Published on June 17, 2024 by By Cheryl Gudz, Senior Communications Specialist, Bilingual
Suppose every day you’re counting on “passing” just to fit in. Then imagine the freedom to be unafraid, to authentically present yourself as you are. Ballroom offers this opportunity and more.
Twysted started walking in balls in 2008, and in 2010, he founded the Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance to bring ballroom arts and a supportive community to the city. Twysted is also the founder of the Supreme Kiki House of Siriano (one of 13 houses in the city and one of the oldest) who will be hosting their House Ball at Evergreen Brick Works.
Due to his legendary founding father status in ballroom, Twysted now goes by the moniker Legendary Twysted, a rank he wears with pride. “Our status and titles are everything to us. I didn’t work all these 17 years to not be called Legendary.”
Ballroom, kiki and major scenes
The roots of modern ballroom culture lie in the Harlem Drag Balls of the 1920s and 1930s. These gatherings offered a haven for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially Black and Latinx people to express themselves through performances. Ballroom houses offer a supportive place for LGBTQ+ people to learn and practice dance moves like vogueing originated by queer/trans/black communities.
Due to its increased popularity, competition these days can be fierce, particularly if you’re competing in the mainstream or major scene. “Mainstream is the main stage. It’s aspirational, career, and very competitive energy. Kiki is hands-on work, ground level work, that realness of ballroom.”
Photo by Joe Bulawan
He goes on to say that mentorship, community and healing is what sets the kiki scene apart. “We play the parents that we don’t have in our biological life. We play the part of the mothers and the fathers to show up in the ways we want our mothers and fathers to.”
Twysted and other leaders from the House of Siriano host weekly workshops for youth interested in ballroom and also prepares them for performances like the Kiki Kids demonstration at East York Pride in Dentonia Park earlier this month.
The limits and possibilities of public space
But not all city parks or neighbourhoods have been welcoming places. During the pandemic, their House was forced to gather outdoors and chose the underpass park at River and Lower Jarvis. They started meeting and performing there once a month.
“I kind of have a gripe with the City, knowing there has to be permits. But when people are doing positive, uplifting things, there should be no hurdles,” says Twysted.
“People called 311 on us, and somebody was able to shut it down. When that happens, then it’s not public. Public spaces need to be there for the people that need spaces.”
Once they were asked to leave by by-law officers, they had to rush to find another place so that their Ball could go on as planned. In stepped the Stackt Market on Bathurst Street.
“We have such wonderful opportunities being brought to us because people see and value the work that we’re doing and they try to bring us into their spaces. That’s what we don’t have, spaces, but we have community.”
The partnership between the House of Siriano and Evergreen underscores the significance of public spaces as public places for community empowerment and cultural celebration. Evergreen Brick Works provides an inclusive setting for an event that values ballroom culture and its relevance.
Community is family
Kiki houses provide an outlet for creative expression but also a support system for young people seeking acceptance and supportive families. Thirteen houses are thriving in Toronto, with members who also live in Vancouver, Montreal and Winnipeg.
As for what you can expect at Evergreen Brick Works on July 7, “This one’s all about family and all the energy of the house members. Although we are coming to compete for prizes, people also will come watch to see who will be the new mothers and fathers.”
“We are the three-time House of the year in a row! Expectations are really high, but we’re going to be ready.”
