Queer Eleganza in Helsinki: The Rise of Ballroom & Vogue Culture

Over the past ten years, Helsinki has become a vibrant hub for Ballroom culture, with its own fierce spin on a legacy born from resistance, self-expression, and queer liberation. Thanks to trailblazers like Venla Vuorio, Virpi Kurkihovi, and the electrifying Roza Ahmad—known on the floor as Princess Coco Ninja—the scene has blossomed into a fierce, glitter-soaked movement that continues to grow with fresh faces and bold new energy.

Rooted in the unapologetic spirit of 1960s Harlem, Ballroom emerged as a lifeline for Black and Latinx queer and trans folks—spaces where chosen families (known as "Houses") could thrive, compete, and be celebrated. It’s not just about serving looks—it’s about survival, defiance, and joy.

Today, the influence of Ballroom is global, thanks to cultural touchstones like Pose, Legendary, and RuPaul’s Drag Race. But make no mistake: the realness lives beyond the screen. Helsinki’s scene throws down with high-voltage vogue balls, where categories like Runway, Realness, and Best Dressed are more than competitions—they're affirmations of identity and creativity.

You’ll also find workshops, dance classes, and queer-centered events happening year-round, creating safer spaces to learn, slay, and connect. Want to plug in? Follow the pulse of the Finnish Ballroom scene on platforms like the Waacking & Voguing – Suomi-Finland Facebook group and Instagram here where the next ball might be just around the corner.