The fiercest competitors at the Hot Body Ball
What it takes to walk the runway in Toronto’s queer ballroom scene
Glammed-up performers faced off in a slate of vogueing and modelling competitions at the Hot Body Ball this weekend. It was the first event of the season for Toronto’s queer ballroom scene, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and the community crowded the stage at History to watch competitors tear it up on the catwalk.
The tradition of LGBTQ ballroom traces back to underground subcultures of Black and Latinx communities in the late ’60s in New York, but it has slowly made its way into the mainstream, inspiring TV competitions like RuPaul’s Drag Race and fictionalized shows like Pose. Ball participants, usually queer and trans people, compete on the runway in a variety of categories, from more traditional posing to dizzying dance battles. Competitors are bracketed by gender presentation, and walkers are judged on performance, looks and creativity.
The Hot Body Ball’s lineup included competitions for best dressed, best commentator and, of course, best body, with bracket-specific dress codes like swimsuits, athleisure and Schiaparelli-inspired high fashion. We were there to chat with the participants about their love for ballroom, why they walk and what the future holds for Toronto’s scene.
Performer: Milani Telfar Category: Washed Face (all about minimal makeup and dewy looks) Winnings: $750
“It’s honestly like a homecoming. I’ve been stepping out as a femme queen for a while, but this was my first time showing up this way on the ballroom floor. For trans people to have a space of visibility that doesn’t necessarily sexualize us but instead makes us feel celebrated, uplifted and beautiful is so important. That’s what ballroom is to me.”
Performer: Karume Unbothered Cartier Category: Femme Queen Realness (which assesses how much an LGBTQ person can blend in as cis and/or straight. The evening’s Realness theme was athleisure) Winnings: $500 and a Lululemon shopping spree
“What excited me the most about tonight was being surrounded by my community. I recently joined the ballroom scene to learn more about myself. I’m still searching for who I am, and I think ballroom will show me.”
Performer: Royale Juicy Couture Category: European Runway (strutting down the catwalk like a haute couture model) Winnings: $300
“I came for the coin but also to support my family members. Ballroom is a community where everybody comes together. We lift each other up. We help sharpen each other’s skills and craft. I would like to see more people and houses on the floor claiming their talent.”
Related: The best looks of the week from Fashion Art Toronto
Performer: Legendary Father GQ Telfar Category: Overall Realness Prize winnings: $500 and a Lululemon shopping spree
“The money incentivized me to walk, no shade. I’m walking another ball in the States at the end of the month, so I needed the coin. I poured it all into the category tonight, and I did it out of love for Persuasion, the mother of my house. It’s exciting to see the number of walkers stepping onto the floor. When I started, there were not a lot of walkers in the scene.”
Performer: Godmother Chardonnay Juicy Couture Category: Best Dressed (in which competitors flex their sewing and design skills to execute a high-concept look)
“I wanted to walk to showcase my creativity in front of my community. What I enjoy the most about ballroom is the balance between competition on the floor and connection off the floor.”
Performer: Prince Kalan Mulan Category: Body (all about showing off physique, curves and definition)
“This is the Hot Body Ball, and I walk Body. At $750, this is one of the largest grand prizes ever for Body in Canada, so I had to show up. I love the culture—I come from Winnipeg, and we didn’t have these spaces. Ballroom brings out another side of me.”
Performer: Leo Juicy Couture Category: Male Figure, Painted Face (where the goal is to use makeup to highlight one’s facial features)
“The stakes were high. I’d never walked a ball of this magnitude before. I love the fantasy aspect of ballroom. You get to portray a character, someone you’re not when you’re off the floor.”
Performer: Aquarare, a.k.a Desja Unbothered Cartier Category: Female Figure, Painted Face (which had a swimwear theme)
“My brother Romeo incentivized me to walk. I’m already a runway model, so I decided to try a category like Face that’s still along the lines of modelling. I wanted to experience something new that would boost my confidence and let me have a better understanding of my angles. As someone new to ballroom, I enjoy the energy and support I see from everyone, even if they aren’t in the same ballroom house.”
Performer: Legendary Mother Diséiye Juicy Couture
“I have been in the scene for almost 15 years, and it’s always great to see the newer kids step onto a stage like this and bring new life to the scene. The beauty of motherhood in ballroom is pouring into the next generation and hoping they learn from you and do better than you did. The scene keeps growing. We are at History now, but who knows? Maybe one day we’ll be at the Scotiabank Arena.”
Performer: Mother Persuasion Telfar (organizer of the Hot Body Ball and part of the Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance community and events team)
“Balls with partnerships like the Hot Body Ball are so important because they allow walkers to make connections that further improve their careers within the music, dance, beauty and fashion industries. While ballroom brings people together, we also want to make sure that we bring resources and opportunities for the community to elevate their quality of life off the ballroom stage.”
Performer: Princess Chanielle Juicy Couture
“Runway was my favourite category of the night. I love how people tap into a character with their walks and effects. I hope ballroom continues to evolve. Ballroom is home to me.”
