The Royalty Ball was a joyous extravaganza of costume, choreographed dance and the best of the North West’s vogue scene, brought to life on a large runway at the main stage of the Eurovision Village and set against the striking backdrop of the iconic Pier Head. Hosted by Liverpool’s House of Suarez, renowned for their annual, gag-tastic spectaculars, the event welcomed an estimated audience of 5,000+ to celebrate the run-up to Eurovision 2023 only one week later.

Vogue or voguing is a highly stylised, modern form of house dance originating in the late 1980s that itself evolved out of the Harlem ballroom scene of the 1960s. The black and Latino trans community played a huge part of its foundations and are the pillars of the culture. As a form it gained mainstream exposure when featured in Madonna’s iconic song and music video, “Vogue”, and when showcased in the now-classic documentary about the ball culture of New York city, Paris is Burning (1990), directed by Jennie Livingston.

The event was hosted by the legendary Rikki Beadle Blair, who guided the audience through the history of vogue, delighting us with a giddy array of costume changes and mind-blowing energy on the runway.  As night fell, the world-famous backdrop of The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building, and The Port of Liverpool Building, collectively known as the Three Graces, became a striking, illuminated surround-scenography.

The theme had been chosen to explore the nature of the crown and the intersection of many nations, as well as an affectionate nod to the role of Kings, Queens and chosen sequinned royalty in the context of LGBTQI+ communities. The event opened with a dance-theatre piece called “The Crown” set to composer Hans Zimmer’s renowned theme tune to the hit BBC series. Blending vogue, costume design and storytelling, this glorious introduction from the dancers of the House of Suarez paved the way for the rest of the show.

Categories on the night included Regal Fantasy, Heir to the Throne, Imperial Realness, Lip Sync Majestic and Choreo-Nation, while a panel of specially invited judges convened to crown the winners, including Best Overall House, or whether to call for a ‘battle’ - a thrilling dance-off in which only one could emerge victorious!

Although falling upon the same day as the coronation of King Charles, the event was intentionally shaped as an antidote to conservatism, Empire and idolatry, offering an egalitarian, communal celebration - one that uplifts, rather than suppresses.

https://www.houseofsuarez.co.uk