VENUE:
THE COBALT CABARET - 917 MAIN STREET
6PM DOORS > 7PM LSS > 10PM
TICKETS:
$5 TO WALK - $10 ENTRY + PAY IT FORWARD OPTIONS AVAIL
$15 - AT THE DOOR
ONLINE TICKET SALES END 2 HOURS BEFORE EVENT*
*if you have financial barriers stopping you from purchasing a ticket please email info@vanvoguejam.com and we will do our best to accomodate.
**If you are a MINOR and want to attend, YOU MUST BE WITH A GUARDIAN and confirm visa info@vanvoguejam.com
GRAPHICS: PRINCESS RICKY ANDROMEDA
DJ: BENNY 007
HOST: FATHER GAGO GVASALIA
COMMENTATOR: BUTTONS ANDROMEDA
JUDGES: TBA
EFFECT: JUST BRING IT
*JUST BRING IT means to wear what ever you want for your category, no specific effect has been chosen for this ball.
CATEGORIES:
NEW FACE
BEGINNER RUNWAY
BEGINNER PERFORMANCE
OTA FACE
BQ RUNWAY UP IN PUMPS
THIS CATEGORY IS BQ (Male Figure identifying) ONLY, BRING IT IN A PUMP! A pump is distinguished by its low-cut front, closed sides and medium sized heel. ****Recognizing that economic constraints should not hinder the dreams and aspirations of aspiring walkers, the category has undergone a transformative overhaul. BQ's please come in a heeled shoe that you already own or ask a friend. Do not buy new shoes for this category. *Revised 07/07/2023
OTA PERFORMANCE
OTA SEX SIREN
*OTA - Open To all, no specific Gender Breakdowns , MF - Male Figure or Male Identifying, FF - Female Figure or Female Identifying, BEGINNER/NEW - never won a Beginner/New category.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Van Vogue Jam Arts Society would like to recognize we are coming together on the unceded territories of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-waututh) Nations. We support the rights of Indigenous Peoples as stewards, protectors, and title holders of their lands and waters. We call on all people to change the policies, laws, and institutions in our country so all Indigenous Peoples can have full enjoyment of the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
CULTURAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We also make a cultural acknowledgment to the Black, Lantix, Trans and Queer folks who have founded Ballroom Culture - which we have a privilege of being guests to today. As an organization that is founded by non Black and Latinx people we acknowledge our ongoing need to question and reflect on how we navigate practicing Ballroom Culture locally, and continue our need to learn from the greater Ballroom community at large.
Creative safe space has always been at the heart of ballroom culture and we hope that this event can be a safe space for everyone to enjoy.
Oppressive attitudes and behaviours including but not limited to racism, transphobia, misogyny, fatphobia, ableism, and general bigotry are NOT welcome here. Consent is sexy - AND MANDATORY.
VVJ FAQ's
WHAT IS A BALL?
A BALL is an event that provides opportunities for a breadth of artists from the BALLROOM community to be seen, celebrated and supported, in the competitive BALL format. Individuals are given their “10’s” in order to move on to the battle rounds where competitors are paired into battles until there is a winner at the end of each category. The judges panel is specifically selected from the BALLROOM community. Balls are always accompanied by a COMMENTATOR and DJ for the event to flow.
WHAT IS BALLROOM?
Ballroom is a queer subculture and community founded in Harlem, NYC, by Black, Latinx, Queer and Trans folks - pioneered in the late 60’s by Crystal LaBeija.
WHERE DO I GO IF I'M WALKING A CATEGORY?
If you are walking the ball FEB 26, 2023 - we have designated changing areas located at the Vancouver Art Gallery (Annex room) for competitors. Please connect with a Vancouver Pride or VMF Winter Arts Staff for directions to COMPETITOR HOLDING.
CAN I WALK A CATEGORY?
We ask all COMPETITORS to do their research/training before walking a category. The RUNWAY is a sacred and important space in BALLROOM. To walk a category without taking time to understand the history, intent, purpose, and category specific nuances is considered disrespectful.
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT VAN VOGUE JAM?
You can learn more about us at www.vanvoguejam.com
WHERE CAN I DONATE MONEY?
You can also donate money to us via our website www.vanvoguejam.com/donate
CAN WE TIP THE PEOPLE WALKING?
This is NOT a drag show, the best way to show your appreciation for the artists is to cheer them on and give them your presence and energy - if you really want to, you can talk to the artists after their category and personally to tip them. Any tips to Van Vogue Jam can be made through our website www.vanvoguejam.com/donate