Performance

Vogue Rites present The Mighty Crown Ball

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Book tickets

Sat 24 Aug 2024

15.00 - 22.30

£20 (concessions available)

Recommended age 16+

Edmond J. Safra

Fountain Court

Part of Summer in the Courtyard

Marking a triumphant third year at Somerset House, London’s grassroots Ballroom collective Vogue Rites present an unmissable open-air Vogue Ball in our courtyard.

On carnival weekend, the spotlight shines on the Voguing community and its remarkable talents as performers and house members walk the runway and compete for trophies in an outdoor extravaganza of dance, fashion and music, featuring a host of international Ballroom talent.

Step into a world where skill and prowess take centre stage, where power dynamics are reshaped, and discover who will rule and reign supreme over the captivating realm of ballroom.

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This event is a celebration of global Vogue culture, so we ask that if you are not part of the Ballroom community, you use the opportunity to learn about the scene’s history and cultural significance.

Please also note that some categories may have an adult theme and therefore are not suitable for younger audiences. Please be respectful of the performers and staff at all times. There may be instances where Somerset House staff ask you not to take pictures and we request that this is respected.

TICKET INFORMATION

Community tickets are intended for those who are part of the Ballroom community (but not walking this ball) – specifically Queer, Trans, Black Indigenous People of colour (QTBIPOC). Please note that Community tickets are now sold out.

Concessions are also available for NHS employees, Disabled people (companion tickets available), Students in higher education, Seniors (65+ on benefits), Unwaged (people on benefits).

Visitors with disabilities may bring a companion free of charge. Disabled companion tickets should only be booked alongside a paid ticket.

Please do choose a full price ticket option if you can afford to do so. We operate on a trust basis, and standard tickets contribute to keeping prices low for those who otherwise wouldn't be able to attend.

ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION

The courtyard is accessible for wheelchair users and disabled ticket holders. Please note that the courtyard has an uneven, cobbled surface. Apart from the accessible platform which needs to be pre-booked there is no seating available. You are not permitted to bring temporary seating.

Any wheelchair user or disabled visitor wishing to use the Access Platform must book their ticket by calling 0333 320 2836 (subject to availability). Lines are open between 09.00 - 18.00 - Mon-Fri, 10.00 - 18.00 - Sat, Sun and Bank Holidays. This ticket guarantees a place on the platform for the duration of the performance for you and a companion.

About Ball Culture

Originating from Harlem's Drag Balls (that date back over 150 years) and founded by Black and Latinx members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Ballroom is an intentional space that celebrates and prioritises that community, with a particular focus on centring and uplifting QTBPOC.

Pioneered by Crystal Labeija, ball culture has spread across the globe, largely thanks to one of its many competitive categories - Voguing. This is an improvisational art form/dance with rhythmic movement inspired by models' poses in fashion magazines. Voguing has since become a powerful representation of the socio-political struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community and QTBPOC in particular.

"Balls" are competitions/events where individuals and houses come together to compete in categories across fashion, beauty, realness and performance for prizes.

"Houses" are family units that are formed as support networks, with parents of each House guiding & caring for their children and as teams to compete together at Balls.

Ballroom Terms

While you're at the event, there might be some terms you're unfamiliar with. Below, we've unpacked some of these.

OTA: open to all
FQ (fem queen): trans woman
BQ (butch queen): gay man
FF (female figure): trans woman, drags, cis woman
MF (male figure): transman, butch queen, butch, cis man
NB: non-binary
GP: grand prize
TBA: to be announced
Effect: outfit/look
10s: if you get your 10s, you will continue to the battles.
Chop: being cut from the category.
Shade: to throw attitude and indirect insults

Categories & Information for Walkers

Find out more

AT THE END OF YOUR VISIT
We hope you have a memorable and enjoyable time. Please consider our neighbours and leave Somerset House quietly in a safe and orderly manner.