Quotes and Citings

"Flow Affair"
Upcoming documentary
release in 2010; Aaron featured in interview.

The Greatest Ball On Earth 2:
A Harlem Fantasy
Fall/Winter 2009, NYC

"How Do I Look?"
2006 documentary; Aaron has cameo appearance

Jasmine Cannick
"Love Is The Message..." 2006

Links
Brian Lantelme Photography, includes a written and pictorial history regarding the end of the legendary Sally's Hideaway female impersonation show lounge in NYC's Times Square.

It was my priviledge to be asked to judge the first half of Father AJ Ninja's Painted 2: Khaos Ball (I was to compete in the second half). I do not take this role lightly, as I understand first hand all the hard work that can go into category preparation, only to be slighted by a callous or vengeful panel member.

One of my calls that did not sit popularly with some calls for clarification, as I tried to give just that to the contestant in question. I had to "chop" because of an afterthought and a stall. When you compete for a category, make sure you have all your 'T's crossed and 'I's dotted. You could still run the risk of getting "chopped," but that still doesn't excuse faulty preparation. When you forget part of your presentation, its not a good idea to hold up proceedings while you and your assisters scramble around to try and correct the problem (especially if the oversite is brought to your attention during the actual judging). If the judges have to remind you that you overlooked a particular detail, than you obviously did not prepare for the category. Take your evaluation and be ready for the next time.

Also, the frequency in which a person does or does not attend balls has no bearing on their ability to judge a ball. I have always been know to be a stickler for detail, so my credentials speak for themselves. All that is required is that one have a working knowledge of Ballroom culture and protocol, of which I do... 20 years as of this summer, I might add. Perhaps many have grown accustomed to the overlooking of what constitutes a "10" as opposed to a "9" scoring, but it is as elementary as the difference between an "A" and a "B" grade. The only approval I give is when one at least meets the basic category requirements (as printed on the flyer). A 9 just means you were close, but you missed something. Regroup and re-evaluate for the next time.

-Father Aaron Enigma

Also like vogueing, I've had to dig around to get information on this resurging practice. Very big during the Disco Era, the art has been kept alive by handing it down from one generation to the next. With the development of the AIDS crisis, practitioners were dwindling at an alarming rate, putting a damper on the movement. There has been a resurgence as of late, making it a little easier to cross paths with fellow flaggers (or spinners, another name used), thus showing "you can't keep a good thing down".

In my investigating, I have found some interesting tidbits. The flagging vs. fanning issue is one that comes to mind. Supposedly, flagging is perceived as more "macho" by the newer generation, where fanning is considered more flamboyant. I personally thought flagging was a cop-out the first time I saw it, even though fan construction can be a painstaking task (but well worth the trouble). I think fanning takes more skill, but I like the options flagging provides as well.

Another find was that along with the obvious differences between the US east and west coasts, I find that it filters down to spinning as well. West coast spinners' fans tend to be smaller and less flashy, going along with their more controlled, close-to-the-body manipulation. East coast fans are flashier and larger by comparison, probably coinciding with size of their dance clubs. Movement is more extended, and production is bigger. Whichever style appeals to you, it's great to experience the variations.