Magazine | iHeartBerlin.de

Ivana Vladislava: Inner Beauty is for Ugly People

When artist Ivana Vladislava arrived at the opening of her new exhibition “Inner Beauty is for Ugly People” at Robert Grunenberg Gallery, it felt pretty much like a superstar arriving at the red carpet of a movie premiere. Rarely have I seen an art event with so much excitement and suspense in the air. The gallery and the street in front of it were packed with what can only be described as a fandom. I told Ivana immediately that this was the art happening of the year – she laughed it off in that moment, but I’m pretty sure it dawned on her later that evening that this was not an exaggeration.

Ivana is not a regular artist; she is exceptional, and she is coming at the art world from a different angle -one that might not feel very compatible with this world at first. But she clawed out a space for herself and has reached a passionate audience that embraces and uplifts her beyond what other artists that might even be more established could only dream of. And that’s what makes it so ingenious and incredibly satisfying. She is an icon; she is the moment.

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.

5 Amazing Performance Pieces Not to Miss at Tanz im August 2026

by Frank | Dance

TRAPICANA; photo: Lennart Brede.

The Tanz im August Festival is kicking off tonight and we couldn’t be more excited! This festival brings some of the most exciting dance productions from Germany, Europe and beyond to the most significant stages of Berlin. From the 3 stages of the Hebbel am Ufer theaters, the Haus der Berliner Festspiele, Radialsystem, and Sophiensäle, to special locations such as Tempelhofer Feld, Berlinische Galerie, Stadtbad Oderberger and St. Elisabeth Church you will be able to enjoy the excellence of dance all over the city.

The Superheroes Ball 3 by David GGucci

by Frank | Ballroom

The Superheroes Ball has become a real tradition for the Pride season now. Hosted by David Gorgeous Gucci, it happened for the third time at the beautiful Säälchen location, this year on the evening of the Berlin Pride parade. Despite its consistent theme, every year the ball has been very different and unique to its own edition, but it has always been extra glamorous, and you can just tell the participants are making an extra effort with their looks and performances.

What I also love is seeing the international talent that came to the ball, which really is the extra spice in a major ball like this. Kudos to the host David, as well as the team of Studio O for pulling off an incredible ball. You can be super proud to have built up an event series like this, for the community, but also for spectators that get to see something really incredible.

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.

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