Voguing is an art, a sport, and for many a way of life. While it is most noted for its prominence in the New York Ballroom scene of the 1980s, its origins can be traced as far back to Harlem's drag ballroom competitions of the 1920s. Madonna may have put the spotlight on the dance form, but it was the 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning that brought voguing into the mainstream.

The film revealed its close history with LGBTQ+ people of colour, while also showing how voguing had become a representation of the sociopolitical struggles that they faced back then and continue to do so today.

As part of the ballroom scene, houses formed. These acted as surrogate families for those often rejected by their own. Within these, their members found a sense of empowerment, acceptance, and belonging. The houses would compete against each other in balls, vogueing their way through various categories in the hope of bringing glory to their "family" in the form of a trophy.

There's no denying the balls can be heavily competitive. Aside from the dance moves, fashion, shade, and music, they provide LGBTQ+ people with a safe place not only to express but also celebrate their identities.

On Saturday, the 19th of October, the Haus of Alexander has joined forces with Harry K to make history by unleashing Queensland's first-ever Vogue Ball upon Brisbane.

The Alexander Ball | Category of Ages is set to be an event like no other celebrating the ballroom culture of past, present, and future. Featuring performance showcases by different houses, attendees will have the chance to collect their 10's and snatch a trophy of their own. Eight categories, eight trophies, and one grand price, will you dare the runway?

With the ball just over a week away, GoHakka caught up with the Mother of the Haus, Ella Ganza Alexander.

How does it feel to have Queensland's first ever vogue ball coming to Brisbane?

It's been a long time coming to be honest, but I am so glad it is finally on its way. Expect to be blown away, this will be an event like you've NEVER been to but all for the right reasons.

My hope is that the night engages interest from all queer and heterosexual-communities so that we may celebrate diversity together.

What does Ballroom Culture mean to you?

Ballroom culture is all about family to me. It's about creating space so that we are free to create and to live our ultimate fantasies.

When did you get involved with vogueing and the ballroom scene?

I actually first started with vogueing back in 2010 using the style in our hip-hop competitions. I've also been a part of the Sydney ballroom scene, mainly with judging.

How does the vogue scene in Brisbane compare to other cities?

Every city will always have its own flavour, but I believe Brisbane is different in a way that we have so much diversity in our queer community, it's just bringing us all together.

Why do you think voguing has been thrust into the spotlight recently?

Well, it brings an element of something new to our scene, and it gives queer people of colour the right to be celebrated in a way we normally aren't.

It also feels amazing that we are now able to activate spaces like Family Night Club for an event such as a vogue ball. It's also important to remember and acknowledge the enduring history that ballroom culture has with queer people of colour and the path that has led us here.

The Categories

Which categories will you be walking?

The Alexander Ball | Category of Ages

Saturday, 19th of October

Family Night Club.

Tickets