. The first one is John Moschino Infiniti at the latex ball in 2012. My friend and I (who ended up being a Balmain when I became a Balenciaga) would watch this clip over and over again in the form of a DVD! This was my introduction to showcasing fashion in a way that mainstream fashion has yet to show at that point. The way John peeled and confidently said ‘VIVIENNE WESTWOOD’ blew my mind.”
Leyna Mugler – Memoirs of An Icon Ball 2015 – “Leyna Mugler at the Memoirs of an Icon Ball was the first time seeing a Filipinx in Ballroom, showcasing a beauty that was familiar to my upbringing. Since then I have researched other AAPIs in ballroom such as Misha Milan and Katsumi Xtravaganza, using them as sources of inspiration. I also used Leyna’s moment as reference to build my best dressed effect at the West Ball in 2021.”
How important is it for you to represent your culture in Ballroom?
“I think the first priority is to respect and be educated about the history of ballroom culture. I understand being a guest in this subculture and I have to find a way to showcase a narrative that is genuine to me which is my upbringing. Not only as Southeast Asian but as someone who grew up in East LA. At various balls, I have showcased Asian tiger print sashes with gold crowns, and embroidered ribbons on my best dressed to signify Los Angeles’ culture as well. I always add nuances of my Southeast Asian heritage but still remain faithful to the origins of the category I walk.”
What do you want people to know about your Ballroom journey & experience?
“Ballroom is a subculture that prides itself in its rich history of talents. My experiences has been a steep hill journey of showing a new narrative as an APPI male figure in the fashion categories. I never saw anyone in this category that looked like me or have the same mindset in fashion. Over time, ballroom has seen my capabilities and recently has started to understand my narrative in fashion. I would like to be a notch in this rich history as this Filipino who came in as a Balenciaga and made moments!”
How did you join Ballroom?
“It was just very spontaneous. After watching Legendary, I dropped in on Malik Mugler and Arturo Mugler’s class. Then Malik made me a Juicy. Then a few months later the first time I walked face as a Juicy at the Groovy Ball in 2021, Mugler snatched me right after. It all happened very naturally, and I just followed my heart.”
What is your favorite Ballroom clip & why?
Mishalae (Saint Laurent) Basquiat Mugler Ball 2019 – “Miss Mishalae did her thing. It’s the production, the magic, the outfit, the hair. I think this is one of the first few videos I watched when studying Face, and it’s very inspiring.”
How important is it to represent your culture in Ballroom?
“Absolutely important! Well you know there are only a handful of Asians in the scene, and probably I’m one of the few Chinese people who walks here in the US. I love all the looks and glam from Ballroom currently, but there is so much room to grow. I want to bring culture and diversity of beauty to Ballroom. There are a lot of international fashion designers, ideas, looks, and traditions that Ballroom doesn’t have.”
What do you want people to know about your Ballroom journey & experience?
“There are a lot of different versions of art and fashion out there and I really wish I can bring that to Ballroom. Face, body, sex siren, and more… There are a lot of different ways people can express beauty, body, sexiness, and personality. I hope Ballroom can grow into a place where diversity could be celebrated and multicultural art is appreciated. I would love for Ballroom to be a place where we can learn from different cultures and people.
How did you join Ballroom?
“My ballroom blood sister brought me to a ball when I was back in Hong Kong and that’s how I got obsessed. The glamour, the craziness, and the family of it all was what really drew me in and kept me here. My sister’s name was Kayannah. She was the one who wanted to go to the ball and I tagged along. We both entered and grew up in the scene together as sisters and did everything together in AND out of Ballroom so I consider her my blood sister cuz I’d honestly do anything for her. We’re not biologically related though.”
How important is it for you to represent your culture in Ballroom?
“Very important. Ballroom to me is a space where presenting my own culture and identity is celebrated. Every time I walk a ball, I GENUINELY think about how I can add my own Asian flare to it. It’s part of who I am and it’s what makes me stand out, and I get to represent. It does feel weird since the culture wasn’t started by, and didn’t grow initially with Asians, but so far everyone feels accepting and I get to represent my own ethnicity while being praised for it so I’ll take it. It’s also a respect thing too. I try my best to pay respect to the culture so when they see me, I’m not just here for shits n’ giggles. They go up for me n hype me up, and it’s really a symbiotic relationship.”
