Seattle is known for its vibrant and diverse culture, but not many people are aware of the thriving kiki ballroom scene that has emerged in the city in recent years. Kiki ballroom is a subculture of the larger ballroom scene, which originated in New York City in the 1970s as a safe and celebratory space for queer Black and Brown people to express themselves through performance, fashion, and community. Kiki ballroom is less competitive and more accessible than mainstream ballroom, and it focuses on providing fun, education, and support for queer youth of color.
The History of Kiki Ballroom
Kiki ballroom can be traced back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, when some members of the ballroom scene felt that the events were becoming too serious, expensive, and exclusive. They wanted to create a more relaxed and playful environment where they could experiment with different styles, categories, and identities without the pressure of winning trophies or impressing judges. They also wanted to welcome newcomers who were curious about ballroom but intimidated by its rules and expectations. Thus, they started organizing informal gatherings at their homes or public spaces, where they would practice their skills, teach each other new moves, and have fun. These gatherings were called “kikis”, a slang term for gossiping or chatting among friends.
Kikis soon evolved into kiki balls, which were smaller and cheaper versions of regular balls. Kiki balls had fewer categories, lower entrance fees, and more flexible criteria for judging. They also had a more diverse and inclusive range of participants, including transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people, as well as people of different ages, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Kiki balls became a way for queer youth of color to explore their identities, talents, and passions in a supportive and affirming space.
The Sea/Tac Kiki Ballroom Scene
In February 2019, Rocky Jones (aka Eleekay Princeton) and Chris Davis (aka ChiChi Princeton) founded the Sea/Tac Kiki Ballroom Scene, a grassroots organization dedicated to bringing kiki ballroom culture to the Pacific Northwest. Rocky and Chris are the house parents of the House of Princeton, one of the many houses that form the kiki ballroom community. Houses are groups of performers who share a common name, style, and bond. They act as surrogate families for many queer youth who face rejection or violence from their biological families or society at large.
The Sea/Tac Kiki Ballroom Scene hosts monthly kiki balls at various venues in Seattle and Tacoma, attracting performers and spectators from across the region. They also offer weekly classes at the Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center (T.U.P.A.C), where they teach the history, etiquette, and techniques of kiki ballroom. In addition, they organize monthly “takeovers”, which are casual events where they showcase their talents at public spaces such as parks or malls.
The Sea/Tac Kiki Ballroom Scene aims to create a space where queer Black and Brown people can be themselves, express their creativity, and find community. They also strive to raise awareness and visibility of kiki ballroom culture in the mainstream society, as well as to challenge stereotypes and stigma around queer identities. They hope to inspire more people to join their movement and celebrate their diversity.
The Royal House of Noir: Seattle’s All-Black Kiki Ballroom House
One of the houses that participates in the Sea/Tac Kiki Ballroom Scene is the Royal House of Noir, Seattle’s first and only all-Black kiki ballroom house. The house was formed in July 2021 by Lü (she/they/Queen), Chi (they/she/Queen), and CarLarans (he/they/King), who are also known as Lüchi, an iconic drag performance duo. They were joined by Avery (they/he), Aísha (she/her/goddess), and Elle (she/her/duchess) Noir, who became their children.
The Royal House of Noir is a house of talented and devoted performance artists and community activists who focus on community safety and liberation. They use their platform to amplify Black voices and perspectives, as well as to address issues such as racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, classism, and HIV/AIDS. They also support other Black-led organizations and initiatives in the area.
The Royal House of Noir is making history alongside other houses in the Pacific Northwest kiki ballroom scene by cultivating a space for queer Black people to not only survive but thrive in this world. They are also bringing their unique flavor and energy to the kiki balls with their stunning outfits, fierce walks, and captivating performances.
Conclusion
The kiki ballroom scene in Seattle is a vibrant and dynamic subculture that offers a space for queer Black and Brown people to express their creativity, find their community, and celebrate their identities. It is also a movement that challenges the mainstream norms and expectations of society, and advocates for social justice and change. The kiki ballroom scene is a testament to the resilience, diversity, and beauty of the queer Black and Brown community in Seattle and beyond.
