Vocabulary List Grand March
- Balls
Central events where members of the ballroom community come together to compete against each other in various categories, demonstrating their skill and creativity while representing their respective houses. - The binary
“The binary” here refers to the gender binary, which is the idea that there are only two distinct genders (male and female). - Categories
At a ball, participants compete against each other in categories. Each category highlights something else, such as fashion, performance, ‘realness’ – or body for example. Some categories are for specific genders only, while others are open to all. - Femme queens
Our term for trans women in the ballroom community, recognizing their unique position as the pillars of the community. Within ballroom there is terminology for a variety of genders and gendered experiences as lived within the context of ballroom. - Giving flowers
Honoring, showing respect - Grand March
Initiation during a ball where the house that hosts the ball presents the house in its entirety, highlighting every member in their own category. - Legendary
A title added before an individual’s name to denote their contribution to the ballroom community. - Mothers
In ballroom, mothers are the leaders of a house. A mother in ballroom can be any gender. - Mother of Sirens
Referring to Amber’s contribution to the Sex Siren category, as one of the first people in Europe to walk and popularize this category. - Runway
When someone participates in a category at a ball, they do so on the runway, oriented towards the judges while being cheered on by their community from the sides. This creates a dynamic space; everyone forms a part of what happens on the runway. - Trailblazing
Someone who has played an integral part in the formation and existence of a national ballroom scene. - Walking
The act of participating in a category at a ball.