Workshop: Voguing with Vogue YYC

Voguing Workshop by Vogue YYC

3:15 pm - 4:45 pm at the Grindstone Theatre

About the instructor: ABOUT KEVIN:
Kevin Fraser is a Queer Jamaican (Xaymaca| Land of Wood and Water) born international interdisciplinary artist and Creative Director, currently based on the unceded territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Although his practice has been primarily based in dance and movement arts, Kevin also explores/implements/studies various art mediums to aid in the research and creation of new work such as; Film, Photography, Theatre, Voice, Creative Writing, Fashion, Music, and Media. Kevin's love of ballroom culture began with finding any media source they could to learn about it, from “Paris Is Burning” to “Ballroom Throwbacks”. His interest peaked in 2009 after taking workshops from Archie Burnett, and later becoming a member of the Art Collective and Performance House “House Of Dangerkat”, founded by Kaiti “Dangerkat” Pasqualotto and Ashley “ Colours” Perez. This gave him the opportunity to travel to New York City to train and immerse himself in ballroom culture.

Kevin has trained/taken class with; Benny Ninja, Javier Ninja, Dashaun Basquiat, Danielle Polanco, Nunney Karma, Jose Xtravaganza, Omari Wiles Oricci, Pony Zion. Kevin walked his first ball and the historic La Escuelita in NYC. Since then Kevins involvement in Ballroom has transitioned to that of Commentator and Host.

They commentated/hosted the first west coast balls, that occured in Calgary Alberta, in 2013 for The Bad Girls Club YYC, Founded by Tony Tran and Giang Trinh. Since then he has gone on to commentate for balls organized by Van Vogue Jam, founded by Ralph Escamillan and Vogue YYC, founded by Katria Phothong-McKinnon and Shandie Ta. They are also a guest instructor and choreographer for illFx Athena founded by Katherine Burrowes. Kevin cites; Kevin Z Prodigy, Selvin/MC Debra, Tim Lanvin, Precious, Seven, and Leggoh as their biggest inspirations in Commentating. Their current interests in ballroom is that of an educator and historian, and sees beauty and necessity in preserving the history of ballroom and assuring that the liberation that is experienced in ballroom can be felt vastly. Kevin has been a part of the ballroom community for 13 years.

This is a free event put on by Fruit Loop & Grindstone Theatre for Pride Reunited. We have limited space, so please only RSVP if you are absolutely able to come. If you need to cancel your spot, please email Jocelyn at janselmo@grindstonetheatre.ca. See you on the dance floor!