Participants of The Goblin Queen’s Winter Ball are encouraged to dress up like performers from this previous Steampunk Vagabonds event. Photo: Supplied.
If you’re looking to inject a little fun and fantasy into your world, then don your most opulent ball gown and a mask and enter The Goblin Queen’s Winter Ball in Shellharbour this August in what promises to blend the worlds of the labyrinth with the decadence of a venetian vampire’s ball.
The ball is one of three creative experiences, which also includes The Goblin Queen’s Eclectic Art Market, and creative workshops.
Astarte Studio Belly Dance and Fusion director Kylie Morrison said she had held many events over the years, but this was the first combining the performing and creative arts.
“Every year I like to do something for my students and used to run quite large events annually before lockdown,” Kylie said.
“They started to grow every year and I realised there wasn’t an event where people could really dress up to the nines and have a dinner show in this area.
“Because I know lots of dancers and performers, I was in a position where I could provide a night out of whimsy, fantasy and creativity, as well as giving an option for performers, artists and creators to come on board to showcase what they have to offer as well and provide entertainment for the evening.”
She said the winter ball would feature performers from her studio Astarte Studio Belly Dance and Fusion, along with performers from Birds of Paradise Belly Dance in Wollongong, Circus WOW and other Illawarra performers and guest performers from Sydney through to Newcastle.
And people are encouraged to dress up for the ball.
“I told everyone, think of it as a cross between the labyrinth and a venetian ball,” she said.
In addition, she’s part of two artists groups – Firetail Artists Collective and Against the Tide Alternative Artists Collective – which will combine for an art exhibition and market at The Imaginarium in Shellharbour Village, with an eclectic array of artworks, photography, paintings, drawings, made items, crafted items and mixed media.
Kylie said the final piece was three days of creative workshops facilitated by various artists with different skill sets, including creative corsages, embroidery and beading, old fashioned zoetrope motion animation, along with tarot readings.
Stuck for what to wear to the ball? This previous Steampunk Vagabonds event might inspire you. Photo: Supplied.
She said two of the guest dancers would also teach dance workshops at the Shellharbour Civic Centre.
“It was something I really wanted to do for the broader creative and performing arts community, because there aren’t a lot of events for creators and performers in the local area, especially through dance and performance,” she said.
“It’s been a hard couple of years for artists as well, so to be able to have an event that gives them exposure, as well as an opportunity to be involved and run workshops and get an income from it, I think that’s important for the whole community to keep us on the creative path.”
Being director of Steampunk Vagabonds, and having contacts within the steampunk and cosplay communities, she said people were keen to dress up in costume or fancy dress, with 90 of the 120 tickets already sold for the ball.
“It’s something people need – to have some whimsy and some fantasy and some fun in their life,” she said.
“We don’t get to wear all that costume jewellery that’s stashed away, or that dress that you wore to a wedding once. You could even wear your bridal gown.
“Put on a mask, and just be part of something really fun.”
She said it was giving people an outlet to get creative with their costuming and, by dressing up, allowed them to feel part of the event.
“You can really get reconnected with your inner child and your creativity – and appreciate the creativity of others – to be inspired to be more creative in your own life,” she said.
“If they enter the labyrinth of creativity, then hopefully a whole new world will open up for them.”
The event received a grant from Shellharbour City Council to support the creative and performing arts community.
Book tickets for The Goblin Queen’s Winter Ball on 3 August at the Shellharbour Civic Centre. Or learn more about The Goblin Queen’s Eclectic Art Market from 31 July to 4 August and creative workshops from 1 to 3 August at The Imaginarium in Shellharbour Village.
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