The Team
Lena Giroux
Director / Creative Director / Executive Producer/ Choreographer / Creator
Carlos Irizarry
Ball Directors / Executive Producer / Choreographer
bio
Stephanie "Packrat" Whittfield
Ball Directors / Executive Producer / Choreographer
bio
Judah Zakalik
Executive Producer
Latoya Holman
Philanthropy & Community Engagement Chair
bio
A&A
Artistic Directors / Choreographers / Producers
bio
Brandon Pereyda
Aerial Director / Producer
bio
Michael Hornsbey
Technical Director
Maria Hornsbey
Production / Stage Manager
Tovaris Wilson
Supervising Choreographer / Producer
bio
Asiel Hardison
Choreographer
bio
Lauren Crew
Director of Cinematography
Adam Kilbourn / Black Raven Films
Videographer
Brandon Grimm
Costume Designer
bio
Briahna Rodgers
Director of Hair Styling
bio
Joanna Harmon
Website Designer
Rowan Lopez
Logo Designer
Alyce Harris
Executive Assistant
Danielle Imani
Lead Creative Production Assistant
bio
Quinton Lopez
Production Assistant
bio
Lena Giroux
Director / Creative Director / Executive Producer/ Choreographer / Creator
"To me, the Equality Ball means activism! It also means paying respect to ball culture which is more often than not appropriated without credit. At its core, this experiment was born out of the modern-day civil rights movement by artists, FOR artists. As a creative, I sometimes find it hard to mobilize and activate for change but I'm reminded of Nina Simone's quote that "it's an artist's duty is to reflect the times" and the Equality Ball gives artists that platform."
Lena Giroux was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Miami, FL, where from the ages of 7 to 18, she was a pupil of the now famous “So You Think You Can Dance” and Celine Dion choreographer Mia Michaels. Thanks to her mother supporting her passion, Lena attended performing art schools from elementary on. Lena has studied song, dance and musical theater; her formal education culminated in her graduation from the prestigious New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida. Upon graduating, Lena joined the NBA’s Miami Heat Dance Team as one of their youngest members. Soon after, at the age of 19, Lena moved to L.A. to pursue her career as a professional dancer and choreographer. She has been blessed to travel the world dancing with and/or choreographing for artists such as Janet Jackson, Beyonce, Amerie, Christina Aguilera, Destiny's Child, Chaka Khan, Outkast, Hillary Duff, En Vogue, and The Pussycat Dolls. She has also found a great love for the art of dancing and choreographing burlesque while assisting in the creation of Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce presents “Royal Jelly”, as well as Kane’s “Classic Show” in both L.A. and Las Vegas. Lena continued to develop her craft as a female contemporary choreographer while teaching jazz, funk, hip hop, tap and modern at the Debbie Reynolds Studio and Edge Performing Art Center in Los Angeles, CA. She relishes the opportunity to work in different genres and learn new skills, which is illustrated by her dawning the hats of Artistic Director and Choreographer for Disney’s The Cheetah Girls tour for two consecutive years. After moving to Vegas in 2008, she was given the opportunity to express herself through a combination of song, theater, and dance while performing as an original featured dancer, singer and understudy to the lead role played by Mel B in Tony-winning Jerry Mitchell’s PEEPSHOW at Planet Hollywood. Later, she shared the lead roles in PEEPSHOW with Holly Madison. In 2010 Lena jumped at the rare opportunity to dance with the one and only Cher at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas only 1 year after an injury that doctors told her she might not recover from. In 2011 she co-artistically directed and co-choreographed a live salsa fusion burlesque show with Sheila E. at Los Angeles’ Conga Room, and in 2012 join the artistic direction team for Adam Lambert’s tour and album entitled “Trespassing”. In 2012 Lena also began her career in producing live events and with her team and began to create groundbreaking shows, galas, and festivals for the city of Las Vegas. She has been floored and honored to have had the opportunity to work with the Iconic Queen of Country Pop, Shania Twain in her Let's Go! Residency as the assistant choreographer to the incomparable Asiel Hardison. In 2023 she announced the launch of her passion project, the Equality Ball, which focuses on bringing an authentic ball culture to Las Vegas while standing up for equality during the civil rights movement of our time. Lena is elated and honored to come together with an incredible creative team as well as the Human Rights Campaign, BeyGOOD, Aids Healthcare Foundation and other wonderful charitable organizations that focus on diversity + inclusion and LGBTQ+ rights. As a director, creative director and activist she is privileged to be of service to the cultural renaissance that's happening in the diverse city of Las Vegas.
