Life's A Ball

Life's A Ball is a project to help nurture interactions with different communities within and around the Ballroom Scene. The Ball Scene is derived from New York's Drag Balls as early as the 1920's. At these events the LGBT community came out frequently to compete against each other in "performances", a style of dance that defined the Ball. Performing for a reaction has now turned into competitions for money.

The performances eventually gave way to a more intricate and illusionary style of dance called “vogueing”. Vogue is characterized by model-like poses, inspired by Vogue Magazine, integrated with angular, linear and rigid arm, leg and body movements that often symbolize ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. Willie Ninja, a Ballroom Icon, who's passing devastated all is accredited for pioneering a cleaner and more refined form of vogueing to the Ball. No touching was allowed during vogue challenges, even though dancers would often become intertwined in each others limbs and body movements. The competitor with the best dance moves and a majority of votes from the judges is declared the winner of the battle.

"Life's a Ball" is a project to bring different artistic communities together with the Ball Scene. This would be a collaboration with the Legendary Solomon Infiniti (National House Mother) in cooperation with the House of Infiniti, the photographer Todd Diederich, who has been documenting the Ball Scene for the past 11 months, Melissa Marinaro, curator, and Sara Fagala, fashion desigher. The goal is to provide funding to sponsor various Balls throughout the city benefiting the various Houses while promoting community interactions and health outreach initiatives. A fashion line will be made by Fagala, inspired and worn by members of the Ball Scene, and then photographed by Diederich.

We have two goals. To make art and to see different groups of young adults collaborating and networking through activity generated by this grant. We can create a bond between different artistic communities. It's beneficial for all parties involved. Visual art, Fashion, and Photography all can lend a helping hand in this collaboration. It would be ideal if in forming these relationships we can grow as a community in the years to come. One creative idea can save your life and in return one creative idea can change the world.

More images can be found on Todd Diederich's website: www.BeOddDieRich.com

August 2011 article in Chicago Reader on Chicago's Ballroom Scene featuring Diederich's photographs

EVENTS:

8th Annual Entertainment Tonight Ball: Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 10pm : view the flyer