Paris Is Burning aficionados and participants in the Toronto ballroom scene — that’s vogue ballroom, not cha-cha — will be snatching trophies at the inaugural House of Nuance Parliament Is Burning Ball. The House of Nuance is the creation of Father Titus Nuance and Mother Trouble Nuance, otherwise known as Will Eagle and Matt Sweet. This is the second house in Canada, designed to build on the House of Monroe’s work and answer the call from the community to open up competition and elevate the scene. Those who’ve not been to a ball before, get ready to have your minds blown.  

Throughout the night different categories will call for performances in vogue, runway walk, sex siren, costume effects and more, inviting people to throw down in front of a panel of judges. The best in each category will battle other winners until one is victorious. The night will start with a demonstration of each category, so those not familiar with balls will know what to look for, although nothing can prepare you for the electrifying dips, drops and hair flips. DJ John Caffery (Mighty Real, Pitbull) will be serving up a mix of disco-diva classics, along with the cuntiest of vogue beats. —Will Eagle