Carlos Irizzary
Ball Directors / Executive Producer / Choreographer
"What is important about the Equality Ball is the safe space it creates for the LGBTQ+ and fellow supporters who support not only the queer community but the ballroom community as well, the abundance of information/services being given at the Equality Ball to ensure the spectators/walkers leave with vital information that can help in their daily lives, the visibility in talent, and, last but not least, the love that surrounds this event with those involved in creating such a huge event for the West Coast."
Carlos Lanvin Basquiat now has loved the art of dance for as far back as he can remember. Born into an Puerto Rican family in The Bronx, music was not only around him--it ran in his blood. At the age of 11, Carlos (born Carlos Ivan Irizarry) began dancing with a performance company in The Bronx by the name of “La Luz” where he danced under the artistic direction of Anthony Rodriguez, who Carlos calls one of the most influential people of his life. While dancing with “La Luz”, Carlos began learning styles such as Jazz, Ballet, Flaminco, Afro-Cuban and street-styles. Upon turning 18, Carlos was moved up to the adult company ("La Santa Luz") where he began performing around the world. In the meantime, he also developed a love for Vogueing, a highly stylized , modern house dance that evolved out of the Harlem ballroom scene in the 80s. After covering the US, Turkey and China with "La Santa Luz", Carlos (21 at the time) signed with an agency and began auditioning for jobs in the entertainment industry. Carlos then went on to dance for artists such as Sam Smith, Ariana Grande, Estelle, Ashlee Simpson, Beyonce and many more. After working 6 years as an industry dancer, Carlos then moved on to cater to his second love—children. At the age of 26, Carlos went out on tour with "Sesame Street Live!” where he danced and portrayed characters in the show such as Cookie Monster, Bert and The Count. Traveling with Sesame Street Live gave Carlos the time he needed to steadily, reevaluate where he wanted to take his career next. After traveling the world for 4 years with Sesame, Carlos then decided it was time to take bigger step. In 2014, he made the decision to not only leave Sesame Live, but to leave New York and move to Los Angeles. Now 39, Carlos lives in Los Angeles but and has already began his career in dancing/choreographing behind singer Lizzo, Ariana Grande, Camilla Cabello, Sam Smith & Calvin Harris, beauty campaign with Nikita DraGUn, and now on the hit show Legendary on HBOMax and for Season 2 as a assistant choreographer and Co-host to the legendary creative Director Tanisha Scott and many other A list celebrities. 9 years living in Los Angeles carlos is now a member of the West Coast Chapter of the Hause of Basquiat. Carlos has also begun teaching Vogue around Los Angeles and internationally. He is currently on the Renaissance World Tour with Beyoncé and continues to expand the Ballroom Scene in the West Coast.
Stephanie "Packrat" Whitfield
Ball Directors / Executive Producer / Choreographer
"The Equality Ball is important to me in so many ways! It’s a safe space for black and brown lgbtqai+ , allies and anyone interested in creating change in the community and the world. It’s a fun-filled night that merges Ballroom, Art and Activism by showcasing talented artists, the beautiful culture of Ballroom and discussing topics that truly matter!
