Van Vogue Jam proudly announces the return of the iconic Posh Ball on July 27, 2024 from 5pm – midnight, at the Sheraton Wall Center, Vancouver. Presented by Posh Basquiat with support from Van Vogue Jam and Vancouver Pride Society, this year’s event promises to be Vancouver’s first mainstream function, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening of ballroom culture and creativity.
AN EVENING OF ELEGANCE AND EXTRAVAGANZA
Prepare to be dazzled as DJ MikeQ sets the rhythm and Iconic Overall Father Dashaun Basquiat commands the mic. Special guest Iconic Overall Mother Miss Shalae Basquiat will deliver a performance that promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
CELEBRATING BALLROOM CULTURE
“The foundation of the queer culture we know today is rooted in Ballroom history,” explains Ralph Escamillan, Executive Director of Van Vogue Jam. “The Posh Ball transcends stereotypes by showcasing queerness in diverse forms—it’s not just about love, sex, and magic. It’s a space where you can express yourself freely, whether as a creative force or with a powerful presence. For younger members of the 2SLGBTQAI+ community, it offers pathways to celebrate their identities without fear of hate, judgment, or hostility.”
Rooted in the Trans, Queer, Black, and Latinx communities, Ballroom culture began in the 1960s as a defiant response to exclusion. The Ballroom we know today was pioneered by the first Black and Brown Drag pageants led by Crystal LaBeija. It continues to provide a sanctuary where individuals can shed societal norms and celebrate their identities freely.
Vogue – A dance form found in Ballroom, more commonly known as Performance (Vogue Femme), Old Way, and New Way. This form is identified by clean lines and shapes, as well as the more well-known “dip” shape found in the physical repertoire.
Ball – A competitive structure found in Ballroom, where community members compete/walk for cash and admiration by an esteemed panel consisting of established members of the culture.
Walker – Also known as a “Competitor” in Ballroom. Unlike in pageants, this walker can decide what they want to walk and is encouraged to specialize and conquer a said category before moving on.
DJ – Also known as a Disk Jockey, is someone who plays and mixes music on the fly using records or other forms of recorded sound.
Commentator – The VOICE of the Ball and Master of Ceremonies, hyping the crowd, and engaging with competitors and judges.
THE ESSENCE OF THE POSH BALL
At its core, the Posh Ball is more than a competition; it’s a platform for QTBIPOC individuals to showcase their talents and build community. Participants compete across categories, from OTA Runway to OTA Bizarre, embodying the spirit of extravagance and creativity that defines Ballroom culture. This event honors the legacy of its founders by spotlighting performers, emcees, and DJs who are integral to its vibrant tapestry.
CATEGORIES AND HIGHLIGHTS
The Posh Ball 2024 features a stellar lineup of categories sponsored by industry leaders, including:
- Commentator VS Commentator sponsored by Neworld Theatre Society
ORDER UP – give us a chant that will make us say “YES CHEF” for your 10’s. Must wear all white head to toe. - OTA Body sponsored by Althea Branton
We want to see the most perfectly prepared BODY, nothing underdone or overcooked… well basted and glistening with all the right garnishes in the right places. Bring that juicy body with a garnish of your choice and make us savor every moment and make us want to take you home for later.
- Hands Performance sponsored by Urban Ink Productions
You’re working in front of the house tonight and checking every table, shelf, chair for dust—bring your hands performance in a white glove and tell us a story.
- Beginner Runway sponsored by Marc Castillo from Castillo HR Consulting
You took an extra busing shift to show off to the manager you got what it takes – bring it in an apron and show that you can walk the talk.
- Beginner Performance sponsored by Marc Castillo from Castillo HR Consulting
Bring it in a fast food chain inspired restaurant uniform and don’t forget to add all those 5 elements in the order!
- New Face sponsored by Marc Castillo from Castillo HR Consulting
Serve your face on a silver platter! Only the most beautiful dishes are reserved for silver – bring your most delectable face in a silver effect.
- Performance sponsored by TFD Presents
Vegetables and Fruit always bring a great POP of color to any dish, give your best performance in your vegetable- inspired colors.
- Pop, Dip and Spin sponsored by Neworld Theatre Society
La cuenta por favor! The bill is up, how are you gonna pay? Bring it in an effect inspired by either Cash or Card – and must include fake money or fake credit cards.
- OTA Best Dressed sponsored by Cappelleria Bertacchi Italian Hatcrafter
YOU’RE A FOODIE OF THE WORLD with STYLE TO BOOT. Bring it in your most amazing cultural garment from where YOU ARE FROM.
- OTA Face
Bring it as the Maître d’ and show us what’s on the FACE menu for the evening. All walkers must bring a PRINTED MENU with their face qualification on it and be given to each judge. Effect must give Maître d’ aka manager of the establishment – think suit tailoring.
- OTA Runway
You’re on the line on a busy night with multiple covers back to back, don’t get CHOPPED and show us why you deserved those 3 Michelin stars. Bring it in a fashionable chef inspired effect for the likes of the iconic culinary TV show IRON CHEF.
- OTA Realness
You made reservations to go to your favorite restaurant but they double booked you! Dress up looking for options B for the night out whether that’s steakhouse, a cocktail bar, or popeyes!
- OTA Sex Siren
Let them eat CAKE! Saving the best for last, bring it in a delectable confection to satisfy the panel’s sweet tooth!
- Bizarre
BLACK BOX is known in the culinary world as a way to push a chef’s creative juices by having created a dish with a surprise ingredient a la Iron Chef! Bizarre effect has to reveal the mystery ingredient.
