Costume balls are a thing of the past. For those that want to be a little more naughty than nice, there are the AZ Fetish Balls. Fetish enthusiasts must wait until Feb. 7 for the next ball, where sexual expression, but not sexual acts, are encouraged. In the meantime, SPM spoke to Mitch Palmer, spokesman for the AZ Fetish Balls, to learn about the alternative events' dress code, entertainment and flesh hooks.
SPM: When did the Fetish Ball start?
Palmer: The first Fetish Ball was held in February of 2005. It's called the Fetish Revolution.
SPM: What is the dress code? What would a newbie wear to this ball?
Palmer: Dress like you would go to a club. But the more you get into it — the more eclectic you are — the better it is. If you have an old pair of jeans, take the scissors to them. Wear the shortest pair of hot pants to the point your ass is showing. That is always good stuff.
SPM: So what does a typical show entail?
Palmer: Every show has something new and there is always something happening [like] fetish performers such as the Pussy Posse, who do gothic industrial dancing. We also gave the cutthroat freak show. We have everything from bondage, shoes, makeup and jewelry. We even have flesh hook suspensions.
SPM: That sounds like quite an experience. What would you tell someone who is entering this for the first time?
Palmer: When you walk in, you don't know what to expect. There's no judging going on. You feel very welcome. It's a way to lower your sexual barriers. If you want to dance in the fetish mosh pit, it's up to you. If you want to try on a collar and leash, do it. Everybody loves you for you, and that's the beautiful part of our show.
SPM: Do you have much ASU attendance?
Palmer: We have many, many ASU students that attend but also participate in fetish performances through Club Mistress, Pussy Posse Girls, LifeSuspended Flesh Hook Suspension, vendors and bartenders at the venue.
SPM: How often are these shows?
Palmer: They are held four times a year. The shows in February, May and October are held in Phoenix. The show in August is held in Tucson. Our shows in May and October are 18-plus and all others are 21 and older.
SPM: So it seems like Fetish Balls are not just dressing up, like a costume ball, but more of an expression.
Palmer: We're not geared as a costume ball. The Fetish Ball is more eclectic. ... Our concepts are more about sexual fun, acceptance, being in a great atmosphere and encouraging the fetish community in Arizona.