"Right here, right here, right here!" shouted Symba McQueen, the charismatic organizer and host of The Red Ball—a vogue and ballroom competition in New York City that went down on Wednesday, December 2, the day after World AIDS Day. With Princess Precious of the essential ballroom label and crew QweenBeat as the Master of Ceremonies, the night began as participants sashayed down the catwalk and competed in fierce dance battles.According to McQueen, the color red was chosen as the evening's theme not just because it's connected to the fight against HIV/AIDS—but because "red stands for energy, passion, and action. It signifies a pioneering spirit, leadership qualities, and promotes ambition." Photographer Luis Nieto Dickens of No Sleep NYCwas on hand to capture the thrilling night of brutal competition, friendly camaraderie, and fabulously creative costumes.
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