Cape Town’s Premier Ballroom Extravaganza Hosts the Love Pride Ball
South Africa’s queer ballroom scene is thriving, and Cape Town’s community is building its own culture, structure, and chosen-family networks through the floor.
On Saturday, 7 February 2026, LEGACY returns to The Old Biscuit Mill to kick off the 2026 cultural calendar with the Love Pride Ball. Now entering its fourth year with over 25 productions to its name, LEGACY has established itself not merely as an event, but as the architectural backbone of Cape Town’s queer Ballroom community – a space where the hierarchy is respected, the competition is strictly adjudicated, and the culture is preserved.
Global Lineage, Local Autonomy
To understand LEGACY, one must understand the global history it references. Ballroom culture emerged in New York City in the late 1960s and 70s, created by Black and Latino trans and queer communities who were systematically excluded from established drag pageants. In response, they formed “Houses”—alternative kinship structures led by “Mothers” and “Fathers”—and created “Balls,” where members could compete for status and affirmation.
While mainstream media (through shows such as Pose and Legendary) has recently popularized the Ballroom aesthetic globally, the movement in South Africa is grounded in necessity rather than trend. The South African scene is not a replication of the American format, but a distinct evolution of it.
In a country where queer bodies still face significant societal challenges, the “House” structure provides critical support networks. LEGACY acts as the cultural infrastructure for this movement, offering a platform where history is honored, but the expression is undeniably South African. The platform continues the work of the late Kirvan Fortuin (Mother Kirvan Le Cap), a visionary activist and artist who established the first Ballroom house (The House of Le Cap) in the country, and whose influence remains the blueprint for the local scene.
The Structure of the Night: Community & Competition
The Love Pride Ball serves as a cross-section of the entire Ballroom ecosystem. Unlike a standard nightlife event, the function is governed by strict rules of engagement. Participants “walk” (compete) in specific categories, ranging from Face and Realness to Vogue Femme, before a panel of judges.
The Order of The Floor
In Ballroom culture, “the floor” is the sacred arena where the competition takes place – a runway where reputation is built, and artistry is judged. On February 7th, this space will feature three distinct tiers of the community:
The Mainstream Houses
These are the established, legacy-driven families. They operate with formal leadership hierarchies and compete for long-term reputation. Their focus is on precision, history, and house honour.
The Kiki Scene
A youth-centered wing of Ballroom that serves as the training ground for the next generation. The Kiki scene is often more experimental and socially focused, allowing younger competitors to build confidence before entering the Mainstream.
The 007s
These are independent competitors who choose to participate without a House affiliation. In Ballroom terminology, a “007” is a free agent—often highly skilled walkers who are building their own individual names or are in transition between Houses.
The event is produced by Edition Events, a female-led agency that has become a pivotal player in Cape Town’s creative economy. Known for bridging the gap between underground subcultures and professional production standards, Edition Events focuses on “cultural stewardship.” Their approach ensures that while the event attracts brand partners and media attention, the integrity of the source culture is never compromised.
Léa Debbah, founder of Edition Events and co-organizer of LEGACY alongside Ballroom consultant Rori Bingham 007 (former father of the House of Le Cap 2020-2025), explains that the mission is simple: to match the community’s energy with the right environment.
“Ballroom is about resilience and chosen family, and that energy creates something really special here in South Africa. We aren’t trying to over-complicate it; we just want to give this community the platform it deserves. The floor is intense. Sure, it’s where you are judged, but it’s also where you are celebrated.
“My role is to make sure the production level matches the talent. When a walker steps out, the lighting, the sound, the atmosphere, it has to be perfect. It’s our way of saying: we see you, we respect you, and this space is yours.”
The Love Pride Ball (A LEGACY Production) is on Saturday, 7 February 2026, from 9 PM till 2 AM at Hearty / The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town. Tickets available online via Quicket & at the door.
More information and announcements follow Edition Events at @edition_events and @legacyball_ct and edition-events.com.
