Join us on January 9th, 2026 for Mini Ball and All Styles Battle, “Boots ‘N’ Cats”!
BOOTS ‘N’ CATS
Mini Ball x All Styles Battle
From influences in Old Way from Popping, Breaking and beyond, from the Dip to the 5000, a viral clip of two sailor scouts battling in Street Star 2013 (Inxi and Lasseindra) to now, please join us on January 9th, 2026 for Mini Ball and All Styles Battle, “Boots ‘N’ Cats”!
Merging performance, sound/music, and celebration to bridge the vibrant local communities of Ballroom and Hip Hop/Street Dance, this evening brings these forms into dialogue, highlighting their shared spirit of resilience, artistry and community, calling in future, present and past Emily Carr alumni alongside the wider community. The event expands what performance can be within the contemporary art context, positioning Ballroom and Street Dance as not only cultural practices but as vital, living art forms that challenge and reimagine how performance enters and transforms institutional spaces.
Featuring Special Performance from: Joshee and Gomo
Commentator: Silk Pink Lady
DJ’s: Simone Gvasalia and DJ Rita Spirit
PWYC Tickets are always available, capacity permitting.
Email birdhouse.pwyc@gmail.com to receive a promo code to enter at checkout.
***MINI BALL***
Categories:
OTA Performance | GP (Grand Prize) $200
EFFECT: Slip right through to your 10s… Bring it in the silkiest fit you got, incorporate a silky or satin finish in your look.
(Reminder: TOP 8 will be selected from OTA Performance to advance into the 2v2 All Styles Bracket; Top 8 from OTA Performance will select their partner from the Dance, Dance, Dance Top 8 to battle with in the 2v2 All Styles for a chance to win $600)
OTA Hands Performance | GP (Grand Prize) $100
EFFECT: These hands do more than perform, SHADE is the game, come with a look incorporating sunglasses.
OTA Runway | GP (Grand Prize) $100
EFFECT: It’s the New Year, but winter is still here… Bring it in a look that incorporates… FUR FUR FUR!
OTA Dance Dance Dance | GP (Grand Prize) $100 ***(ALL STYLES PRELIM CATEGORY)
EFFECT: Bring it in your cleanest and freshest fit, but ah-ah! Make sure you wear a hat.
*** 2v2 ALL STYLES BATTLE | $600 PRIZE ***
Prelim: OTA DANCE, DANCE, DANCE
Get your 10s in Dance, Dance, Dance to be considered for advancement into the 2v2 bracket.
(TOP 8 will advance to the 2v2 All Styles Bracket along with their partner from OTA Performance for a chance to win $600)
****Note to Competitors:
Do. Your. Research.
All Styles Competitors: Look into the format of how Ballroom categories are done, in this case, Dance, Dance, Dance. When you do battle in this category you will be going at the same time after your 10s. You will all need to get your 10s and battle to the end for Grand Prize. Please come with the specified effect (written below).
Ballroom Competitors: Look into the format of how street dance battles are done. TOP 8 will be selected from OTA Performance to advance into the 2v2 All Styles Bracket; Top 8 from OTA Performance will select their partner from the Dance, Dance, Dance Top 8 to battle with in the 2v2 All Styles for a chance to win $600
***Acknowledgements:
100 Years in the Making | This event has been curated in support of ECU 100, Emily Carr University of Art + Design’s centennial anniversary and The Birdhouse.
Land Acknowledgement:
We would like to acknowledge that we are coming together to celebrate on the unceded territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil- Waututh) Nations.
Community Care & Conduct:
This space is built on respect, care, and accountability. Actions rooted in oppression or harm—such as racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, cultural appropriation, ableism, fatphobia, or harassment—are not welcome here. Anyone who compromises the safety of the community may be asked to leave.
Accessibility: The entrance is at ground level through double doors (70" wide; single door is 35"). There are no stairs or steps anywhere in the venue. All washrooms are all-gender, and there is a wheelchair-accessible washroom available. If you need a seat or would like help finding one, please ask security or door staff.
More information: bit.ly/birdhouse-accessibility
Contact
6PM DOORS
7PM LSS / START
11PM - 2AM AFTERPARTY (19+ )
PLEASE NOTE: Minors welcome for the main portion of the event (6-11pm) but must be accompanied by a 19+ Guardian at all times.
Mini Ball (4 categories)
LSS –
OTA Runway
OTA Hands Performance
OTA Performance → Top 8 advance to All Styles Battle
OTA Dance, Dance, Dance which is operating as the All Styles Prelim (Top 8 advance)
BREAK
PERFORMANCE (PDS x Breakin)
All Styles 2v2 Battle
Top 8 from OTA Performance pair with a dancer of their choice from the All Styles pool
Top 8: 1 round per dancer
Top 4: 3 rounds per side
Judge Showcase
Finals: 2 rounds per dancer
