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Sunday School is in Session

Sunday School is one of the few ballroom community projects in Berlin that go beyond simply hosting balls and offering classes. It’s an anchor point for the community and, for many, also an entryway into the scene, and a way to find themselves. We’ve been sharing their events for the past couple of years, but for some reason I never managed to attend one of their balls. But I’m so glad I finally did, because this was a very special function.

Most of the Sunday School events happen at the wonderful ACUD Macht Neu in Mitte, which is a place that I love to visit because it’s such a hidden treasure in the otherwise pretty gentrified-to-death district. I’m so glad some of these cultural hubs were able to be maintained here and offer a space for different subcultures and scenes to unfold. I also love that ACUD is such a supporter of trans* events and projects – I see you!

Out of the Closet Kiki Ball by Azad & Matan

by Frank | Ballroom, Photos

It was the crowning highlight of a ballroom and Pride weekend that was full of heightened emotions and a deep desire to be together. The Out of the Closet Kiki Ball by German Father Azad Laveaux and Matan Juicy Couture was a beautiful example of showing up for each other – despite all the chaos of that weekend and the different responses to the tragic incident that happened the night before at the Pride Parade.

I’m glad the ballroom community offered a time and room for this moment that was urgently needed during that weekend. A ball is not just a competition or a strut on the runway; it’s an important space for a community to be together and feel held, feel seen, feel supported in moments of uncertainty.

It was a beautiful function – amazing judges, amazing performers, MCs, DJ, and an audience that brought the energy and support you would wish for.

The Doechii Kiki Ball 2 by Dream & Everston

by Frank | Ballroom, Photos

With the first DOECHII KIKI BALL last year being one of the hottest functions of 2025, the anticipation for the second edition this year was massive. And we were not let down. Thanks to the excellent hosting skills of dreamy Dream and dreamier Everston, a wonderful location at ufaKulturfabrik (shout-out to the light!), a stacked jury, and phenomenal talents on the runway, it was again a massive highlight in the ballroom history of Berlin.

We were once again present to capture the impressions of the night for you – in full! And of course we’ll share all the action for you here.

Furiosa is simply the most FUN Party in Berlin. Period.

by Frank | Party, Photos

When I came back to Berlin from a longer period of living in Colombia a few year’s ago it was quite the adjustment going back to clubs and parties here. Dark, grungy spaces, grumpy looking people, no smiles, no openness – I had gotten used to how fun partying is with Latinos. I was pleasantly surprised though that in my absence a bubbling scene of Latino parties had formed here in Berlin that I instantly logged onto. It was just the right timing for a smooth transition for me. One of the first parties I discovered here over 3 years ago was Furiosa, a queer Latin pop party that started out at Lark and now happens at Lido in Berlin, as well as several other German cities, and even in Madrid.

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Goodbye, Berlin! – Techno, Drugs and Fascism

by Frank | Photos, Theater

photos: Frank R. Schröder.

With “Goodbye, Berlin!”, iconic theater maker Constanza Macras and her company Dorkypark premiered their latest production at Volksbühne a few weeks ago. Following in the footsteps of last year’s The Hunger, the piece takes contemporary issues and creates relations to a literary source – in this case, Christopher Isherwood’s beloved novel “Goodbye Berlin”. For us, this is a match made in heaven.

More or less unintentionally, the choice of the novel and its title became an alarming prospect when news broke in October that Macra’s collaboration with the Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz, her stage of the past couple of years, will not be extended beyond the current theater season. This means, “Goodbye, Berlin!” will potentially be the last Dorkypark production in Berlin, as many fans fear.

A Spooky Farewell to SchwuZ

by Frank | Party, Photos

photos: Frank R. Schröder.

Last weekend was a sad one for Berlin – after 48 years the city’s biggest queer club closed its doors forever following years of economic struggles. SchwuZ was a second home to many nightlife workers, DJs, drag queens, performers, and of course the queer community that came together here to celebrate in their own safe space. It’s a tragic loss for the community and the nightlife.

In the last year, I have visited the club at Rollberg more than ever. Our friends from Furiosa and Holy Karaoke started to make their parties here, Berlinale Talents hosted their closing party here, and Rebecca Black came for a concert. It was a place so diverse and lively – apart from being a queer space it was also just a really nice club.

The Whoriental Kiki Ball by Parisa Juicy

by Frank | Ballroom, Photos

Last month, the Berlin ballroom scene had another amazing event happening that gave me the opportunity to capture some exciting photos. The Whoriental Festival at Gretchen had many amazing performances and highlights, but one of the biggest one was the Kiki Ball hosted by German Overseer Parisa Juicy. It was the second edition of this ball and I think creating a special ball to empower ballroom participants from the SWANA region is a wonderful idea, especially since I felt they equally embraced people from several more cultures around the world that might not have their own spotlight on them.

With this concept, the ball had indeed a different vibe and aesthetic and I was so here for it! Thanks to Parisa for creating this space and also inviting me into it – it’s greatly appreciated! I hope my photos do the ball justice!

Transpride Festival: Workdatcvnt Kiki Ball by Calvin 007 & Mandrake 007

by Frank | Ballroom, Photos

Trans Masc community project Workdatcvnt hosted a Kiki Ball at SO36 celebrating their second anniversary and of course we were there to capture the action!

It was great to see so much trans masc representation on the runway – the community has grown so much – of course also thanks to the amazing work of Workdatcvnt. I remember that trans masc participants were practically nowhere to be seen when I started to capture balls all those years ago. And now this community is thriving and often the ones who make all the heads turn at the balls.

The Nostalgia Ball by David GG

by Frank | Ballroom, Photos

The Berlin Pride weekend was such an eventful weekend, and The Nostalgia Ball by David GG was an absolute highlight of it. This major scene ball was a follow-up to last year’s Superheroes 2 Ball that happened on the same day and same place at Holzmarkt’s Säälchen – only with a new theme for this year. And the turn-out was insane. I think I haven’t seen such a long line of spectators and ballroom members from wide and far outside of any ballroom venue. Of course, when David invite’s the people show up!

The night had so many special moments: The host David was welcomed into the House of Gorgeous Gucci, the wonderful Jamila got a special honor for her community work with the Ballroom Pier, and then there was one more special honor that I didn’t quite see coming.

Why Did Pride Feel Different This Year?

by Frank | Photos, Stories

The international Pride Month and the Berlin Pride Week are already behind us, but I’m still basking in the positive feeling especially its last weekend left in me. I did a couple of posts about it – it was a big weekend with lots of different events. I got a lot of love and of course also some comments and DMs to make me think. And I did.

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