What is your favorite Ballroom clip & why?
https://youtu.be/S13sZgSS_1w
Starr Revlon Latex 2019 (0:33) – “It’s a popular choice, but BITCH she won the battle and it didn’t even start yet. This was the moment I fell in love with Starr and everything she did. Everytime I’m in a creative mind block with my vogue I come back to this clip and it gets the juices flowing. She is one of my BIGGEST inspirations. BIGGEST.”
What do you want people to know about your Ballroom journey?
“That it really is a lot more than just the glamour. It’s family, it’s a community, it’s a place where I was able to fall back on, find myself, and become the best version of myself. Ballroom helped me grow SO MUCH as a person, and on my journey to discovering and being comfortable in my own identity.”
How did you join Ballroom?
“Honestly, I didn’t have any intention to join the ballroom when I first discovered the ballroom culture. Me being a first-generation immigrant and in the shelter system, I had no one to call “family”. My very first gay mother who was there for me during that period happened to be in the Kiki house in Arizona, and I just happened to be “in” the scene ever since then.”
What is your favorite Ballroom clip & why?
Icon Quanna Juicy Couture 10s at Gentlemen’s Club Ball Part 2
Leiomy Mugler vs. Tamiyah 007 at Vogue Nights Nov 11, 2016
Daesja LaPerla Coming Off The Balcony at Ballroom Awards 2000
“Honestly, I live for the Fem Queens. It’s gonna be cliché but I love watching Fem Queen performances. They just ooze this very unique essence while telling their story when they vogue. One of my favorite clips is actually a Kiki ball, Gentlemen’s Club Ball, where my mother Quanna Juicy Couture’s entrance for her 10s, giving elements and dipping from the table to the floor. But my all-time favorite is Tamiyah vs Leiomy, the two it-girls battling it out with amazing sportsmanship and sisterhood. My honorable mention would be Daesja Laperla carrying from the balcony at Award ball, 2000.”
How important is it for you to represent your culture in Ballroom?
“It is somewhat important in my opinion, being from Myanmar. Being in the US where a lot of people have never heard about my country or my culture I feel like I should represent my heritage to show that there is diversity in East Asian cultures. However, ballroom being created by and for Black queer, and trans individuals I don’t want to overdo it to take away their safe space, just for me to represent my culture. I am just happy that these Black Queers and Trans individuals are kind enough to allow me to be in their safe space.”
What do you want people to know about your Ballroom journey?
“Ballroom has definitely taught me that being family is more than just being blood-related. Family could be just a support system, where there are people that went through the same experience of being Queer and Trans individuals. Ballroom has definitely provided me with a safe space with my chosen family, and I will forever be grateful for that.”
How did you join Ballroom?
I was exposed to Vogue first when I was around fifteen or sixteen years old in Vancouver but was mixed in with waacking and street jazz. I didn’t formally start my training and learning of Ballroom until I joined Leiomy’s house, Amazon. From there, with her support and guidance, I started the scene here in Vancouver. I started the Kiki scene here with our first ball in 2017. Dashaun Basquiat was our first out-of-town judge.”
What is your favorite Ballroom clip & why?
Matthew “Dynasty” Ninja (circa 2011) 5:50-6:29 – “This was the first time I saw an Asian Butch Queen voguing at a ball… the representation of seeing him was a huge catalyst for me to start getting into Ballroom.”
How important is it to represent your culture in Ballroom?
“For myself, I find ways of representing my Filipinx heritage in Ballroom to offer a beacon to other Asian folks that there is a place for us in Ballroom – if we approach it with reverence of the past and care for its future.”
What do you want people to know about your Ballroom journey & experience?
“Ballroom has given me the survival tools to live and work in a world that was not made for me, while also shaking up these structures from the inside. I have so much to owe to Ballroom, and hope to continue to be a student, leader, mentor, and advocate for our community.”
How did you join Ballroom?
“Paris is Burning” was my first introduction to Ballroom. I watched it during my senior year in college in 2017 and I’ve been fascinated with ballroom culture ever since. I was deeply amazed by it and felt something so liberating and so alluring that I wasn’t quite sure what it was back then. Over the years I started to learn more about it and met some voguers and ballroom participants in China. Ballroom was also one of the reasons I decided to come to New York to do my Masters’s because I wanted to experience it in real life, right where it started. In September 2021, I went to my first OTA and walked the first time and it all just went from there. I met Bugz, my ballroom father (my gay father), and got introduced to the House of Nina Oricci. And I met you Téo! That night was legendary. Everything just happened so naturally after that. And I still remember seeing all the Fem Queens performing down, everybody doing their thing on the floor, the vibe in the room… I was just screaming so hard. I WAS LIVING! It felt so good in my body and I felt so free. So I really feel like Ballroom draws me in, magnetically. It’s all meant to be.”
What is your favorite clip & why?
Jazelle Tisci VS. Alyssa Ebony – House of Prodigy Ball 2023 (9:10) – “So this was at the House of Prodigy Gianni Ball 2023, Mother Jazelle Tisci battles Icon Alyssa Ebony in the 12k FQ Face category. This is one of my favorite Face battles. Jazelle was just unstoppable that night. First off, she looked absolutely stunning, the glam, the hair, the gown, the fit, the accessories, everything was just on point! Can’t take my eyes off of her. But it’s the way that she SELLS IT. From the moment she stepped onto that floor, she commanded the whole space and attention. The way she maneuvered across the stage and interacted with Alyssa, was so clever and effortless. And then when she pointed and looked directly into the lights?! Oh it was OVAH! OVAAAAH! She was completely in control of that battle while looking so calm and confident. It was genius!”
How important is it for you to represent your culture in Ballroom?
“Representation is everything. To represent is to be seen, to amplify, to influence. I know that Ballroom was founded by the Black and Latinx community, but it has opened up to people and been adapted by different cultures all around the world. Asians are still a minority in the US Ballroom scene, but we’ve always existed and it’s a blessing every time I meet another Asian in Ballroom. As a Chinese/South East Asian, I’m very proud of my culture and heritage, and I want to use my voice and art to contribute the beauty of my culture to Ballroom.”
What do you want people to know about your Ballroom journey & experience?
“Ballroom has been so kind and accepting of me since I first started. I cherish all the interactions and bonds I’ve built with people in the scene. The immense support and love from my house and ballroom family is something I’m very grateful for. Ballroom has opened up so many possibilities for me and it has allowed me to explore and grow as a person. It encourages me to pursue whatever it is that makes my life worth living. I feel like I’m still learning new things about myself every day and I’m so excited about the future of ballroom and where this journey is going to take me.”
How did you join Ballroom?
“I ran away from home because of violence. I always had this spirit in me that wanted a family. I have a lot of chosen daughters in my life before even coming to Ballroom, but once I found the scene it was just a perfect match. I started my own family and eventually became a parent which is not easy. Being a parent made me forgive my own parents. Now I’m an Oricci, I have even more responsibility as a main scene parent.”
What is your favorite clip & why?
Leiomy Vs. Feminine Destruction Vs. Katrina at Vogue Nights – “In the video, Leiomy storms Katrina, who then gets stormed by Feminine Destruction. In the Asian scene I feel like we are too nice at times, so you never really see people storm each other. The concept of shade is also something that is hard to understand at times as well. I have to learn all of these from Ballroom, to become a warrior, and stand up for myself.”
How important is it for you to represent your culture in Ballroom?
“I think it’s really cool when people incorporate their own cultures into Ballroom especially other cultural dance forms into vogue, as long as you keep the elements. I wasn’t able to learn a lot about my own culture because my family was divorced when I was young, and things got messy as I grew up.”
What do you want people to know about your Ballroom journey & experience?
“My Ballroom journey? My journey will never end, and will always change. I really want to build the South East Asian Ballroom scene. Help my children to succeed. As for my experiences, it feels like another world where I can be myself without judgment, and show my talents. It’s a place where I can provide and protect. It’s hard in my country because of certain laws especially because of my tattoos which are looked down upon, so I’m thankful for Ballroom.”
