When we think of home, many of us picture the familiar places we live in. For a vibrant community filled with creative individuals ranging from teens to working adults, however, home is found in the ever-evolving world of ballroom.
Ballroom culture in Singapore has grown from a largely underground scene to a thriving community, acknowledged by local trailblazer Irzie Kasicunt. Irzie’s journey began in 2016 when he first encountered voguing through videos of international ballroom legends. With no local resources, he immersed himself in online research, piecing together the styles and history of ballroom culture through Google and YouTube.
In July 2018, the scene took a pivotal step with the hosting of the first workshop in Singapore, led by Icon Koppi Mizrahi and hosted by Vogue In Progress, also known as VIP. This workshop deepened Irzie’s knowledge of Old Way, Vogue Femme and commentating, while Koppi’s openness fostered a nurturing environment. Inspired, Irzie began sharing ballroom knowledge on social media, sparking interaction and awareness locally. His commitment was further recognised when he won the Butch Queen Vogue Femme Grand Prize at Thailand’s Kiki Ball, signaling to Singapore that voguing was more than just dance, it was a vibrant cultural movement.
Photos Courtesy of Emma Chan
In April 2019, Singapore’s ballroom culture officially announced itself with the Crystal Ball, the country’s first official ball organised by VIP. The event drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, showcasing the community’s energy and potential. However, the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted in-person events, threatening the momentum. Undeterred and determined to keep the culture alive, Irzie and many others adapted by participating in online balls despite technical challenges and continued to share their passion digitally.
Photos Courtesy of Emma Chan
Today, ballroom in Singapore is a flourishing space where artistry is nurtured and celebrated through exhilarating categories such as Vogue Femme, Realness, Face and Runway. Fashion is elevated into an extravagant fantasy, and the warm spirit of a chosen family, filled with love and acceptance, thrives. Global pop icons such as Madonna, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Le Sserafim have spotlighted this cultural phenomenon through their music videos and live performances, while films like Pose, Kiki, and Paris Is Burning reveal the raw beauty and struggles that define this high-spirited subculture.
As ballroom culture rises in Singapore, we invite you to explore this world with Irzie Kasicunt, Sapphire Kasicunt, Bent Li Iman, Fellixia 007 and Juneau 007, who continue to shape the local ballroom scene.
Irzie Kasicunt
Founder of Kiki House Of Kasicunt
Photos Courtesy of Hams Luminiq
What is ballroom?
Generally, ballroom is a space where individuals discover and express parts of themselves they never knew existed. For example, I never imagined becoming a dance instructor, yet now I teach Vogue Femme. It creates opportunities for personal exploration and authentic self-expression. Beyond that, ballroom fosters a community built on love, respect and kindness, transcending political differences. The Singapore ballroom scene welcomes anyone who respects this sacred space and its people.
How would you describe the energy and atmosphere at balls in Singapore?
The energy at balls can be intense, fun, competitive, beautiful, or even challenging — this diversity defines ballroom [experience]. Everyone in the room, whether walker, audience, judge, commentator, or DJ, contributes. The atmosphere is one of vocal support, with audiences cheering for walkers and chanting for houses or “007” (individuals who are not affiliated with any ballroom house). The community strongly supports new walkers and recognises the courage it takes to walk on the runway, especially in beginner categories.
Photos Courtesy of Hams Luminiq
What are the different categories and elements required for each performance?
There are numerous categories within the Singapore’s ballroom scene, the key ones of which are: fashion (Fashion Killa, Best Dressed and Bizarre), performance (Vogue Femme, Old Way and New Way), runway (American and European), realness (Femme Queen and Butch Queen), and aesthetic (Face and Body). Judges look for storytelling through fashion and craftsmanship.
For Vogue Femme, individuals must include five elements: catwalks, duckwalks, hand performance, floor performance, and spins and dips. Old Way, which was originally referred to as “posing” and pioneered by Paris Dupree, consists of lines, poses and symmetry. New Way combines the same elements but with greater flexibility, maintaining voguing’s essence without becoming a gymnastic battle. The American runway emphasises a bold, masculine walk, while the European runway highlights the feminine, supermodel strut in parallel to 1990s icons like Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista. Fashion plays a crucial role, as judges evaluate both the walk and the selling of the garments.
Sapphire Kasicunt
Co-In Charge of Kiki House of Kasicunt
Photos Courtesy of Pavithiraa & Khairul Mattar
What role does fashion play at balls?
Fashion plays a vital role. Much of ballroom’s history is rooted in fashion, especially the fashion industry. The moment you step on the runway, your effects are evaluated as you make your first impression on the judges. In ballroom, everything on the runway is exaggerated as compared to our day- to-day life. Ballroom not only includes runway categories but also fashion- focused categories for individuals who want to express themselves through garments they have made or purchased. Categories like Labels are judged on their ability to present designer or high-end clothing and luxury brands. Bizarre features looks you wouldn’t typically see on fashion runways — think aliens or three-headed lions. This category allows participants to explore creative, out-of-the-box ideas and expressions through fashion. Best Dressed is all about flaunting your finest garments, as if attending the Met Gala or a red-carpet event. Many sew their own garments or collaborate with local designers, as judges focus on intricate details, fabric quality and craftsmanship. Lastly, Fashion Killa leans heavily into high street avant- garde fashion; it shares elements with Bizarre but is more extravagant.
Can you tell us the meaning of “effects”?
“Effects” simply means props or sets of items and garments that enhance the impact of your visual performance. Effects can vary depending on the theme of the category. For example, if a category has an oceanic theme, judges expect walkers to wear garments inspired by that theme. Oftentimes, participants may get disqualified from that category if they do not comply with the rules.