Stephanie Whitfield also known as Packrat Lanvin Basquiat was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Willingboro, New Jersey. She grew up as a freestyler, learning her skills between Philly and Jersey with the streets, clubs, various dance crews and television as her teachers. Packrat has trained in many dance styles including House, Vogue, African, Step, Locking, Tutting, Jersey Club, Baltimore Club, Hip- hop & Hip-hop choreography. In 2010 Packrat auditioned and was accepted to Mason Gross School Of The Arts at Rutgers University for dance with no formal training. There she focused on Modern dance and improvisation techniques participating in diverse classes and extracurricular activities adding Stroll, Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary dance to her repertoire. In 2013 she graduated and moved to Los Angeles California shortly after where she has been living happily pursuing her passion for dance. Packrat’s credits include Madonna, Lizzio, Kanye West , Khalid, N.E.R.D., Legendary HBO MAX, Aluna George ADIDAS, Under Armor, Faith Evans, Wanda Sykes, Dragun Beauty Campaign, House Of Lanvin, Rupaul’s Dragcon, Hollywood Divas, TTtheartist, Step-Up Revolution, Todrick Hall, Milk Makeup, Leikeli47, World Choreographer Awards, and Mason Gross School of The Arts. When Packrat is not dancing she enjoys modeling, fashion, laughing, making music, photography, reading and pretty much anything of the creative nature. She also actively participates in her home and ballroom communities.
Latoya Hollman
Ball Directors / Executive Producer / Choreographer / Founding Partner
"As an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, I stand as a fierce advocate in the equality movement for over 20 years. 20 years ago, Judy Shepard asked me to be an advocate and speak for her son Matthew, who could no longer speak for himself. It's my honor to speak for him today and moving forward.
It is my belief that every human deserves the opportunity to live a fully actualized life. I understand what inequity feels like. I also know what it feels like to have family show up for you. The Equality Ball is yet another opportunity for me to stand with the community that I love."
Latoya was born and raised in Sacramento, California and she is the first in her family to attend college. Encouraged by her parents to pursue multiple talents, Latoya enjoys playing the piano, acoustic guitar, and singing. Her day-to-day life is spirited by the love and joy that she receives from her one-eyed dog, Willa, who was adopted through the Animal Foundation (pictures of one-eyed Willa are available upon request). Latoya is the Chief Development Officer of the Public Education Foundation where she serves as an ambassador and principal fundraiser for the nonprofit which supports teachers, students, and families of the Clark County School District. She secures resources to support our teachers to reduce the amount of money that they spend out of their own pockets, fundraises for the PEF Scholarship PLUS program which raises $5 million annually towards post-secondary scholarships, and works to gain support financially for the Teacher Pathway Program, which aims to reduce the current teacher shortage which directly impacts the education of our youth. Latoya previously served as the Director of Community Projects & Community Outreach for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Foundation, which fundraises to support the fallen officers fund, provides community safety programs, and works to strengthen the relationship between the community and our police officers. Latoya led and coordinated all marketing and DEI initiatives. Latoya also served as an official media spokesperson for the LVMPD Foundation. Latoya is a founding member of the Human Rights Campaign Las Vegas (HRC). HRC is the largest LGBT civil rights organization in the country with more than 4 million members. Latoya has been serving on the board in numerous capacities for 16 years. She currently serves as a member of the National Board of Directors and is a member of the National Executive committee for HRC, lending her voice as a proud African-American ally, business woman and advocate to the Equality Movement. Latoya was a member of the cultivation committee which helped fundraising efforts for what is now the Robert L. Forbuss LGBT Center. She has also delivered multiple keynote speeches at HRC galas and corporate diversity programs, both locally and across the country. As an extension of her work as a national LGBTQ advocate, Latoya serves as Vice Chair to Jim Obergefell (Supreme Court -Obergefell v. Hodges) for WebQ, which is an organization that represents LGBTQIA+, and allied communities, to cultivate systemic equity in the design of startups, emerging technologies, institutions, and policies. With a passion for civil rights, Holman has worked with Project REAL, a 501(c (3) non-profit organization which encourages students to learn more about the importance of the law. She has led presentations and tours for more than 3,000 students, helping them identify career paths for themselves and develop a respect for our justice system. For years, she has been a powerful advocate for arts education in Southern Nevada by serving on the board of Nevada School of the Arts, a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides world-class music instruction and a life changing experience to students of all ages and backgrounds. In addition, Latoya takes pride as a member of the Board of Trustees with Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada and works to uplift girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Her service with the GSSNV includes mentoring Sydney Ramenofsky, who went on to become a Gold Star Award recipient, the highest honor possible for a Girl Scout. Latoya believes that her human experience aligns with this Girl Scout Mission and will be a part of her continued life journey. Latoya is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University HBCU which is a part of the Atlanta University Center. She later obtained a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management. Latoya is a proud lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
A&A
Artistic Directors / Producer
"By fostering empowerment, community, and social change, the Equality Ball Las Vegas for us means promoting and celebrating equality, diversity, and inclusivity. It provides individuals with a platform to express themselves freely, showcase their talents, and be celebrated for their unique abilities."
