With an interactive session built around creativity, self-expression, and performance, the House of St. Laurent adapts the format of the kids’ disco to host a Ballroom Special. An open costume workshop, a short presentation, and a subsequent runway moment for all participants make Ballroom culture tangible for children and families.   

Ballroom culture emerged in New York in the 1960s and 1970s as a space for visibility, exchange, and artistic expression created by Afro- and Latino trans and queer communities. To this day, it combines fashion, dance, music, and performance into a vibrant cultural practice. A central aspect of Ballroom culture is the presentation of outfits—where clothing, costumes, and accessories serve as forms of identity, fantasy, and artistic expression.   

Attendees are warmly invited to come to the session in extravagant outfits or bring them with them. In the open costume workshop, those taking part will design and create accessories such as fans, masks and headdresses using a range of different materials, with dedicated stations for younger and older children. Finally, all participants have the opportunity to show their outfits and creations on the runway and celebrate each other, with the support of members of the Ballroom community.   

Celebrate together  

Ballroom culture also thrives on loud music and powerful sounds. For noise-sensitive children, the use of hearing protection is recommended. While a limited number of hearing protectors are available on site, participants are asked to bring their own hearing protection if possible. 

Ballroom is a space created by and for people in the LGBTQIA+ community, especially for BIPOC people. This edition of the Kids’ Disco therefore especially invites  BIPOC, queer, and trans children and families to get to know Ballroom, to dance, and to try things out and celebrate together. At the same time, the Kids’ Disco is open to all children and their accompanying persons who want to help shape this space respectfully. Those attending are asked to choose costumes that do not represent or imitate the culture, religion, or identity of other people. 

Through this togetherness, the Kids’ Disco Special: Ballroom with House of St. Laurent becomes a space where attendees can glitter, sparkle, and be extravagant within a joyful and supportive atmosphere.

On Saturday 24 October, 15:00–22:00, members of the House of St. Laurent co-curate Pump, Create, Elevate: International Pathways of Community, an event on Ballroom culture featuring a chanting workshop, panel talk, performances, a hangout space, and a DJ Set.