Photos Courtesy of Pavithiraa & Khairul Mattar
Are there any designers or historical influences that inspire your approach to ballroom fashion?
When we think of designers, we often consider Western names like Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier and Thierry Mugler. However, I prioritise blending culture with fashion. Singapore has many talented local designers who inspire me. I’m particularly influenced by my secondary school teacher, who is now a local bridal fashion designer and works with traditional materials like songket and batik. When preparing for ballroom functions, I draw inspiration from her work, imagining ways to blend songket — a traditional Malay hand-woven fabric — with Western avant- garde runway looks, while maintaining an extravagant aesthetic, of course. It’s inspiring to incorporate cultural elements into our Singapore ballroom scene, celebrating our diverse racial backgrounds. This blend often mesmerises the international Western scene, demonstrating that fashion is not just about creativity but also culture.
Bent Li Iman
Co In-charge of Kiki House of Iman
In what ways has ballroom culture influenced the mainstream. media?
Ballroom has influenced mainstream media in every creative sense, from makeup and fashion to dance and music. Let me take performance as an example. This is going to be controversial, but voguing has had a significant impact on many other genres of dance. Without voguing, there would not be waacking or muzzing (seen at raves), as it draws from elements of voguing and ballroom. Even in today’s music, rappers use the crash sound effect or incorporate a vogue beat into their music without being part of this community.
What is the most rewarding aspect of participating in the ballroom scene for you?
People avoid saying this, but it’s the validation aspect in the sense of how people perceive. It’s the confidence that comes out of it, but the fact of the matter is, you’re getting confident because there’s validation intertwined into it. However, validation also comes from the hard work and the criticism you receive from others. I would say it’s a two- way street, because without taking in the constructive criticism from others and putting in the effort in the studio, you won’t be able to reap the benefits and rewarding aspects of being in ballroom. Now, if we’re talking about how ballroom has interlinked its way into my life, I can guarantee that it has provided me with confidence. It has taught me how to carry myself and be real, with my head held a lot higher than it used to be, while still remaining grounded and humble.
Photos Courtesy of Vogue in Progress & Valery Tan
Fellixia 007
Active community member
What makes the scene different from other international scenes?
We’re steadily growing into a more progressive and connected community. Increasingly, international ballroom scenes are coming here to exchange knowledge, and more walkers from our scene are representing Singapore at balls abroad. It’s a sign of both evolution and emergence.
While self-expression here still faces certain forms of regulation and resistance, we’re fortunate to exist in a place where our physical safety isn’t under constant threat. That relative stability allows many of us to show up, take up space, and explore our individuality more freely.
At the same time, we acknowledge that ballroom was born out of a long history of oppression and resistance. As guests in this culture, we honour its origins and the people who built it — upholding its values while thoughtfully weaving them into the fabric of our local scene.
It has become a space for profound self-exploration — a way to understand better who we are while continuing to respect and uplift those who paved the way. With its wide spectrum of categories, ballroom welcomes both performers and non-performers alike. It’s not just about movement or technique — it’s about identity, resilience, and community. And because of that, it invites everyone in.
How do you see the ballroom scene evolving in Singapore in the coming years?
I envision the community collaborating more deeply with organisations both within and beyond the creative arts — including nonprofits that support young people in need of safe spaces and self-expression. Beyond the ballroom floor, I hope we can use our voices and artistry to raise awareness, contribute meaningfully, and advocate for those who may not yet have the space to speak for themselves.
Whether it’s through cross-cultural exchange, community-based outreach, or even commercial gigs, I see us taking ballroom further — not just as performance, but as a tool for visibility, education, and solidarity. It’s a beautiful world, and I believe we’re only beginning to show just how much it can hold.
Photos Courtesy of Vogue in Progress & Valery Tan
Juneau 007
Active community member
How can individuals who are interested in ballroom join balls?
They first need to understand ball culture if they’re interested in joining balls. Even before deciding which categories to walk in, walking without a complete understanding of the culture is just an empty gesture. We sometimes encounter individuals who are unfamiliar with ballroom culture or the history of its categories. Beyond technique, it’s important to understand what this is all about before participating. Know the history, culture, local scene and upcoming functions, and attend workshops if you’re interested. Keep an open heart and be receptive to Singapore’s unique place in the global ballroom context. Ultimately, we’re guests to this culture, but we also resonate with ballroom as a safe space to express creativity, fashion, movement, craft, or simply put your most beautiful self on the runway.
What do you think are the most important skills or values for anyone starting in ballroom?
The value of humility, empathy, respect and understanding is very important because in ballroom. Ballroom is a magnificent fantasy world, but it’s founded on resisting oppression and empowering beauty. Understanding these values is essential for someone to fully comprehend and grasp this not-so-rosy history. Respect and empathy help grasp this complex history and navigate the larger-than-life personalities and egos present in the scene. So learning ways to navigate complex relationships without feeling that you have to counter them, because in reality, ballroom is just a community. I believe confidence is a muscle you develop. No one is born confident; it must be learnt through your body, skin, face and identity. Technical skills like performing, walking and presenting come second because ballroom is ultimately a confidence game: confidence to be yourself despite the world telling you otherwise.
Photos Courtesy of Vogue in Progress & Valery Tan
Do you think this community has become a home to many individuals?
This is crazy, because I wrote an eight-page journaling binge last night before going to sleep and went off about the topic of “home”. Home is not a physical place or space, but a feeling of safety, comfort, and being seen for all our strengths, flaws and even our ugly sides. Ballroom offers that through the people and relationships we have, both inside and outside the functions, whether it’s at coffee shops, late-night suppers, or in moments of conflict. Home is about being authentically ourselves and feeling safe to be vulnerable, to see our weaknesses and areas for growth. In this way, ballroom is home to many of us.
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