All About Ailey Ball

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!

General Guidelines: 

To enter, each participant must:

• Obtain a free ticket for the Ball via the Museum website
• Register for their chosen category before the start of the Ball.
• Sign a Waiver. * Note: If you are younger than 18 years old, the Waiver must be signed by a parent/guardian.   
• Participants are responsible for all expenses incurred to enter the Ball.
• Participants may enter as many Categories as they wish, but please note that only one trophy will be awarded per person.
• Categories are open to all gender identities unless otherwise specified. 
• Judging will be based on creativity, adherence to and interpretation of the theme, execution, and overall performance or presentation. Costumes and adherence to the dress code will also play a role in determining the winners. 
• The judges' decisions are final, and any disruptive behavior may result in disqualification. 
  
  Whitney Visitor Policies and Safety:
  
  
• Participants must read and adhere to Whitney Visitor Policies.
• No adult-related content is allowed on stage. Keep all performances respectful and appropriate for general audiences.

Judges: A panel of at least 5 expert judges will determine the winners.

Entry Categories & Rules: The entry category determines who can enter the competition, how you will compete, and the judging criteria. There are seven ways to compete. Please review the rules below for your desired entry type.

Category #1: Performance (Open to All) 

Theme: Command the spotlight in a white or black top and black pants.

Rules: 

• Your performance must highlight your ability to captivate the audience and judges. 
• Each subcategory will be judged on the specific style and attitude it requires (e.g., fluidity and femininity for Vogue Femme, blending realness and performance for Realness with a Twist). 
• Ensure your look is sleek, bold, and empowering within the prescribed dress code.

Trophies: A trophy will be given to the winner of each below five sub-categories:

• Beginner - for you who have never walked the category before!
• Vogue Femme 
• Realness with a Twist  
• Female Figure 
• Legend  

Category #2: Face (Open to All) 

Theme: Turn up the heat to the music of Alvin Ailey’s Revelations in a yellow look. 

Rules: 

• Face is all about structure, beauty, and the confidence to bring it to the runway. 
• Participants should embody grace and elegance while showcasing their facial features. 
• The yellow look should evoke the spirit of Revelations, blending refinement and boldness.
  

Trophies: A trophy will be given to the winner of each below three sub-categories:

• Male Figure 
• Female Figure
• Gender-Non-Conforming  

Category #3: Runway (Open to All) 

Theme: Pay homage to dancers of the past in a funeral look. 

Rules: 

• This category is about poise, presence, and runway prowess. 
• The funeral theme should be interpreted with sophistication, highlighting dramatic, somber aesthetics that honor past dancers. 
• Your walk should command attention, embodying both reverence and high fashion.
  

Trophies: A trophy will be given to the winner of each below three sub-categories:

• Male Figure
• Female Figure
• Gender-Non-Conforming

Category #4: Professional Dancer vs. Professional Dancer 

Theme: Serve to house music in ballet slippers. 

Rules: 

• Only professional dancers are eligible to compete in this category. 
• Competitors must incorporate the rhythm and style of house music while wearing ballet slippers, blending classical technique with street style. 
• Precision, control, and musicality will be key factors in judging.
  

Trophy: One winner will receive a trophy in this Category.

Category #5: Performance as a House 

Theme: Draw inspiration from one of Alvin Ailey’s iconic dance pieces (Revelations, Blues Suite, Masekela Language, Cry, Mary Lou’s Mass, etc.) in a cohesive look. 

Rules: 

• Houses can have up to five members. 
• The performance should be a unified display, capturing the spirit of the chosen Ailey piece in costume and movement. 
• The look must be cohesive, with every member embodying the essence of the selected dance. 
• Judges will assess synchronization, creativity, and overall impact.
  

Trophies: Five winners will receive a trophy in this Category.

Category #6: Best Dressed 

Theme: Show out in a monochrome flowing look.

Rules: 

• This category is about elegance, style, and a perfectly curated monochrome outfit. 
• The flowing aspect of your outfit should add a sense of movement and grace. 
• Judges will look for flawless execution, bold color choices, and a high-fashion aesthetic.
  

Trophy: One winner will receive a trophy in this Category. 

Category #7: Dip for Dip 

Theme: Bring it like you’re auditioning for Alvin Ailey.

Rules: 

• The category focuses on the execution of dips, flips, and stunts with technical precision and flair. 
• Your dips should combine grace with power, showing that you have what it takes to audition for Alvin Ailey. 
• Impress the judges with your flexibility, control, and dynamic movement.
  

Trophy: One winner will receive a trophy in this Category