Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball – Early Saturday Night (Part 1) – Roth Stock Pictures: Event Photography for the Entertainment Industry

[UPDATED: With a new understanding of the Zundri* – 9/7/15]

The Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball (LOJ) is billed as the largest masquerade ball in the United States. In it’s 18th year, the gala event has been known for flair in the historic Park Plaza Hotel Los Angeles. Due to renovations at the Plaza, with very short notice, the event moved this year to another historic landmark in downtown Los Angeles, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel.

Built in 1923, for this photographer, I have to say the architecture and decor of the Biltmore, combined with the fantastic light show for the ball, turned the venue into a feature character of this photo shoot. That was evident as soon as I walked in the door and met my first revelers of the evening!

The dress code is strictly enforced as many of the attendees spend months, some even years, working on their elaborate costumes, like Yevgen Ivanov and his friends. This was Yevgen’s first LOJ, but as you can see, he and his friends were well prepared. This is what I encountered when first. entering. the. hotel! 🙂

(L-R) Kat Sheridan, Claire Smitty, C.j. Canne and Yevgen Ivanov

LOJ is an immersive event produced by Lord Shawn Strider and his Sypher Knights from Sypher Arts Studio. With the gala’s close proximity to Hollywood, this is an event where every makeup artist, hair stylist, wardrobe stylist, costume designer and special effects technician in town does their best to show their stuff. But it’s not all locals here. Performers and guests come in from all over. And special props to the lighting crew at Quantum Laser. What you guys do makes what I do so. much. more. fun! 😀

You know you have arrived in a different world as soon as you step into the “Mermaid Room” and are greeted by the likes of Mermaids Virginia Hankins and Alisa RQ of Sheroes Entertainment.

(L-R) Mermaids Alisa RQ and Virginia Hankins of Sheroes Entertainment

People watching quickly becomes a delight as costumed characters of all kinds fill the rooms. After just a few minutes, you quickly adjust to a world full of fantasy where street clothes are nowhere to be seen. In fact, they are strictly prohibited. No costume? No admittance! NO exceptions!

18th Annual Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball

Performers beckon from stages swirling in colors and texture.

Bellydancer Aubre Hill of the Lumina Bellydance Company performs at the 18th Annual Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball — Bellydancer Aubre Hill of the Lumina Bellydance Company

Which can get even a land-locked Mermaid Katie Hume to give her own gown a whirl!

Mermaid Katie Hume of Sheroes Entertainment

As well as launch chaos right among the guests at the gala, like when the Zundri show up at a moments notice, cause general mayhem, then abduct a random guest or two and haul them off to a secret lair backstage … full of all kinds of fun fantasy SWAG!* [UPDATE: It seems this author, in the haze of the aftermath, confused the mischievous and benevolent Zundri with the more ominous intentions of the Talisk! Check our Part 3 coverage for clarification.]

The Zundri make mischief and kidnap guests throughout the event

In this realm, the surreal quickly becomes the real …

Jennifer Addams attends 18th Annual Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball

… and reality is … exhilarating!

(L-R) Belly Dancers Aubre Hill, Belen Garibaldi, Shana Raqs, Chloe Vanderhaven and Jenn Aguilar of the Limina Bellydance Co. — (L-R) Belly Dancers Aubre Hill, Belen Garibaldi, Shana Raqs, Chloe Vanderhaven and Jenn Aguilar of the Lumina Bellydance Co.

… until it surprises you again as the Talisk arrive in the forms of G. Allen Smith and Kevin Kelley to terrorize the innocent!

Talisks G. Allen Smith and Kevin Kelley perform in the "Mermaid Room" at the 18th Annual Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball — (L-R) Talisks G. Allen Smith and Kevin Kelley perform in the “Mermaid Room”

Yet, it seems Mermaid Rachel Smith was perhaps not so much an unwilling participant!

(L-R) Mermaids Rachel Smith and Jennifer Elizabeth with Talisk Kevin Kelley

Everywhere you look, in constant motion, the dedication to immersion surrounds you as Dave and Emily Ruckman stroll by in their Steampunk finery.

Dave and Emily Ruckman attend the 18th Annual Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball

And then, the acrobats of EMCirque show up, led by Alan Ascensio!

The timing, stamina and physical preparation by this troupe of professionals is evident in their every move.

Acrobats Mod Plank (front), Alan Ascensio (center) and Alexander Plank (top) of EMCirque

They are a joy to watch!

(L-R) Acrobats Alan Asencio, Jenay Espinoza, Ariel Steel, Mod Plank, Alexander Plank, Morgan Gerhard and Leah Russell of EMCirque

And in case you are wondering, yes, I was costumed too. This is how REAL photographers take a selfie! 😉

Yes, those are feathers! 😀

As the acrobats leave, I turn to see yet another fair lady in a long flowing dress timidly eyeing the newly vacated performance area. And you expect me not to encourage her? “Go for it,” I said! 😉

What you are seeing in this blog, and in the photo gallery below, took place in a single room, in a single hour, in the order that it happened. And the night has only just begun! Let’s take a break in the lobby and maybe grab a cocktail. I promise you will make friends while in line … before …

Part 2 – Wandering the Corridors … is online … Yay! 😀

Click the thumbnails below to view full-size photos.
Leave Comments · Please Share · Don’t Alter
Compliments of Roth Stock Digital Media

Kat Sheridan, Claire Smitty, C.j. Canne and Yevgen Ivanov

Yevgen Ivanov attends the 18th Annual Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball

