After a two year hiatus, the monthly mini Kiki ball series Pump the Beat is finally making a comeback. Presented by Vogue YYC and Father Cardi Galore Milan, Pump the Beat brings the scintillating energy of larger Kiki balls into a lower-stakes and more intimate environment.
For those unfamiliar, Kiki balls have their roots in Black and Latino 2SLGBTQIA+ ballroom culture, and the events themselves feature participants who compete against one another in fashion, runway and performance art categories.
Affectionately dubbed Calgary’s own OTA (Open To All) in reference to the world-renowned vogue event series in New York City, performers of all identities and experience levels are encouraged to walk at Pump the Beat.
“In ballroom, there are different ranks: Stars, Statements, Legends and Icons,” says Pump the Beat’s organizer Justin Larioza, known in the ballroom scene as Father Cardi Galore Milan. These titles recognize a participant’s experience level and seniority — newcomers start off as Stars while folks who have been established in the scene for decades become Icons.
But at Pump the Beat, everyone competes with one another, regardless of status or house affiliations. “I wanted to help the beginners in our scene feel a bit more comfortable to walk a function,” says Larioza.
Pump the Beat also doesn’t have a pre-set grand prize amount, as larger Kiki balls often do. Instead, each performer walking the ball contributes $5 to their category’s prize pool, which adds to the event’s low-stakes and community feel.
“Pump the Beat was made to just have lots of fun,” says Larioza. “We’re in the basement of Twisted Element, so it’s gonna be a little bit more intimate as well.”
Who should walk these mini balls? “Anyone that is willing and has done their homework,” says Larioza.
Homework, he explains, means understanding the larger ballroom culture that surrounds these events. This research might include watching Kiki balls available on Youtube, reading up on the history of vogue, and — especially — attending open sessions.
Organized by Vogue YYC and Black Pride Arts, the free or by-donation open sessions take place at DJD every Sunday from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., providing folks an accessible space to explore ballroom culture and engage with Calgary’s community. If you’re interested in walking your first ball, this is a prime opportunity to get a lay of the land.
“It’s a really great resource if you’re just getting into the scene, because you can learn in-person,” says Larioza.
As it stands, Pump the Beat is scheduled to return as a monthly event on the first Friday of every month. Catch the first iteration of its comeback on November 6, in the basement of Twisted Element.
To grab spectator tickets to the event, head to eventbrite.com.
