Seatavern

07 June 2025Cape Town’s iconic ballroom celebration is back!

Father Ray and Mother Ambi LaBeija present LEGACY: CRYSTAL BALLCelebrating the pioneering mother of Ballroom - Crystal LaBeija. Before there was a category to walk there was a standard to uphold. Crystal LaBeija set a precedent for what it means to walk in your truth, to demand respect and embody excellence. Her Legacy is unbreakable and her influence stretches far beyond the ballroom floor.

In her honour we invite you to show your colour Darling! Bring us every hue and shade of your existence in celebration of Crystals Legacy.

Powered by Puma South Africa.

PRIZES: R2500 vouchers from Puma South AfricaR500 cash from The BuddiesMakeup from FoschiniTrophies designed by the Printables

June is International Pride Month! Is anybody walking?!

Categories for LEGACY: THE CRYSTAL BALL

Best Dressed - Furs and Jewels

Bring it like Crystal LaBeija, the queen of luxurious furs - she was a fur fanatic, after all! - drippin’ in crystal-encrusted Jewels, and wrapped in your most fashionable faux fur. We want opulence, blinding brilliance, and enough sparkle to blind the competition. This category’s all about shinin' bright like a diamond in the rough. It’s faux fur chic meets blinding glamour, and we’re fixin’ to get fierce!

Drag Queen Face

In her early years, Crystal worked, competed, and made a name for herself during the 1960s Manhattan drag circuit. Serve us drag face embellished with gemstones or crystals to accentuate feminine features.

Drag King Face

Crystal made a name for herself in the 1960’s Manhattan drag circuit. Serve us drag face embellished with gemstones or crystals to accentuate masculine features.

Runway OTA - You WILL see my colour, darling!

Enter the Kaleidoscope with a psychedelic look as you serve RUNWAY. Like refracted rays of light through a crystal prism, dazzle the judges with a look exploding with colour, patterns and shapes while giving an American or European style runway walk to bag your tens and that Grand prize

Executive Realness - Trans Bodies Only

This isn’t just a look, it’s a strategy for success. We want to see you blend into the business district in your cuntiest corporate couture. Slutty secretary? Cutt-throat CEO? Power-hungry power broker? Invisible intern? Whether it’s with shoulder pads sharp enough to cut glass or a briefcase full of secrets, you better show us you mean business! And remember, if you don’t use the binary to get ahead, it’ll use you! So leverage the system, climb the ladder, close the deal, and leave the boardroom gagged.

Sex Siren OTA - Red and Purple Hues

The ends of the spectrum is yours. Celebrate your unique and divine sensuality and fill the room with your warm seductive light in shades of red and purple. Channel Crystal’s allure to command the judges’ attention and let your presence be a powerful provocation!

Performance OTA - Neon fractals

Claim your space and electrify the audience with your Vogue in a neon accessorised look that is bright, bold and impossible to ignore. Like neon light through a crystal ball, your body should refract, dazzle, and split the room wide open. This category is open to Vogue Femme, Old Way and New Way.

Bar & Food - 420 Friendly - Coat Check available

SCHEDULE:8:00 PM Doors Open 9:30 PM Ball Begins 00:30 AM After Party

WHAT IS BALLROOM?

Ballroom (or “Ball”) culture began as an underground LGBTQ+ subculture, born from the resilience and brilliance of Black and Latinx queer communities in 1980s New York. Over time, it has evolved into a global movement—celebrating identity, expression, and artistry through dance, fashion, and performance. At balls, participants “walk” (compete) in different categories for prizes, trophies, and respect.ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Our doors are open to everyone: Queer people, women, femme-presenting individuals, and our straight allies. Whether you want to walk a category, cheer from the sidelines, or dance the night away at the afterparty—you are welcome.

Edition Events has been championing safe, inclusive, and vibrant spaces in Cape Town since 2021 and continue to uplift queer and minority communities through powerful experiences and collaborations with local artists.

The Royal House of Labeija – South African Chapter Est. 2023

Debuting in 2023, the South African Chapter of the legendary Royal House of Labeija was founded under the visionary leadership of Mother Ambi Labeija and Father Ray Labeija. With house members Gabe Labeija and Sara Labeija, the chapter continues the rich legacy of one of ballroom culture’s most iconic houses.

Guided by a powerful vision, the South African chapter seeks to build a positive and inclusive space for individuals from all walks of life. Both within and beyond the ballroom scene, the house fosters a supportive environment for self-expression, creative exploration, and community connection. Their aim is to elevate the local ballroom scene to global standards, positioning South Africa as a vibrant hub of ballroom excellence.

This local mission is deeply rooted in the broader vision of the Overall Royal House of Labeija: to plant seeds that grow and flourish, allowing the legacy to be passed forward to future generations in a way that transcends a single lifetime.

Mission Statement:

To curate safe and affirming spaces for the ballroom community.

To uplift South Africa’s broader queer community through acts of kindness, service, love, and respect.

To serve as a family, using their platform to inspire growth and resilience both on and off the runway.

Since its inception, the house has hosted two successful mini balls and is now preparing to launch The Crystal Ball in collaboration with LEGACY, Rori Bingham and Edition Events, marking a major milestone in the chapter’s journey and a celebration of South Africa’s emerging presence on the international ballroom stage.

For any questions or accessibility needs, please contact us at info@edition- events.com. Follow us on instagram @edition_events