Vancouver Civic Theatres Presents: Summer on šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn
DANCE DANCE DANCE: FREE POP-UP DANCE CLASSES
From Latin dance styles to swing dance and voguing, join us for an eclectic mix of FREE dance classes – no experience required! Each event includes an hour-long free dance lesson followed by an evening of social dancing as the sun sets.
Vogue Class & Mini-Ball with Van Vogue Jam - Friday August 2, 2024 from 6:30 - 9:30pm
Learn the fundamentals of Vogueing and celebrate Ballroom culture with Van Vogue Jam at VCT's Pride Weekend dance class! Enjoy a beginner-friendly lesson on the art of Voguing with a Mini-Ball to follow.
6:30-7:15pm – In this class Ralph, aka Posh Gvasalia Basquiat, will break down the basic elements of Vogue Femme - a style of vogue that comes from the Femme Queens (Trans Women) of Ballroom. His experience in a multitude of dance training allows for an accessible and inviting learning experience, great for the novice dancer. Ralph is an active member of Ballroom since 2015 and would like to acknowledge and give appreciation to the Black, Latinx, Trans and Queer folks that founded the form and culture, and that have and continue to mentor him in his journey through the Ballroom Scene.
7:30-9:30pm – Dance Dance Dance Mini-Ball with commentator Gago 007 and DJ Simone 007. Bring it in an effect inspired by a "dance style of your choice"!
CATEGORIES ARE
Virgin (for first-time walkers) & OTA (Open to All):
Virgin Performance - $75 Browns Gift Card
Virgin Runway - $75 Browns Gift Card
OTA Performance - $100
OTA Runway - $100
OTA Face - $100
Before you decide to compete/walk please visit www.vanvoguejam.com to learn the history of Ballroom and ensure you're coming to the floor respectfully.
Explore the FAQ below and send any questions to info@vanvoguejam.com
THANK YOU TO SPONSORS:
WHAT IS A BALL?
A BALL is an event that provides opportunities for a breadth of artists from the BALLROOM community to be seen, celebrated and supported, in the competitive BALL format. Individuals are given their “10’s” in order to move on to the battle rounds where competitors are paired into battles until there is a winner at the end of each category. The judges panel is specifically selected from the BALLROOM community. Balls are always accompanied by a COMMENTATOR and DJ for the event to flow.
WHAT IS BALLROOM?
Ballroom is a queer subculture and community founded in Harlem, NYC, by Black, Latinx, Queer and Trans folks - pioneered in the late 60’s by Crystal LaBeija.
CAN I WALK A CATEGORY?
We ask all COMPETITORS to do their research/training before walking a category. The RUNWAY is a sacred and important space in BALLROOM. To walk a category without taking time to understand the history, intent, purpose, and category specific nuances is considered disrespectful.
CAN WE TIP THE PEOPLE WALKING?
This is not a drag show, so the best way to show your appreciation for the artists is to cheer them on and give them your presence and energy - if you really want to, you can talk to the artists after their category and personally to tip them. Any tips to Van Vogue Jam can be made through our website www.vanvoguejam.com/donate
ABOUT VAN VOGUE JAM
Van Vogue Jam is a Vancouver based non-profit organization helping to support, build, and nurture the Vogue/Ballroom scene within Vancouver, BC, Canada. By facilitating pay-what-you-can and open-to-all-levels Ballroom education and Vogue classes, VVJ seeks to help contribute towards building a culture of Ballroom with the accessibility and safety of the LGBTQIA2S+ BIPOC community at its core.
In addition to offering weekly classes, VVJ organizes and produces functions such as social events, mini balls, and since 2021, their annual POSH BALL in the summer with Community Partner Vancouver Pride Society. These balls draw on both international talent and local talent to judge, participate and help nurture the scene.
Learn more at www.vanvoguejam.com
ABOUT VCT PRESENTS: SUMMER ON šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn
Vancouver Civic Theatres is excited to present Summer on šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn, a series of FREE outdoor events taking place in July and August 2024 at 650 Hamilton Street!
PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
Dance Dance Dance FREE Pop-Up Dance Classes - Fridays July 19-August 16 at 6:30pm
Summer Sounds FREE Open-Air Concerts - Thursdays July 25-August 29 at 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Sunset Cinema FREE Outdoor Movie Screenings - Wednesdays August 7-28 at dusk
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