A&A collaborated in 2022 as co-writers, co-directors, and choreographers for "Ignite, Return to the Elements", a desert festival show held in the enigmatic Mojave desert that showcased over 40 international artists. They were also commissioned in the same year to direct and choreograph "Le son des Corps," a touring show for the company Les Beaux Jours. Recently, they co-directed alongside Mathieu Jedrazak the show "Madame Arthur t'emmène à L'Opéra" for the famous Parisian cabaret of the same name, Madame Arthur.
Brandon Pereyda
Aerial Director / Producer
Brandon Pereyda has been a performer/acrobat on the Las Vegas Strip, including Cirque du Soleil stages, for over 20 years. He was Chippendale’s 1st Aerialist and is the Guinness Book of World Records Holder for Aerial Acrobatics. Recent credits include Entertainment Supervisor for Enchant Christmas, Creative Director for Area 15, and Co-Founder, Director and Producer of IGNITE. He has also served as the Event and Nightclub Director for KRAVE, SHARE, and One Night For One Drop’s Afterparty. Simultaneously, he is a realtor with eXp Realty.
Tovaris Wilson
Supervising Choreographer / Producer
"It is Vital that we celebrate our God-given right to exist. Whatever community you represent we must unite with the strength of our Voices and Art to combat hate! That is what the Equality Ball means to me."
Tovaris Wilson was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He is now living in Los Angeles working as a Choreographer and Artistic Director. Tovaris began his career as a dancer. He has been featured in commercials for Pepsi, Rubbermaid Products, and I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter featuring Actress Megan Mullally from Will and Grace. He has been a featured dancer in the Films Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Rush Hour 3, and Rock Of Ages featuring Tom Cruise. He can be seen in music videos for Britney Spears, Prince, and Will Smith. Tovaris has also been a featured dancer on world tours for Britney Spears and Cher. As a Choreographer, Tovaris has created music videos for Britney Spears, FKA Twigs, and Pussycat Dolls. He has choreographed world tours for artists including FKA Twigs, and Janet Jackson. His work can be seen on television shows including The Masked Singer, American Idol, America’s Got Talent, and So You Think You Can Dance. Tovaris is also an Educator and is regularly commissioned to teach in Countries including Japan, Germany, Poland, Russia, Mexico, England, France, and Australia.
Asiel Hardison
Choreographer
Asiel is originally from Chicago. In the most recent years Asiel has toured with Shania Twain and then received a promotion with her camp to choreograph her Vegas residency. He has toured with Lady Gaga as her dance captain, Choreographer’s Assistant, and principal dancer. Asiel has also toured with Rihanna on her world tour “Anti” as her principal . He has years of experience in the entertainment industry as a dancer in films like Coming to America and In The Heights, commercials for Apple, and as a Choreographer for artist like Shania Twain. Other choreography credits for Asiel include: so you think you can dance, American Horror Story, Hunger Games movie trailer, and Hulu’s East Los High where he also works as a consulting producer. Asiel also works as a movement coach and artist development where he organically brings out the best version movement wise for new up and coming artist as well as established artist. Asiel enjoys performing for artist as well as choreographing and creative directing/consulting their live stage and tv performances. He feels the most important thing about a performance is that the audience as well as the performers feel something honest and free. A performance should be an escape for the audience and all the performers on the stage, a place where they can experience a magical moment together.
