World of Red Ball

The World of Red Ball is The Center's signature World AIDS Day event that uses voguing to honor the perseverance and strength of LGBTQ+ people living with HIV & AIDS. It creates a safe space to reflect and celebrate those we have lost to HIV & AIDS as well as those continually fighting. Our goal is to continue hosting a thoughtfully curated event focused on education, engagement, and support for one of the communities most impacted by HIV/AIDS—the ballroom community.

World of Red Ball

World AIDS Day “The World of Red Ball 6”

Theme: Reflections of Red

As the culture of ballroom moves forward, we must never forget the trailblazers and lives that paved the way, giving us countless unforgettable nights of resilience and radiant talent. This year we pay homage to the moments, Icons and Pioneers that have shaped our culture across generations into the movement we see today.

Join us as we uplift our community through fierce competition, celebrate lives lived and lost, and pay tribute to the enduring spirit of those impacted by HIV/AIDS.

Tuesday, December 1, 2026

7 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Park Avenue Christian Church (66 E. 85th Street & Park Ave)

RSVP

Hosted by:

NYC Father Icon Yo Yo Tisci

Curator

International Father Will Chanel

Curator

Let us know you're coming

The World of Red Ball is free and open all members of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies.

Talent

Legendary Byrell the Great

DJ

Legendary Snookie West

Commentator

Sponsors & Community Partners

2026 CATEGORIES

 

Grand Prize: “THE RED RE-BOOT” $2,500

Any House Production Rebooted

Take any As A House production not belonging to your house from the past and reboot it! Re-do it in RED! You can jazz it up a lil or just do it better than before just make sure the judges know the production before they score.You must have 4 or more members from your house in your production.

Best Dressed: Presentation – Vintaged Red $$$

3 Trophies, 1 Grand Prize Winner

Take a look back at a vintaged fashion collection, modernize the look and make it Red!

Face: Face the Past $$$

5 Trophies, 1 Grand Prize Winner

Pick any moment from the past belonging to any Icon of Face from any ball and recreated it in Red.

Realness: The Wonder Years (Reboot) $$$

10 Trophies, 1 Grand Prize Winner

The Wonder Years reboot focuses on a middle class black family from Alabama in the 70’s. Which role would you play? Come dressed for the part! Red is not mandatory.

Performance: The 80’s Reflect $$$

8 Trophies, 4 Grand Prize Winners

Let’s Get Physical: Olivia Newton – John released the “Let’s Get Physical” video in 1981! In a look inspired by this video let’s see your body talk!

Braakin 2 “Electric Boogaloo”: Released in 1984 showcased some of the best dance costumes of its decade. Recreating any look from the movie, showcase your performance for the win. 

Old Way vs New Way – FAME: This 1980’s movie followed NYC performing arts students as they chased their dreams from audition to audition. Tonight’s your audition. In a look from Fame. Will you get the part?

Legendary/Iconic Performance – Flashdance: Flashdance released in 1983 portrayed a hard working woman as a welder by day and an exotic dancer by night. She was an exceptional welder and her creative exotic shows wowed the patrons of the club. In either look your job is to wow the judges and take home the prize.

Runway $$$

10 Trophies, 2 Grand Prize Winners

The Emerald City Sequence: The Wiz, released in 1978, has some of the most iconic scenes ever in cinematic history. Tonight recreate the Emerald City Sequence with a look of your own choosing in either green, red, gold.

Legendary/Iconic Runway: California Crazee Wear vs. Vintage Hip Hop Fashion: Y’all should remember this! Extremely roomy thighs with tapered lower legs, Hammer pants or Zubaz. Wild neon colors, geometric colorblocking, animal prints, and patriotic themes like the American flag. Track suits, Bucket Hats, Kangols, Adidas and Gold Chains! Bring It with your Legendary/Iconic Strut and that 80’s fashion mentioned above is a must!

World of Red Ball

Vogue Down.



Get into scenes from World of Red Ball. Video by: BRTB TV

World of Red Ball Outfits

External Resources

2025 WORB Photo Album

View the 2025 WORB Photo Album
World of Red Ball

External Resources

2024 WORB Photo Album

View the 2024 WORB Photo Album
LGBT Ball in NYC

External Resources

2023 WORB Photo Album

View the 2023 WORB Photo Album

External Resources

2022 WORB Photo Album

View the 2022 WORB Photo Album
LGBT Ball in NYC

External Resources

2021 WORB Photo Album

View the 2021 WORB Photo Album