LOOKING BACK: BLOOD BALL 2022
BY LARA MILLER
Halloween to most is a time to celebrate all things that go bump in the night, however, here at FUZE, we like to do things differently. The Blood Ball was FUZE’s unmissable Halloween event, held at Lakota on Wednesday 26th October, and those who attended elevated the very meaning of the holiday to something synonymous with style and self-expression. With show-stopping performances from Bristol Ballroom Community and an immersive setlist from Jasseeka Del, Jakobin, Aeroboy and Damzys, we welcomed all to our Blood Ball.
Image by Andrew Jones
This year, we spent time talking to our guests as we were dying to know the culture and inspiration beyond the astounding costumes we witnessed that unforgettable night, first speaking to Hannah Shahani about her costume (pictured below left) as a 1920’s ‘Flapper Girl’. On the surface, we saw a costume rife with glamour and life, serving as a memory of the progressive women fighting in the Roaring ’20s. Hannah went on to explain that this was exactly what drew her to the costume, the freedom she feels as an empowered woman sparked her inspiration. Later in the night, we spoke to Cissy Walmsley (pictured below right) and these themes of divine feminine inspiration revealed themselves once more. The witch costume she was wearing itself, being a vintage piece passed down through the women of her family since the ‘60s, made her feel confident and connected with the label of an empowered woman. The idea that a costume can be more than SFX makeup and fake blood, but something with a personal connection, speaks true to FUZE’s mission to create a safe and creative space for cast and guests alike.
Images by Andrew Jones
In creating this safe space, we see guests expressing themselves in ways they may have never dared to prior, to elaborate on this, We spoke to a couple who chose to remain anonymous in the publication of this Halloween exploration. Both came dressed as traditionally religious figures, one a Saint, the other a Devil. In discussing the culture behind the costume, the Devil told us “the ideology behind being queer in most religions is inherently evil, so as a queer man I challenge that as a devil and reclaim that meaning”. He went on to say he saw Halloween with FUZE as a haven for self-expression, with the diversity and acceptance found at the Blood Ball he felt safe to explore this darker side of what is a stereotypically common ‘last-minute’ costume.
Image by Andrew Jones
Creative expression is no stranger to FUZE, and you all brought your best outfits and attitudes to Blood Ball and we could not be prouder. A special thank you to our ELA team for running the well-being zone and making our community feel seen and cared for, amidst this horror-fuelled extravaganza, FUZE will always prioritise safety and inclusivity.
Images by Andrew Jones, Jude AlSalim, Abraham Dein and @5ftvisual
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