Panel Talk: Ballroom Culture

Ballroom is a queer subculture. The Ballroom scene today was created by Black and Latinx trans women in the late 1960s in Harlem, New York. Since then, ballroom has taken over the world with scenes in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Oceania.

The Aotearoa Ballroom scene was ignited by Māori and MVPFAFF+ youth in Tāmaki Makaurau over 10 years ago, and has since inspired other leaders across the motu to forge their own Ballroom communities in their respective cities. 

In preparation for The Grand Kiki House of Marama Ball, hear from influential figures who have made significant contributions to their own scenes. With international icons and legends coming to Aotearoa for the first time, there has never been a better time to learn and enhance our own knowledge and experience of Ballroom. 

Featuring ballroom leaders Arturo Mulan (NYC, USA), Matyouz Royalty (Paris, EU), Jaycee Iman (Auckland, NZ), Karamera Marama, and Romé Marama.

Panellists

Icon Arturo Mulan (NYC Father of the International House of Miyake-Mugler) (he/him) is a ballroom icon and legend from the beating heart of Ballroom, NYC. Arturo has been involved in Ballroom since 1996 and has established himself as a visionary choreographer and community leader, with the title of NYC father of the international mainstream House of Miyake Mugler. His influence spans competitive wins, global workshops, and has dedicated his time to bringing diverse artistry into ballroom culture, and ballroom culture into diverse arts opportunities; such as Legendary - Season 2 (HBO Max), Brooklyn Nets performances, Cats: the Jellicle Ball on Broadway and more.

Icon Tantine Matyouz Royalty (International Godmother of the International House of Gorgeous Gucci) (he/she/they) is a ballroom Icon and Legend from the Paris Ballroom scene and is the creator of the ‘Fashion Killa’ category. They discovered voguing and ballroom culture in 2009 during a trip to New York which they believe changed their life. Their impact within ballroom spans several categories: Commentator vs Commentator, Hands Performance, Runway and Fashion categories. Matyouz has become a staple commentator and music artist within the ballroom community, with a repertoire of modelling and influencer opportunities in their resumé.

Legendary Overall Founding Mother Jaycee Iman aka Jaycee Tanuvasa (she/her) is an inter-disciplinary Sāmoan artist and choreographer of fa’afafine, femme queen, and trans experience. Born and raised in South Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau, her work is firmly rooted in community as she places autonomy and story sovereignty at the core of each of her projects. She celebrates the fullness of young, queer, brown life and works collaboratively to create empowering and responsive reflections of this across a range of media such as theatre, film, and activations.

Founding Mother Karamera Marama (he/they) is an emerging multi-disciplinary, queer, and Māori artist professing in graphic design, dance and performance arts. They are the Co-Founding Mother of the trailblazing Kiki House of Marama, Co-Director of Pōneke-based queer arts collective OVĀ, and member of the Aotearoa Ballroom council. Karamera has been involved in Ballroom since 2020 competing in Performance and Fashion categories and winning numerous grand prizes across Aotearoa and so-called Australia respectfully; most notably within Vogue Fem categories.

Founding Mother Romé Marama (he/him) whakapapa to Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Hineuru, and Ngāti Tūwharetoa. He is an emerging multi-disciplinary performing artist, as well as the Co-Founding Mother of the House of Marama and Co-Founding Director of OVĀ. For the past five years, he has been a prominent figure in Aotearoa Ballroom, both competing and facilitating events. Renowned in the RUNWAY category, Romé has secured multiple Grand Prize titles across Aotearoa and so-called Australia.

Facilitator: Kasi Marama (he/him/barb) aka Kasi Valu hails from the villages ‘Eua, Ma’ufanga and Lapaha, from the Kingdom of Tonga. He is an actor, writer, producer, and professional guesser, creating work that centres the experiences, wit, nuance, and universality of Pacific peoples.

Ballroom Panel Talk speakers from left to right: Icon Matyouz Royalty, Icon Arturo Mulan, Legendary Founding Mother Jaycee Iman, Founding Mother Romé Marama, Founding Mother Karamera Marama. Photo courtesy of The Grand Kiki House of Marama