The trailblazing Kiki House of Marama will be hosting the Grand Kiki House of Marama Ball at Te Papa on Saturday 4 October. The House goes into detail about the history of the Ballroom scene internationally and in Aotearoa New Zealand, who the Kiki House of Marama are, and what to expect at a Ballroom event.
The Grand Kiki House of Marama Ball will commemorate five years of Marama excellence and the legacy of the growing Wellington Ballroom scene. With a fabulous lineup of judges, commentators, and DJs, including major local and international Ballroom figures, expect a mesmerising display of Black and Brown queer and trans joy, liberation, artistry and self-expression.
What is Ballroom?
Ballroom is a queer subculture. The Ballroom scene known today was created by Black and Latinx trans women in the late 1960s in Harlem, New York. Initially started as an act of resistance against racism experienced in the local drag pageantry scene, the community grew quickly with pioneering Black and Latin Trans women establishing houses which were spaces of shelter, resistance and love for queer children, and considered one’s chosen family.
Since then, ballroom has taken over the world with scenes in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and Oceania.
The Aotearoa Ballroom scene was ignited by Māori and MVPFAFF+ youth in Tāmaki Makaurau over 10 years ago, and has since inspired other leaders across the motu to forge their own Ballroom communities in their respective cities.
Who is the Kiki House of Marama?
The Kiki House of Marama is the first Ballroom House in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Established after the city’s first Ballroom event hosted by Tāmaki Makaurau-based House of Aitu, the early days of the House were spent pumping beats through a portable speaker and kikiing at the Civic Square.
Since then, they have grown into a whānau consisting of 16 Māori, Pasifika, Black, Asian, queer, and trans individuals who collectively have competed and won Grand Prizes in Aotearoa, Australia, Asia and Europe.
They are trailblazers of the Ballroom scene in Te Whanganui-a-Tara and have brought Ballroom culture to various festivals, including Fringe Festival, Kia Mau Festival, CubaDupa, 121 Festival and Nest Fest (Napier) hosting numerous events such as the Fictional Ball, the Bluest Ball, the CubaDupa Ball, Vogue Nights, community workshops and fundraisers.
The ‘Grand Kiki House of Marama Ball’ will be the House’s first Grand ball.
What is a Ball?
A ‘ball’ is a competitive event where participants ‘walk’ (perform) in front of a judging panel who will approve their performance by giving them ‘10s across the board’. If the walker doesn’t meet the judges’ standards, they are given a ‘chop’ indicating the walker did not meet the measure – either in performance, ‘effect’ (outfit) or rule. Those who receive their 10s will battle until one is left to claim the grand prize.
Walkers can be affiliated to a House or compete as a ‘007’.
The Ballroom Aotearoa YouTube page offers great footage of previous balls held in Aotearoa.