Earlier this month, the Revolution Ball hosted by the Iconic House of Saint Laurent took place at Hebbel am Ufer HAU2 theater. This was a Major Ball, and those have become kind of rare here since the Kiki Scene has been on the rise for the past years and host balls more regularly. So the more reason for us to appreciate the Revolution Ball as it brought a lot of international ballroom members to Berlin to be judges, MCs and special guests. The line-up was stacked with Icons, Legends and stars: European Catalyst Grandfather Archie Burnett Ninja, Icon Arnold Saint Laurent, Icon Arturo Miyake-Mugler, Icon Founding Father Michael Margiela, Icon Queen Tempress, Tabytha Maison-Margiela, Legendary Overall Mother Asia Allure, Legendary Mother Fujiko Ninja, Legendary NYC Mother Jonovia Lanvin, Legendary Mother Lasseindra Lanvin, Legendary Father Suave Saint Laurent, Legendary Naïmah 007, Legendary Father Typhoon Basquiat, and newly crowned Legend Zoe 007. This was not a typical judges board for Berlin, never have we seen so many important, influential and founding members of the international scene here in town. And the high energy during the LSS call really showed that.
Respect and applause to Legendary European Mother Leo Saint Laurent and Litchi Saint Laurent – the organizers of the ball – pulling it off. It felt like a special honor to be part of it and taking photos at this ball. It was also a full circle moment for me because 8 years ago I photographed my first ball right here at HAU2 and it was an important moment in our own history of documenting the Berlin ballroom scene.
photos: Frank R. Schröder
As Major Balls go, the night was long with an insane amount of categories and trophies. The lighting and space god’s were in my favor this time, as I had more freedom of movement and angle opportunities than usual which resulted in a photoset 3 times the usual size – even though I missed a few categories in the very end. But it was definitely an exciting experience – with the importance of this ball the looks and performances were on another level. Even in non-fashion or runway categories the outfits were insane – it was giving couture, it was giving we robbed the museum at night. I was gagged – though luckily still capable to point my camera and press the button.
I loved the face categories, I loved the Enby performance category, I loved the realness categories – there were so many highlights. I can’t wait for you to see my impressions… Here we go. As always, ballroom members, judges and organizers may download the photos here and share them. Please be respectful to my work and and effort and tag either @iheartberlin or my photographer account @frankfromberlin. Thank you!
