MIDTOWN — Talk about a tight squeeze.
A who's-who of dancers and models will return to the Roseland Ballroom on Saturday for a night of Latex-covered fun and fashion for the largest fetish ball in the country.
The 22nd annual House of Latex Ball this year embraces a fairytale theme, inviting guests to enter "The Enchanted Forest."
Latex-loving competitors will have the chance to design and model their own takes on classic fairytale characters, including Peter Pan, Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood, who event organizers called a "sex siren."
The Latex Ball's grand prize category pays tribute to James Cameron's hit film "Avatar" by asking participants to imagine a world in which a cure for HIV exists. Each category features a cash prize and trophies for the wildest, most creative designs and performances.
Before the competitions, there will be performers from notable stars in the Latex community, including Harmonica Sunbeam, Suga' Pie Koko and Sir Honey Davenport.
The fundraising event is sponsored by AIDS service organization Gay Men's Health Crisis and is meant to shed light on the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS. Organizers expect roughly 4,000 people to attend this year's bash.
For more than two decades, the House of Latex Ball has also provided free condoms and HIV testing, as well as featuring fetish fashions. Staff at the ball provide outreach and safe sex education for participants, who are largely black and Latino youth and adults who identify as LGBT.
The House of Latex Ball kicks off at 7 p.m. on Aug. 18 at the Roseland Ballroom, 239 West 52nd St. Tickets are $20 and available at the door, or at GMHC's office at 446 W. 33rd St.
