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Amaya Mann performs to a medley of songs at the Diva Drag Show organized by EIU Pride on Monday night inthe Martin Luther King Jr. University Union. The show provided music and dancing as well as humor from the host, Ceduxion Carrington. (Karolina Strack | Daily Eastern News)

Ceduxion Carrington makes fun of an audience member during her dancing performance during the Diva Drag Show on Monday in the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union. The show was put on by EIU Pride and hosted by Carrington. (Karolina Strack | Daily Eastern News)

Click play to watch our video of the drag show.

Diva Drag Show brings entertainment to crowd of more than 500

By: Jessica Leggin/Activities Editor

Posted: 11/18/08

Correction added

To see more photos, click here!

The divas of drag entertained a crowd of more than 500 people as they lip-synced and danced to the latest Rock, Pop and R&B music Monday night in the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union.

Amaya Mann, Aurora Lamont Carrington, Ceduxion Carrington, Chanel Carrington, Kelasia Karmikal Carrington and Leiloni Stars brought their extravagant wear and matching high-heels to sing, dance and get the audience involved in their performances.

EIU Pride, a student organization on campus that represents the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people and straight individuals who support them, were the sponsors for the Sixth Annual "Diva Drag Show."

A drag show usually consists of men who dress up in women's clothing and make-up that accompanies a theme.

The theme this year was "Prom Night" as the divas stepped out in high heels that matched their luxurious gowns.

The Grand Ballroom was set up as if it was typical prom night with a runway for the divas to walk up and down on.

Kirstin Bowns, a sophomore education major and coordinator for the show said she was happy with the turnout.

"I couldn't be any more happy," she said. "Thrilled that people came out to support us."

The show was 30 minutes behind schedule due to the performers getting ready, and people still wanting to buy tickets to see the performance.

Bowns said it takes time for a diva to get ready when considering make-up and outfits.

"It takes a long time to get glamorous," she said.

Ceduxion Carrington, the master of ceremony and a diva brought entertainment with her raunchy attitude and sexual jokes.

Ceduxion said there was a reason for the delay in the show.

"Sorry for the delay, people, but you know… duct tape wasn't sticking," she said.

During the show, there were also male impersonators.

Carrington said it is important to have drag kings as well as drag queens.

"As a gay organization you must show both sides of the spectrum," she said. "We have to prove a point that male impersonators are just as good as women impersonators."

Anna Stevens, a senior sociology major, was one of the male impersonators for the evening as she performed as "Lance Lixalot."

Stevens said she has done performances as a male for four years.

"I love a little gender bending," she said. "It goes against the norms of society."

Stevens went on stage to lip-sync J. Holiday's song, "Suffocate" as members of the audience tipped her.

"It's very nervewrecking while you are on stage, but when the crowd is active, it goes along much smoother," she said.

Chanel Carrington, another diva in the show said she has been doing shows for 20 years.

"I'm like a veteran up in here," she said. "It feels good because any character you portray you just go out there and perform."

For Chanel's performances, she lip-synced and danced to songs such as Mary J. Blige's "I'm Fine" and Ashanti's "Good Good" all while in heels.

Chanel said she is used to performing in high-heel shoes.

"They feel like tennis shoes," she said. "It just feels like I'm in some sneakers."

Leiloni Stars, another diva in the show said she loves being adored while she is on stage.

"It's like an adrenaline rush," she said. "The crowd was so responsive and very receptive."

Stars said everyone should be able to experience a culture that is not in their norm.

"Everybody should experience something out of their own culture,"

she said. "We want people to experience our passion and love we have for this with us."

Jessica Leggin can be reached at 581-7942 or at jmleggin@eiu.edu.