Elisa Teague and Curt Sandvig

Elisa Teague and Curt Sandvig attend the 18th Annual Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball

Merman Jack Laflin of Sheroes Entertainment

Mermaids Alisa RQ and Virginia Hankins of Sheroes Entertainment

18th Annual Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball

Bellydancer Aubre Hill of the Lumina Bellydance Company

Mermaid Katie Hume of Sheroes Entertainment

Mermaid Jennifer Elizabeth of Sheroes Entertainment

Yevgen Ivanov attends the 18th Annual Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball

Dancer Clinton Kyles and Yevgen Ivanov

Belly Dancers perform at the 18th Annual Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball

18th Annual Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball

Belly Dancers perform at the 18th Annual Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball

The Zundri make mischief and kidnap guests throughout the event

18th Annual Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball

Janessa Willett attends the 18th Annual Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball

18th Annual Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball

A belly dancer performs at the 18th Annual Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball

Terrie Boulanger, Debi Magruder, and Jacques Boulanger

18th Annual Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball

Costume Maker Alex Ferruzca

Jennifer Addams

18th Annual Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball

(L-R) Belly Dancers Aubre Hill, Belen Garibaldi, Shana Raqs, Chloe Vanderhaven and Jenn Aguilar of the Lumina Bellydance Co.

Mermaids Rachel Smith and Jennifer Elizabeth of Sheroes Entertainment

Talisks G. Allen Smith and Kevin Kelley taunt Mermaid Rachel Smith

Mermaids Rachel Smith and Jennifer Elizabeth with Talisk Kevin Kelley

Talisks G. Allen Smith and Kevin Kelley taunt Mermaid Rachel Smith

Talisks G. Allen Smith and Kevin Kelley perform in the “Mermaid Room” at the 18th Annual Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball

Talisk Kevin Kelley performs in the “Mermaid Room” at the 18th Annual Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball

Dave and Emily Ruckman attend the 18th Annual Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball

18th Annual Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball

Dancer Courtney Lucas performs at the18th Annual Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball

Dancer Jack Laflin Performs

Acrobat Ariel Steel of EMCirque

Acrobat Alan Ascencio of EMCirque

Acrobat Jenay Espinosa of EM Cirque

Acrobats Mod Plank and Alexander Plank of EMCirque

Acrobats Morgan Gerhard and Leah Russell of EMCirque

Acrobats Alan Ascencio and Jenay Espinosa of EMCirque

Acrobats Mod Plank (front), Alan Ascensio (center) and Alexander Plank (top) of EMCirque

Acrobats Mod Plank (front), Alan Ascensio (center) and Alexander Plank (top) of EMCirqAcrobats Mod Plank (front), Alan Ascensio (center) and Alexander Plank (top) of EMCirque e

Acrobats Mod Plank (front), Alan Ascensio (center) and Alexander Plank (top) of EMCirque

Acrobats Alexander Plank (l), Mod Plank (top) and Alan Ascensio (r) of EMCirque

Acrobats Alan Asencio, Jenay Espinoza, Ariel Steel, Mod Plank, Alexander Plank, Morgan Gerhard and Leah Russell of EMCirque

18th Annual Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball

Shaunessy Quinn and Stephanie Pate

(l-r) Elizabeth Price and Elizabeth Fairburn Johnson attend the 18th Annual Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball

Stephanie Rahl attends the 18th Annual Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball

18th Annual Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball

Jay Smith as Father Christmas. At the ball he is The Holly King. Albert Duenas in the background.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are pictured in these photos, you are hereby LICENSED to used them in your personal websites, online portfolios and social media profiles. Understanding that using one as an avatar on social media profiles will result in cropping, that is permitted. However, no other modifications or derivative works are permitted without written authorization from Roth Stock Digital Media. PLEASE do not remove watermarks as social media sites strip metadata identifying the photographer from them. A link back to this blog or our home page would be appreciated.

COMMERCIAL USE: Commercial use, except for the troupes featured in performance, requires licensing agreement with Roth Stock Digital Media. Use in business websites is hereby LICENSED to Sypher Art Studios, Sheroes Entertainment Mermaids and Pirates, Lumina Bellydance Co., Qabila Folkdance Company, EMCirque, Quantum Laser and the Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles. Anyone else needs to send an inquiry via the Contact Page explaining intended usage in order to receive a price quote.

ALSO NOTE: These images were captured at high ISO settings in natural light. Some of the darker photos in the collection will not reproduce well at sizes larger than 5″x7″. On the other hand, the better lit photos are suitable for enlargement and display on the side of a building along Wilshire Blvd. … yes the one you can see from the 405! 😉

HEADSHOTS · ZED CARDS: For headshots and zed cards, Hi-Res versions are available for a fee and come with licensing for promotional use to seek work. Please use our Contact Page to request more information. Explaining your intended use for the photos will help to expedite pricing and fulfillment.

FRAMED PRINTS AND GIFTWARE: We can also make photos available for framed prints and other merchandise with a signed modeling release from everyone pictured in a photo via the Roth Stock Photo Store. Model release forms are available. Please use our Contact Page to request them.

PLEASE: Leave a comment on photos if you know someone who is not named so we may update the caption.

Additional Resources:

Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball – Early Saturday Night (Part 1)

OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ASSIGNMENT WORLDWIDE!

5 Replies to “Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball – Early Saturday Night (Part 1)”

OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ASSIGNMENT WORLDWIDE!

Related

5 Replies to “Labyrinth Of Jareth Masquerade Ball – Early Saturday Night (Part 1)”