In addition to fun artmaking and a pop-up bar like we always feature at Untitled: Artist Takever, at the Spookiki Ball we invite you to watch participants compete in different categories, each with their own themes tied to the DIVA exhibition. Categories span from fashion and beauty to performance and aesthetics, with judges, commentators, music, and an audience all contributing to the celebration. Whether this is your first ball or your one hundredth, read our Q&A with Mother Valentino Flora for everything you need to know to get ready!
Our Featured Artist
Mother Valentino Flora is a multidisciplinary artist, ballroom mother, and member of the Kiki House of Flora. Their creative practice lives at the intersection of movement, performance, and theatre. As a House Mother, Valentino is invested in chosen family, and nurturing spaces where their community can be supported and celebrated.Their work has been presented throughout Denver’s ballroom and arts communities, including collaborations and programming with Meow Wolf Denver, Denver University, and various ballroom community-centered events. Valentino has also produced and curated events including the Storybook KiKi Ball, The Nintendo Ball, Flower Power KiKi Ball, and more.
DAM: Describe what a “ball” is? What will visitors see?
Valentino: A ball is a competition and gathering rooted in Black and Brown queer and trans communities. Ballroom gives people a space to express themselves while also celebrating individuality and community.
At the SpooKiKi Ball, visitors will see participants walk different categories, each with their own themes and expectations tied to the upcoming DIVA exhibit. You’ll see categories spanning from fashion and beauty to performance and aesthetics, with judges, commentators, music, and an audience all contributing to the energy of the room.
DAM: Can you provide a quick intro for people who know nothing about ballroom culture?
Valentino: Ballroom is a culture and community that was created and nurtured primarily by Black and Brown LGBTQ+ people, particularly Black and Latina trans women, as a space for competition, family, and belonging. Participants gather at balls to compete in categories ranging from fashion and beauty to aesthetics and voguing.
For many people, ballroom also provides something deeper than competition…chosen family, and a place to imagine and embody versions of yourself that the outside world may not always make space for.
DAM: Describe the dress code for visitors? How do folks get into the spirit of the night?
Valentino: There isn't one specific way visitors have to dress, but we encourage people to lean into the Halloween spirit, get creative, and have fun with fashion. Think camp, glamour, drama, fantasy, and a little bit of spooky energy.
You don’t have to be an expert in ballroom to enjoy a ball, just come open to the experience, and be mindful that this culture comes from and continues to serve Black and Brown queer and trans communities who have built, sustained, and continue to be most deeply impacted by and invested in this space.
DAM: How is this ball different from others?
Valentino: The SpooKiKi Ball is special because it brings ballroom into a museum setting while still centering the culture and our local Denver scene, the people who actively shape and sustain our local ballroom community. I'm interested in creating an experience where ballroom isn't simply something visitors observe, but something they can feel and invest in. It's also a chance to connect ballroom's history of creativity and performance with the themes explored through DIVA.
DAM: What do you hope people take away from attending the SpooKiki Ball at the DAM?
Valentino: I hope people leave understanding that ballroom is so much more than voguing or fashion. It is a culture built around creativity, resilience, chosen family, mentorship, and the freedom to become whoever you want to be.
I also hope visitors feel inspired to express themselves a little more boldly. Whether someone walks away wanting to dance, or simply feel more comfortable being themselves, I want the ball to leave people feeling celebrated and connected.
