Six years in, the annual 'Alexander Ball' is back to reignite the Ballroom scene as part of the 2025 Brisbane Festival.
The iconic competition is once again curated by Ella Ganza – a Samoan-Māori trans woman of colour, and Mother to the trailblazing House Of Alexander.
“I am a proud trans woman of colour; I’m of Samoan and Māori descent; I am the mother of the founding house here in Meanjin, The House of Alexander; and I’m a fem queen. And I’m all about fostering spaces for our fellow queer people of colour (POC) – specifically trans folk – and using the ballroom culture to help navigate through issues, but also to help our queer POCs with things like confidence,” Ella Ganza told our queer sister site, FROOTY, in 2022.
“Specifically here, in Meanjin there is no real space that is dedicated to queer people of colour. So ballroom is the one space that connects a lot of us together to be able to celebrate our own existence and our identities.”
Ballroom kicked off in Harlem in the 1970s by trans women of colour. This event is set to showcase a diverse range of 'walkers' from across the country (and overseas), who will compete to win the Grand Prize in one of multiple categories.
“'The Alexander Ball' is a pulse of culture, courage, and creativity. Here, we reclaim space in our UNDENIABLE TRUTH – where every step, dip, and spin embodies our most authentic selves, honouring the Black and Latinx Fem Queens who paved the way,” Producer Leki Ganza says.
“Brisbane, this is more than a night – it’s a movement, a celebration, a living reminder that our stories are meant to be seen, heard, and exalted. Welcome to 'The Alexander Ball', where every step is an act of liberation.”
'The Alexander Ball' is set to serve as a platform for self-expression, resilience, and cultural pride.
'The Alexander Ball' plays Princess Theatre (Brisbane Festival) 13 September.
