Historical Costume Ball Drag Show Fashion Pageant Spectacular

Registration and the waitlist are full!

Registration will be checked at the door.

This event launches the Patterns for All Bodies project in a particularly fabulous way.

On 25 January, Kingston’s Dare de LaFemme, Tyffanie Morgan and Rowena Whey showcase—with emphasis on the word *show*—their bespoke garments. We unveil the behind-the-scenes process and launch the first patterns for free download in a new online exhibition on Digital Agnes. PfAB will continue to grow with more patterns, performances, and resources over the years. Come costumed up and get ready to mingle or dance!

This event also launches a weeklong series of activities, in collaboration with the Centre for Teaching and Learning, Queen’s University.

Dare de LaFemme began going drag in Kingston in 2019, at a time when Kingston had not seen a Drag King for several years. With his passion for glamour mixed with comedy, he quickly became a staple in the Kingston drag scene. Over the years he has also had the wonderful opportunity to perform alongside many of the stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race when they come through Kingston and the surrounding areas.

Dare has a passion for curating events that showcase a variety of performing arts disciplines. He is the producer and host of Dare’s Royal Variety Show, which has run for 2 consecutive show seasons in 2022 and 2023. The show features drag, burlesque, circus artists, and musicians, and takes place in Gananoque at the Royal Theater Thousand Islands.

Dare has also been hired to host and perform at several distinguished events such as the ReelOut Opening Gala (2023), Napanee Pride shows (2021 & 2022), the Imagination Ball Fundraiser for the Quinte West Youth Centre (2023), and the Kingston Pride Festival (2023). He also co-created a clown duet with Erin Ball of Kingston Circus arts to showcase at Electric Circuits (2022).

Dare has been hired by several small town libraries to host their very first Drag Storytime events. Despite many protesters at these events, Dare has always been committed to showing up bravely and promoting the celebration of diversity among 2SLGBTQ youths and allies.

Biographies

Dare de LaFemme sits jauntily on a small wooden desk holding a large red apple. They are wearing a black hat, white waistcoast, red polka dot vest with a blue bowtie, and black sequin capris pants.

Portrait of Dare de LaFemme. Photo: Becky Hinch Photography

Tyffanie Morgan is a drag queen entertainer, gardener and horticulturist, online personality, hostess, event manager, and community leader in Kingston, Ontario. With over 20 years of experience, Tyffanie can be found leading successful drag show events, sharing her popular gardening stories with the hashtag #TyffsGarden, and producing and co-hosting a live broadcast podcast called “What’s the Maple Tea?!”.

Tyffanie Morgan sitting in a blue-green chair, wearing a multi-colour shirt and black wide-brim hat, holding a blue parasol.

Portrait of Tyffanie Morgan. Photo: Becky Hinch Photography

Rowena Whey is one of Kingston’s premiere drag entertainers, and performs all across Canada. With talents including singing, comedy, dancing, fashion, hosting, makeup, and lip-syncing, she does it all. Rowena’s accolades include being the first drag queen ever pictured on a piece of alcohol sold in the LCBO, with her beer partnership Queen of Wheat with Spearhead Brewing, and the title of “Best Theatre in Kingston” in 2021 and 2022. Rowena is also responsible for multiple large-scale drag productions and events in Kingston, Ontario. Her shows have entertained thousands, and enlisted stars from such television shows as Rupaul’s Drag Race, Canada’s Drag Race, and Call Me Mother, plus many local and visiting drag performers.

Rowena is actively involved in the Kingston community and with 2SLGBTQIA* organizations across Canada. She has organized multiple Drag Queen storytime events in Southeastern Ontario, to teach children and families about acceptance and equality. Rowena has also spearheaded events for various charities/non-profits including Kingston Pride, Dawn House, Rainbow Railroad, SPCA, the ISCWR, Trellis HIV & Community Care, and the CCGSD.