Paris is Burning is a movie to watch. There’s the annual latex ball at the Roseland Theatre uptown.. where in 2008 I saw 8 year old Diva Davanna compete and walk off against another young girl.

“The Joan River’s Show with Jennie Livingston, director of “Paris is Burning”. Legendary ball divas Dorian Corey, Pepper LaBieja, Willie Ninja and Freddy Bendover relate the history behind The Houses, The Balls, Voguing. Explain the different categories, the scoring system, and the trophies.”

The culture of vogue balls began in the 50′s as a safe space to realize one’s dreams, if only for that instant. The 6 stars of the documentary “Paris is Burning” are all dead: La Beija from Diabetes, Anji Xtravaganza was murdered and stuffed under a mattress, and the rest from AIDS-related complications.

However, ball culture still goes on strong. This is one I’ve attended: http://www.myballroomlife.com/latex_project
The next annual ball is August 21st!

Freddie Bendover is so cute!

A must see: Diva Davanna started runway walking at the age of 4, and has since gone on to be featured on Tyra/America’s Next Top Model and modeled in 200+ runway shows. She’s only 10 now!

This is when I saw her first at the House of Latex Ball, 2008 (in the blue as naomi campbell):

Child vs Child:

On tyra: