In the Holmes Student Center’s Duke Ellington Ballroom, the applause, cheers and excitement were deafening as queens served looks and impressive dance moves to an awestruck audience.
CAB’s Drag Show was a tremendous hit, as over 200 attendees arrived and enjoyed themselves at 7 p.m. Thursday. Mocktails were served as refreshments, and audience members were able to dance during a small break. A photoshoot of the drag queens was held after the show.
Drag is a performance art that uses costumes and makeup to create forms of gender expression. Drag queens are male presenting performers who express their femininity while drag kings are female presenting performers who express their masculinity. Anyone can do drag and shows are meant to echo that of a cheer performance.
CAB was responsible for holding the event but drag queen Aleyna Couture, hailing from Aurora presented the queens to the runway.
She asked the audience if they were having a good time, and was the first queen to perform for the show. Her first outfit was a homage to singer Sabrina Carpenter with jewels, black heels and a red getup. She later changed into a grey outfit with a black belt and belt buckle sporting silver glitter.
Couture is proud of what drag does for its people and has been at it for quite some time.
“I love how beautiful the craft can be and how rewarding smiles can be seen,” Couture said. “This is my third time at NIU and I do drag nine times a month.”
Other queens involved were Ivana Rubio, Destiny Valero, Zelina Azul Pop, Flicky Fourloko and Carrie Train. Each queen lip synched while doing incredible choreography. There were flips, splits and somersaults, which made the audience howl in delight.
The queens during their performances would occasionally get down from the runway and interact with the audience. Interactions included subtle flirts and poses for pictures. Members were encouraged to give the queens tips.
Zekiah Henderson, a sophomore majoring in political science, was in complete awe with how the drag show went as it was her first time.
“I didn’t know anything about being a drag queen before this event,” Henderson said. “I love the way they dance as their moves were different.”
Nicole Jewula, a freshman majoring in marketing, also loved the show as well the confidence displayed.
“All of the queens did well,” Jewula said. “All of them are my favorite and I loved the attitude they had.”
This event won’t be the only drag show as another will be presented on Saturday at 7 p.m.
