Event Review:
Date: April 28, 2024
Written by: Ashley Parrish Otteman
Photos by: Amy Asche
As dusk fell over Denver, the ancient doors of a century-old church swung open, not to the sound of hymns, but to the pulsing beats of a hidden world. Inside, the Church nightclub — once a hallowed sanctuary and now a haven for the night’s creatures — beckoned us in for the 3rd Annual Arcane Vampire Ball. Here, beneath the gothic arches and the ethereal glow of stained-glass, we stepped into a vivid scene of the future: the world of Carpathia, envisioned in the year 2059, where vampires rule our world as humanity continues to dwindle.
As we entered the venue early, Julian Black was already commanding the space with calm yet unmistakable authority. As the host of the event and the fictional ruler of Carpathia, he fine-tuned the evening's preparations with a charisma that naturally drew all eyes to him. Dressed in a dark, regal jacket and sporting a gilded crown, he was the epitome of the vampiric ruler he portrayed, helping bring Carpathia to life. While Julian undoubtedly appeared to be the driving force behind the event, it was clear he was not acting alone. His leadership was pivotal, yet it was supported by a dedicated team, each member contributing to the event’s success. Together, they were set to unfold a saga where vampires, once mere whispers in the shadows, now boldly claim dominion over our world.
Originally the church’s altar, the stage had been transformed into a DJ booth. The area was lit up in a spectrum of flickering red and orange lights that pulsed in sync with the music, conjuring an eerie yet enchanting ambiance like a sanctum lit by a thousand burning candles. All around, the costumes ranged from the macabre to the magnificent—from opulent ball gowns and towering Marie Antoinette-style wigs to modern gothic ensembles, mesh-covered faces, intricately designed steampunk outfits bristling with gears and gossamer, and sinister horned demons that seemed to slip through the edges of reality. Each outfit varied wildly; some barely covered the flesh, while others were as elaborate as the facade of the cathedral, all contributing to a visual feast that enhanced the night’s welcoming and inclusive vibe from the moment the doors swung open.
Performances began sharply at 9:30 PM. Julian set the stage by delving into Carpathia's dark world, establishing the evening's thematic backdrop. The first act, LuneAseas, illuminated the space with a shadow play that brought ancient tales to life. Silhouettes danced to haunting opera music, telling the tale of the vampires rising from the underworld, perfectly capturing the mysterious and unusual essence that enveloped the once-sacred space. Domina Daemonium took the spotlight with her seductive burlesque dance to Motionless in White's "Meltdown." Her performance, marked by a dramatic increase in tempo and lighting, captivated the audience and increased the energy, setting the stage for the acts that followed.
Next, Indigo Moon and Nymbus portrayed chaos and rebellion through explosive and almost violent movements, telling a vivid story of struggle and resistance. Their intense energy and compelling storytelling through dance beautifully echoed the night's overarching theme. Reyna Muerta and her troupe then graced the floor with an unexpected ballet performed atop coffins, conveying erratic and frantic energy, concluding the first round of performances.
Each act flowed smoothly into the next, with Julian’s narratives bridging the performances, drawing everyone deeper into the fictional world. Throughout the night, Seattle-based DJ Daemon Chadeau and Denver’s own DJ Slave1 provided a continuous backdrop of pulsing beats. Their presence filled the space with energy, maintaining a vibrant atmosphere as dancers performed on tabletops before them.
Curiosity tugged at a few of us during the intermission, prompting an exploration of the VIP section. As we meandered up the stairs, the vibe shifted slightly into something more refined as people sat back in private enclaves, quietly sipping from their wine glasses. The electronic dance music echoed loudly as I glanced over the balcony, capturing the aerial view. From this vantage point, the crowd appeared as a living, pulsating entity, far denser than I had imagined. The church’s striking architecture, illuminated by a soft, ambient glow, dramatically underscored its gothic allure—a perfect match for the night's vampire theme. Set slightly back and hovering above the crowd, a performer danced within a hoop suspended mid-air. Her movements were fluid and ghostly, weaving through the air with an almost ethereal quality.
At 11 PM, Julian resumed his role at the microphone (and as malevolent overlord), weaving deeper into the narrative and setting the stage for a new set of performances. Daize Eliece captivated the crowd first with her contemporary ballet, gracefully weaving through an elegant and seductive dance. The act climaxed when she dramatically selected a man from the audience for a theatrical bite, telling the story of the first vampire to rise.
Following her, Duo Vespertilio, a Denver-based trapeze act with over ten years of experience, took to the air with grace and raw physical power. Their movements were accentuated by the strobe lights, which showcased their athletic prowess and demonstrated what the human body is capable of. Jess Wags added a layer of haunting beauty with a fan dance to "Paint It Black," creating a mesmerizing visual. Closing out this round, Devin Alfather held everyone's gaze with her mesmerizing belly dance, expertly balancing swords on her head, toes, and chest.
The blending of fantasy and reality became more pronounced as the night progressed. Sol, portrayed by Jess Wags, took center stage. Her character—a half-human, half-vampire, embodied the resistance against the vampiric regime, illustrating the ongoing struggle for power in Carpathia. This performance culminated in a dramatic staged sword fight where Sol triumphantly claimed victory over the Vampiric emperor played by Julian, symbolizing a significant turning point in the lore’s narrative of rebellion and hope as she accepts the duality of her nature, rips out his heart, and takes the crown for herself.
Reflecting on my first Vampire Ball, I found it an overwhelming success. The meticulous planning and the depth of storytelling were apparent, bringing the tales of Carpathia to life in a setting that was as haunting as it was mesmerizing. There was an air of acceptance and openness—a place where you could be yourself in an accepting environment or perhaps just get into character for the fun of it. Either way, the Arcane Vampire Ball was a special occasion, one I kept reminding myself not to take for granted, given the rarity of the event and the unique combination of people I was able to share it with. It was a journey through a night that mirrored the epic saga of a world under vampiric rule, and I eagerly anticipate what next year will unfold.
Click link for more photos Arcane Vampire Ball - Amy Asche Photography (smugmug.com)
Huge thank you to our team pictured above and bellow!
Photo by Brandon Calhoun