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OVAH Hannover Lab

OVAH Hannover

Voguing is an art, as well as a political statement. (Willi Ninja)

OVAH HANNOVER provides a safe space for QTIBIPOC* in the ballroom scene. The lab aims to promote empowerment, HIV/STD education and self-defense. Their goal is to build diversity, inclusion and collaboration with institutions.

The lab is aimed at the approx. 40 young Ballroom representatives of Hannover, with whom they jointly remember the Ballroom culture and work through its violent history, but also characterized by fantasy and self-realization, in which discrimination and exclusion, which for decades (and still) led to struggles for survival, homelessness and also murder. The lab is intended to address issues that have shaped Ballroom culture and continue to do so today. It is a social, political, emotional and indispensable work for which public schools or counseling centers have not yet established a structure.

For this, the artists are planning different formats for BIPOC and trans* participants. These will function as protected spaces where emotions and experiences can be shared. Without the pressure or claim to solve existing problematic systems of oppression. In addition, the lab acts as an introduction for the future Ballroom projects in Hannover, Lower Saxony.

Impressions

A Person makes a dancing pose while squatting. Other people around her look down at her. © Emilia Wassiliadou
Two dancers wriggle on the floor. © Emilia Wassiliadou
A woman post over a glass of grapes. © Emilia Wassiliadou
A choreographer stands in front of a group of dancers. © Emilia Wassiliadou
Group picture © Emilia Wassiliadou

More detailed documentation of the lab can be found behind the following keywords, which invite you to browse.

Participants

The OVAH Hannover Lab Team consists of: Maurice Werner, Amowia Wang + Parisa Madani & Parisa Juicy (Project Management), Lu Yu Zou (Production Management), Kadir Akbaba (Artist Care), Mawuto Sandra Dotou + Julia Sukop (Graphic Design), Mehdi Amiri (Videographer), Nneka Eze (Community Management), Emi Wassiliadou + Nora Bartsch (Social Media / Public Relations), invited artists & experts at the dance studio in Hannover: Mother Magia Marciano - Vogue Fem (DE), Legendary Trailblazer European Mother Leo Saint Laurent - European Runway (DE), BlackPearl Saint Laurent - European Runway (DE), Roberto Angels Revlon - Body (NL), Sattva Ninja- New Way (UK) & Typhoon Angels - Commentator (NL), workshop leader online: Legendary Mother Rheeda Ladurée - History of Ballroom (FR), Icon Niambi - Ballroom 101 (USA), Sydney Xtravaganza - Voguing History (USA), Diabla Saint Laurent - Realness (MEX), Dr. Amanita Calderon-Cifuentes Marciano - HIV 101 (DE), UpNComing Hall of Fame Mother Baby Garçon + Icon Sebastian Saint Laurent - Parenting (USA)