presents
December 14th, 2024
Arts Court,
67 Nicholas St.
Ottawa
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As part of the Pique fall edition on September 28, 2024, Topique returns with 5 illuminating sessions focused on ballroom culture and technique, DIY electronic arts, and artistic solidarity and resistance.
Topique sessions are free with a ticket to Pique.
No pre-registration required. First come first served. Please arrive early to secure your spot.
All sessions take place on Saturday, September 28, 2024
Programming
Open Level Vogue
Workshop led by Legendary OA Mutha Maldita Siriano
Dating back to the late 1960's, Ballroom culture was birthed and created by Black and Latinx Gay and Trans folx as an act of resistance to racism in the New York drag scene. Vogue is an expression using poses and movement created by the Gay & Trans Black and Latinx folx of the underground Ballroom scene. From Pop, Dip and Spin, to New Way, to Vogue Femme, these styles of vogue fall under the category, Performance. During the workshops we'll play with posing, the art of selling, tapping into our feminine, laying foundations with the elements of vogue femme (hands, catwalks, duckwalks, floor performance, spins & dips) and battling.
Creative Resistances: Practicing Solidarity in the Arts
Panel discussion featuring Rana Nazzal Hamadeh, Lougien Dawoudiah, Nazanin Zarepour and Philippe Manasseh. Moderated by Anna Shah Hoque
As artists and organizers, how can we actively support decolonial efforts through our creative practices amidst the ongoing impacts of colonization? How can art serve as a powerful tool for collectively envisioning a better future while advocating for justice today? This panel will pay particular attention to how the arts can support Palestinian struggles for justice and self-determination as part of a broader commitment to global decolonial efforts. Join artists and community organizers as they share stories and strategies for solidarity-building and discuss how creatives can unite to drive meaningful change.
From Scratch
Artist talk & demo by Evicshen
Evicshen details her unique DIY approach to electronics, performance, and music-making. She is perhaps best known for her invention and use of the Needle Nails, acrylic nails with embedded record styluses that allows her to play up to five grooves at once. She will discuss both the modernist and feminist notions that underlie her sound practice, her ambition to expand the field of turntablism, and present a dizzying array of sonic experiments which include levitating speakers, dB sensing wearables, and magnetic guitar/bass/piano resonators.
Runway
Workshop led by TO Godmother Mystique Siriano
Fashion + Attitude + The Walk. Let your legs do the walking and feet do the talking. This workshop is open to all levels of experience. Arrive in clothes and shoes that you feel good in, look good in and can walk in. What does it mean to get your 10's in this category? Come find out and learn how to battle.
Judges, Do You See It?
Panel discussion featuring Canada Father Legendary TKO Old Navy, Canada Founding Father Legendary Notis Poseida, TO Mother Luxury Siriano, MTL Godmother Moohk Louboutin, MTL Father Broadway Mulan. Moderated by Yéila Siriano
Get to know some of the leaders in the Ballroom scene and what they look for when judging a ball. Categories include: Butch Queen, European Runway, Performance, Butch Realness, Femme Queen Face, Bizarre, Commentator vs Commentator, and BQVF. Judges include: MTL Godmother Moohk Louboutin, MTL Father Broadway Mulan, TO Mother Luxury Siriano, Canada Father Legendary TKO Old Navy, and Canada Father Legendary Notis Poseida. These folx have earned their name in their respective cities through walking and winning in their categories, and through their contributions to and impact on their local community.