Brandon Grimm
Costume Designer
"What's important to me about The Equality Ball is to create a strikingly visual experience for the audience that highlights each performer's individual characteristics. When I think of Equality as a concept, it means that everyone is held to the same level of respect and representation regardless of their differences. When people are seen and heard, and given a voice that is not overshadowed by others, they feel powerful. And as a costume designer, I believe it is my job to make performers feel Powerful."
Born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Brandon began his entertainment career as a gymnast and competition dancer. At age 13, he began designing costumes for his dance studio and everything took off from there. Brandon earned a BFA in Fashion Design from The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC with a specialization in Intimate Apparel. It was with that degree that he landed his first job out of college as an Assistant Designer at Victoria's Secret. While in New York City, he continued to further his entertainment background by training circus and acrobatics in addition to pursuing his love of Costuming. Since then, Brandon has had the opportunity to costume Dancers, Acrobats and Aerialists world-wide, while still performing internationally. He has since had the honor of designing for companies such as DIAVOLO:Architecture in Motion, an AGT Season 12 Finalist, as well as for Carnival Cruise Lines. His passion and knowledge of the performing arts, as well as design, make a pairing that is specific to Brandon's unique point of view.
Briahna Rodgers
Director of Hair Styling
"The Equality Ball for me represents love for all. The more we show up for each other in love the stronger we are as a whole. The hate that we’ve witnessed for generations can be defeated with our love, support and allyship for one another. The equality ball is a space for all of us to be seen and express ourselves freely. Love is the most powerful force and I believe in us loving each other more intentionally. Love always wins! "
Becoming a stylist wasn't by chance, it was intentional from the start. Growing up, natural hair was not openly understood, discussed and embraced as it is now. My focus has always been to provide an environment where anyone could come and feel comfortable getting their hair done just the way it is. Creating styles for my clients that make them light up and feel like a new person is where I thrive. It’s a gift to see someones energy shift with a new look or a fresh style. I've been practicing my craft as a professional stylist since 2014, and it's been a beautiful experience.
Danielle Imani
Lead Creative Production Assistant
"The Equality Ball is all about creating a safe space for individuals to authentically express themselves without judgment and fear. It is important to me because in order to move forward as a country in a way that works equally for all, we have to allow all people to be heard, we have to support one another fluently, and most importantly we have to allow our LQBTQIA+ communities to be loved and respected in ways that all communities demand to be loved and respected. The Equality ball will serve as a staple to all communities by giving a voice to the voiceless, using art to truly cultivate unique uplifting experiences, honoring those who lead with LOVE, holding space for those who are uninformed of the historical resistance, and most importantly, by creating a healing ground for every community involved."
Danielle Imani, holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Kinesiology from UNLV. Her dance talents include but are not limited to West African, Modern, Liturgical , Body Percussion, Jazz, Modern, and Hip-Hop. DanielleImani has graced the stage and screen with Cirque Du Soleil, STOMP performers, Jessica Reedy, Skye Dee Miles, Shaquille O’neal, and Gwen Stefani. She heads as the Director of AFROSEXY, Las Vegas, teaching and directing productions within the community to uplift, entertain and instill self confidence and inner power. She travels the globe performing and teaching with locally and Internationally renowned body percussion company, MOLODI. DanielleImani heads her own Company The Healing Component, providing assistant services, and helping others HEAL through artistic expression and movement based energy flow.
Quinton Lopez
Production Assistant
"The Equality Ball is important to me because marginalized people deserve the opportunity to shine, be loved, and be understood with a platform that creates a dynamic that invites the conversation to rectify the behavior of our predecessors."
Quinton has been involved in the industry since he was 8 years old. Showcasing his talents on television, film, and national tours. He began his professional career as an actor, which lead to his exploration in dance, theatre, gymnastics, and circus. Graduating with his Bachelor’s of Kinesiology, Dance and he knew he wanted to pursue something greater. He moved to Las Vegas to begin his life performing circus. Quinton is ecstatic to involve himself on this project because of the magnitude it is going to create in our community.