Belle of the Ball: My first adventure in the glamorous world of ball culture

The definitive introduction into the ball culture

OK, it's time for true confessions: Last Saturday night was my first time ever having gone to a ball.  I know, I know ... but better late than never, right? 

I was introduced to the world of ball culture by that classic 1986 gem Paris is Burning when I watched it in a sociology class back at my alma matter, Syracuse University.  I know that we gays sometimes pride ourselves on being on the outside of the mainstream, but the world of those who are even further outside isn't one that is generally explored very often, and the movie provides an absolutely fascinating look at the gay black and latino subculture of 1980's New York. 

ANTM's Miss Jay and a contestant at the Latex Ball in 2007

The balls still exist to this day, and continue to function for their participants as a space of their own within a community that can be more than a little obsessed with class and status, where for one night every so often they can exist as the celebrities and fashion icons that they aspire to be.  The kids compete for cash and/or trophies in what seem like endless categories, ranging from Best Dressed Spectator to Executive Realness to a host of others.  Again, Paris is Burning does a great job at fleshing all of this out. If you haven't seen it, rent it now or turn in your gay card immediately.

Ball Judge Jack Mizrahi and Los Angeles-based HIV-prevention counselor Milton Smith

This particular ball was touted as "The Greatest Ball on Earth" and held in a community center in West Harlem.  I'd had some interest in attending a ball for a very long time, and when my friend Milton Smith invited me to attend with him as a part of his HIV-prevention work for the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles House and Ball Study, I jumped at the chance. 

Honestly, I was kind of blown away by the whole thing.  First of all, the atmosphere is at once very relaxed and very intense.  The contestants flurry around you in a daze of costume changes, hairspray, and makeup, and at one point I imagined that this is what it would be like to be behind the scenes at a runway show.  The host was a stout, funny, fierce little man who, with a roll of his eyes or a twist of his neck, wasn't afraid to put the audience, contestants, or judges in check if any of us got out of line.  It was funny, entertaining, and in the case of a certain skin-tight rainbow-colored jumpsuit, a little scary ... but everyone seemed to be having a great time, and it struck me that having a great time was what this was all about.

Best Dressed Spectator Winner

I know the the words "gay" and "wholesome" aren't often used together, but in a strange way wholesome is exactly what it was.  Of course, there were tight outfits, rainbow flags, and plenty of guys serving sex appeal, but there was also something very positive and welcoming going on.  The people participating in the ball bring something fresh and exciting into our culture, and the innate sense of personal style that it takes to put together some of these outfits isn't something that can be purchased at Abercrombie and Fitch. 

The highlight of the night for me (besides spotting budding fashion icon and recent Heidi Chronicles guest Andre J across the room) was seeing an absolutely incredible performance by a young guy vougeing his way across the room, complete with the body control, dips, spins, and contortions that only a seriously talented dancer can serve up.  Although any gay boy worth his salt knows that Madonna introduced the world to Vogueing, very few know it's origins lie right here in the ball culture that continues to thrive in New York and other major cities.  Origins notwithstanding, I can definitely say that my little foray into the ball scene definitely left me wanting more. 

Who knows, maybe there's a trophy out there for me someday...