2019 BALL
On April 13, 2019, ballroom artists staged an epic ball competition at the George Peabody Library. Each performance category was based on books and manuscripts from the Library’s historic collection. The event, which drew guests and performers from as far away as New York and Paris, was the culmination of months of collaboration between the Johns Hopkins Sheridan Libraries, the Peabody BFA Dance Program, the Johns Hopkins Film & Media Studies MA program, and an Advisory Board made up of Icons and Legends in Baltimore’s ballroom scene.
Advisory Board member Londyn Mugler welcomed the crowd. “This place,” she said, “at one time, was probably segregated. It was not open to people that look much like ourselves, who were black for one, and queer for another.” She pointed to the latticed skylight. “You look above us and you see this glass ceiling,” she said. “We are breaking glass ceilings tonight.” Many ballroom artists felt they were making a political statement by staging a meangful ritual—one created to insist on the value of queer people of color—in a historically white-dominated space.
Below are the original performance category descriptions, written by the Peabody Advisory Board, and video footage shot by Johns Hopkins Film & Media Studies MA students.
On April 13, 2019, ballroom artists staged an epic ball competition at the George Peabody Library. Each performance category was based on books and manuscripts from the Library’s historic collection. The event, which drew guests and performers from as far away as New York and Paris, was the culmination of months of collaboration between the Johns Hopkins Sheridan Libraries, the Peabody BFA Dance Program, the Johns Hopkins Film & Media Studies MA program, and an Advisory Board made up of Icons and Legends in Baltimore’s ballroom scene.
Advisory Board member Londyn Mugler welcomed the crowd. “This place,” she said, “at one time, was probably segregated. It was not open to people that look much like ourselves, who were black for one, and queer for another.” She pointed to the latticed skylight. “You look above us and you see this glass ceiling,” she said. “We are breaking glass ceilings tonight.” Many ballroom artists felt they were making a political statement by staging a meangful ritual—one created to insist on the value of queer people of color—in a historically white-dominated space.
Below are the original performance category descriptions, written by the Peabody Advisory Board, and video footage shot by Johns Hopkins Film & Media Studies MA students.
Marquis Revlon Clanton and Peabody Dance
Veteran Baltimore voguer Marquis Revlon Clanton and dance students from the Peabody BFA Dance program kicked off the ball competition with a choreographed number.
Best Dressed: “The Peabody Experience”
Competition Category Prompt:
The George Peabody Library opened its doors in 1878 during the “Gilded Age,” a period that saw unprecedented growth in industry…technology…and most importantly wealth. Tonight…come to the Peabody’s grand opening dressed to impress as a socialite. We want a look of class and sophistication and don’t forget the most important: “You’re rich!”
BQ Vogue Fem: “Battle of Heaven and Hell”
Competition Category Prompt:
Paradise Lost, written by the 17th-century poet John Milton, explains the story of God and Satan battling for humanity’s soul as Satan tempts Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Tonight we want you to tell the story of this war between Heaven and Hell.
OTA Runway: “You Are What You Read”
Competition Category Prompt:
The Peabody ranks amongst the world’s most beautiful libraries. The “cathedral of books” has created long-lasting memories for many generations who have graced the halls. Tonight we want you to make your own moment using only items that you would find in a library to create an effect that should have people talking for years.
Face: “Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover”
Competition Category Prompt:
Fore-edge painting is an art form in book decoration. Delicate watercolors are painted on the edges of book pages and concealed to look like a regular book….until the pages are slightly fanned….then the true beauty is uncovered. Tonight, come with your face completely concealed until you reach the judges to reveal the true beauty beneath.
Sex Siren: “Battle of the Sexes”
Competition Category Prompt:
Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, has angered the Great Sea God Poseidon, who has cursed him to travel the sea and never return to his homeland. Odysseus, who is known for his intelligence, believes he may have found a route home, but he first must pass the most beautiful ladies of the sea. Let’s see who will win this epic battle of the sexes.
Old Way: “Take Me Back”
Competition Category Prompt:
When balls were being thrown in the Marc Ballroom in New York City…who would have thought that balls would be featured on TV…in the Smithsonian…and now the world-renowned Peabody Library. Pay homage to those who fought, cried, and died so our art form can be displayed in the fabbest of place. All black from head to toe in the name of Paris Dupree … Stevie St. Laurent … Willie Ninja … and Cabbage Ebony.
Legendary Performance with an Understudy: “Grammar of Ornament”
Competition Category Prompt:
The Peabody’s lavishly illustrated Grammar of Ornament, published in 1856, was intended to help young designers make use of the underlying design principles of older civilizations – the grammar – in their own work. Tonight you will take one of these patterns in the link below to create matching effects. One legend and one understudy will join forces to show how voguers are inspired by veteran performers.
BQ Realness W/ A Twist: “Animal Locomotion”
Competition Category Prompt:
Edward Muybridge was important for his pioneering work in photographic studies of motion. His 1887 Animal Locomotion captured stop-motion photography of animals in a way that had never been done before. Bring us a look of an animal with a FEMININE TWIST. We also want a NEW MOVE that YOU have never done before.
Female Figure Realness: “Catherine of Aragon vs. Anne Boleyn”
Competition Category Prompt:
One of the Peabody Library treasures is a lavishly illustrated 1828 copy of Portraits Of Illustrious Personages Of The Court Of Henry VIII. Henry VIII defied the laws of the Catholic Church when he wanted to divorce his demure royal wife Catherine of Aragon for his promiscuous side chick Anne Boleyn. Bring it seductive vs. sophisticated
Butch Queen Realness: “Johns Hopkins University”
Competition Category Prompt:
Johns Hopkins University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. On this day we want you to pay homage to this Institution.
SCHOOLBOYS: Tonight you have an opportunity for a scholarship if you can ace your history report on the George Peabody Library. Bring us a trifold poster board with facts about the Library.
THUGS: In all black but you must have the Founder “George Peabody” name on it in any color.
PRETTY BOYS: You’re as rare as many of the books in the George Peabody library. Tonight we want to see how skilled you are in dressing by bringing it to the runway as a well dressed man.
EXECUTIVES: Executives don’t always have to wear a suit. Tonight we simply want to see your interpretation of an executive. However you must have information about the Peabody Library as you plan to buy it.
Female Figure Performance: “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”
Competition Category Prompt:
What books aren’t at the Peabody Library–but should be? Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings shows how strength of character and a love of literature can help overcome racism and trauma. Bring it in feathers or bondage (cage).
Behind the Scenes
Ballroom performers talk about their experiences organizing for, preparing for, and performing at the ball.
