Evolution Ball II: Helsinki Claims Its Place on the Global Ballroom Stage
I’ll be honest: my very first encounter with ballroom culture came through the TV series Pose. Watching the lives of the femqueens—Black and Latinx trans women who built the foundation of this movement in New York City—was powerful and eye-opening. But no episode, no scene, could have prepared me for what I experienced last night at Evolution Ball II at Dance House Helsinki.
Because ballroom isn’t just entertainment. It’s not just a competition. Ballroom is a sanctuary—a safe space where people can be seen, celebrated, and honored for exactly who they are. And that’s exactly what Helsinki became last night: a place vibrating with creativity, adrenaline, fashion, resistance, and freedom.
The Biggest Ball in Finland
Evolution Ball II was not only the largest ball Finland has ever seen—it was a cultural milestone. The ballroom scene in Helsinki, still young compared to New York, London, or Paris, showed it has the heart, the drive, and the vision to stand proudly on the global ballroom map.
The event brought together an extraordinary lineup of international guests who set the tone for a night that was nothing short of legendary. Leiomy Maldonado—icon, choreographer, and star of Pose and Legendary—was there, alongside The Old Way Icon Overall International Father Jamal Milan, Legendary NYC Mother Jonovia Xclusive Lanvin, Legendary Founding Father Charly Gaultier-Brown, and Finland’s own Kelet Gorgeous Gucci, who continues to inspire the next generation of queer artists.
Each category—Hands, Face, Body, Runway, Vogue, New Way and more—was not simply a competition. It was a declaration of identity, a performance of survival, and an affirmation of selfhood. To witness these artists take the floor was to witness strength, beauty, and resistance wrapped in movement and style.
A Night of Connection and Celebration
The energy in the room was electric. Zelda Xclusive Lanvin and Ghepetto Lanvin carried the evening as presenters, while DJ Loffe Beats kept the beats sharp and the audience energized. Every clap, every cheer, felt like a collective heartbeat echoing through the space.
The credit for this unforgettable night goes to Experiencing Oy and the leadership of The Nordic Queen Mother Virpi Xclusive Lanvin, The Nordic Mother Coco Xclusive Lanvin, and The Legendary Nordic Empress Venla Xclusive Lanvin. Their work brought together not only Finland’s local ballroom community but also international guests and allies, creating a night that celebrated both legacy and the future of ballroom.
Why It Matters
Events like Evolution Ball II are not just nightlife—they are education, history, and activism rolled into one. They remind us that ballroom culture was born out of necessity, created by marginalized Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ communities in New York who needed a place to exist freely and powerfully. And they show us that ballroom today continues to be that sanctuary.
Helsinki, often seen as quiet or reserved, proved last night that it can roar with queer pride. It proved that there is a growing audience ready to support, to celebrate, and to witness the brilliance of this community.
The Takeaway
Leaving Dance House Helsinki last night, I felt something I rarely feel in public spaces: an overwhelming sense of connection and hope. Ballroom has always been, always will be, and always must be a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. Last night, Helsinki honored that tradition beautifully.
So here’s the call: keep showing up. Buy the ticket. Invite your friends. Share the stories. Because every cheer in a ball is more than applause—it is a celebration of existence, a reminder that queer joy and resilience will always find a way to shine.
