Curator Bhenji Ra announced just the first instalment of international and homegrown talent, judges and musical acts to an event which has already sold out its first-release tickets.
Clubgoers will experience live sets from globally renowned ballroom DJ, New Jersey’s MikeQ, Australian electronic story-telling duo Electric Fields, devoted New York-based rapper Quay Dash, and South African artist Angel-Ho (pic below).
Angel Ho
One of the leading figures of the East Coast’s long-running ballroom/vogue-house scene, MikeQ promises to bring hyper-kinetic energy to the night as he redefines classic ballroom beats, glazing each track with his adrenaline-fueled, signature twist.
Award-winning two-piece, Electric Fields will be bringing moments of astounding beauty and power to the stage, as the duo strike a haunting musical balance of traditional culture with electronic music. Starring the exquisite voice of Zaachariaha Fielding, who often sings in his traditional languages of the Anangu people, Electric Fields traverses soulful pop, soaring electronic works and intimate story-telling.
Also playing Sissy Ball on the night is South African artist and DJ, Angel-Ho. Angelo Valerio’s musical output is closely informed by their co-founding of seminal cross-continental label and network, NON WORLDWIDE, and close collaboration with artists such as Arca and Chino Amobi. New York-based rapper, Quay Dash will open the evening’s musical agenda, having travelled from the Bronx for Sissy Ball.
Mike Q
Judging the exhilarating vogue battle of the houses is internationally acclaimed New York-based vogue choreographer, Leiomy. Responsible for choreographing the likes of FKA Twigs and Willow Smith’s 'Whip My Hair', Leiomy is one of the New York ballroom scene’s pinnacle figures, highly regarded for her contributions to the community.
Sissy Ball entrants will vy for Leiomy’s attention and the accolade of winning house. Joining Leiomy, is Sissy Ball commentator Dashaun - one of New York’s most respected MCs in the vogue scene, having been involved since high school.
As a back-up dancer for Rihanna on her recent ANTI world tour, Dashaun adds Sissy Ball to his list of accolades, that also includes a stint on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew as a behind-the-scenes host and guide to competitors.
The five vogue categories of Sissy Ball are
Hand Performance: a story told through hand articulation
Runway: storming the runway in your national / cultural costume
Face: bring your best glam face, and evening wear to complement
Sex Siren: celebrating body confidence and selling sexy - the dancer decides what’s sexy to them; and
Vogue Fem: fusing the most heated dance elements of battle
Voguers can participate in whichever category they wish, showcasing their individuality, agility and style in attempts for first place. Set to shine a supporting light on Asia-Pacific’s LGBQTI+ community, Bhenji Ra, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Red Bull Music collaborate to bring Sissy Ball to life in February, for an evening of celebration between some of Australia and New Zealand's brightest artist and individuals.
Mardi Gras Sissy Ball Saturday 24th February
Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
Competing Houses
Slé (AU)
Fafswag (NZ)
Coven (NZ)
House Of Envy (NZ)
Sissy Ball Head Judge
Leiomy (USA)
Sissy Ball MC
Dashuan (USA)
Musical Line-up
Mikeq (USA)
Electric Fields (AU)
Angel-Ho (South Africa)
Quay Dash (USA)
