Meet Nabil Comme des Garçons: Prominent Member of the BBS

“I got into ballroom around late 2016, early 2017. At the time, I still lived in Antwerp. I had a good friend named Pawel who was also in the ballroom scene, and it was through him that I got into it. We worked together, and one day he took me to Rotterdam for classes with the Kiki House of Angels, a newly named legendary house.

My “father” in that house was Makaba, who also recently became legendary. As soon as I entered the training room, I had a great connection with him. He taught me everything about ballroom, voguing, movements, and elements. From that moment, around 2017, I walked my first ball in Antwerp in April, then my first in Paris two months later in May 2017. Since then, I’ve been in the scene, walking balls in Paris, London, Berlin, Amsterdam, and organizing events like the Elemental Kiki Ball in Brussels in November 2023.”

“Comme des Garçons is my Major House, which I joined on the 18th of August 2018. In the Kiki scene, I joined the Kiki House of Gabbana in 2022. While I am a member of two Houses, I always encourage the younger people to stay independent as long as they can. Being a “007” has its advantages. You have more freedom to walk the balls you want, wear what you want, and present yourself as you wish. Joining a House brings support and a sense of family, but it also comes with responsibility. People expect certain things from you when you represent the House, and you must always be aware of that. So, my advice is to take your time, really get to know the different Houses and their values.”

“Ballroom saved me in a way. When I joined, I was going through a tough time with my family due to my sexuality and other factors. The people in the ballroom scene became my family. Ballroom allowed me to connect with people like me, queer POC, and to talk openly about my situation, including living with HIV since 2017. For me, ballroom represents resilience, beauty, and power. It’s about creating something incredible and beautiful from our personal struggles.”

“I want to organize more balls because they’re essential for building the scene and introducing people to the real essence of ballroom. I’d like to have regular events, perhaps every three months, and create a space in which we can get together after the balls, and celebrate and dance to afro beats, dance, and hall music and create a vibrant atmosphere like the 3B party in Paris. I think a place where queer POC can come together is something that is really lacking in Brussels’ queer scene.”

“Everybody is welcome in the ballroom scene, but remember: Be respectful, humble, and open to learning. Don’t assume you know everything about ballroom; there are codes and rules to respect. Listen to those already in the scene, even if it’s hard to hear criticism. And most importantly, have fun. If ballroom starts draining your energy, take a break, but remember, it’ll always be here for you.”