Wellington Ballroom put queer liberation and joy at the forefront of their Matariki celebrations by holding the first locally led vogue ball.
The first Wellington-led vogue ball event was held over the weekend at the Public Trust Hall.
Ballroom was founded in the 1960's by Black and Latinx transgender women in the United States. It served as a place for them to live as authentically as they wanted to, walking categories that showed them in their best light.
From runway to voguing, the ballroom scene has made it to almost every corner of the world - touching down in Wellington this Matariki weekend.
The Fictional Ball, hosted by Romé and Karamera 007, was described by Wellington Ballroom as a night full of "brown, queer excellence".
Although this is the first locally led vogue ball in the city, it is not the first ball to be held in Wellington.
In October of 2020, the House of Aitu, from Auckland, held their annual AITU Ball at the Wellington City Gallery.
"Since then, that ignited a fire in us to start our own," Karamera 007 said.
The two became pioneers of the Wellington ballroom scene after bringing it to life a mere week or two after the AITU Ball. They started holding free fortnightly community workshops outside the Wellington City Gallery, and now hold them throughout the year at various studios around the city.
LAKILUA 007 walking Virgin Vogue at The Fictional Ball in Wellington. Photo: Supplied / Renati Waaka
The night saw walkers partake in six Open to All (OTA) categories; virgin vogue, face, runway, sex siren, bizarre, and performance. Each category called for a different effect or look themed around fictional universes, from Monsters Incoporated to Cartoon Network.
Each walker had to get their 10's from the prestigious panel of judges - who came from across the Aotearoa ballroom scene - in order to advance to the battles. Once everyone got their 10's, walkers competed in one-on-one battles until one reigned victorious, gaining a grand prize trophy and a cash prize.
For each category, there were specific elements needed for the walker to get their 10's.
Winner of OTA Face, Sally IMAN, said it was liberating to walk face by herself for the first time.
"It was definitely liberating being on stage and just being around the community. I love it."
Romé and Karamera both agreed the ball was an overdue event in Wellington. Originally intended to be a small, exclusive event, the pair recognised that the community wanted more.
Tickets for the ball sold out after they were released to the public one week prior to the event.
"It got to a point where so many people were wanting more, so, here it is," Rome said́.