All About Ailey Ball Fri, Oct 25, 2024, 4:30–8:30 pm

All About Ailey Ball

Fri, Oct 25, 2024
4:30–8:30 pm

Silhouetted performers with fans dance around a DJ in front of large windows overlooking a cityscape and river.
Silhouetted performers with fans dance around a DJ in front of large windows overlooking a cityscape and river.

Queer Teen Night, June 2024. Photograph by Filip Wolak.

Tickets

This event is free for teens. Registration is required.

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The Susan and John Hess Family Theater is equipped with an induction loop and infrared assistive listening system. Accessible seating is available.

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Floor 3, Theater

Open to teens

Celebrate Alvin Ailey’s enduring influence and legacy inspired by the exhibition Edges of Ailey. Step into the spotlight at the All About Ailey Ball and showcase your voguing skills. This unforgettable evening, in collaboration with Haus of Us, pays tribute to Mr. Ailey’s profound impact on the world of dance and honors the intersection of Black and queer liberation movements through ballroom culture.

Youth ages 14–24 will compete for cash prizes in categories inspired by Ailey’s iconic works and the powerful “blood memories” that permeate his performances. Whether you are new or experienced, you are welcome to walk a category. Our distinguished panel of judges comes from the heart of the ballroom community, so bring your fiercest energy and leave it all on the floor!

Categories:

  1. Performance (open to all)—command the spotlight in a white or black top and black pants. Five trophies.

  2. Face (open to all)—turn up the heat to Ailey’s Revelations in a yellow look. Three trophies.

  3. Runway (open to all)—pay homage to dancers past in a funereal look. Three trophies.

  4. Professional dancer vs. professional dancer—serve to house music in ballet slippers. One trophy.

  5. Performance as a house—draw inspiration from one of Ailey’s iconic dance pieces (Revelations, Blues Suite, Masekela Language, Cry, Mary Lou’s Mass, etc.) in a cohesive look. Up to five members. Five trophies.

  6. Best dressed—show out in a monochrome flowing look. One trophy.

  7. Dip for dip—bring it like you’re auditioning for Alvin Ailey. One trophy.