Last week we interviewed HighBall host Nina West on various Halloween “things”

What was your favorite part of HighBall last year?

Nina West: The people and the amount of people was my favorite part. The energy last year was amazing and unexpected how crazy the crowd got, crazy in a good way! But the people are amazing and it’s really a huge melting pot of different types of people at HighBall, which makes this event so unique.

What do you think the judges are looking for in a winner for the Costume Couture Fashion Show?

N.W: After last year, I think the judges are looking for decadency & creativity.  Last year the judges looked for the most creative costume.  A costume that is jaw dropping and stand outs out should win the attention from the judges.   Halloween has always been a place where you can go the extra mile

What are you planning on asking Althea Harper?

N.W: I would ask her if she ever thought she would make it that far on Project Runway? Since she has never done a reality show, which is something very stressful, and thinking should would go so far?

What are you doing to prepare for HighBall this year?

N.W: I am trying to keep an even head while keeping in mind the size and scope of the event, as well as the large crowd.  This is the largest event I have ever hosted, which I am very excited about!   I want to make sure I do the community proud, I love this area. I have lived in Short North for almost 10 years and I am really excited to be a part of HighBall Halloween.

What are you planning on wearing?

N.W: It is a surprise of course!

What was Nina’s favorite outfit that she wore last year?

N.W: The Short North arches, people loved it.  Everyone wanted pictures with me! I loved it because we were in Short North under the arches, it was very fun.

What performances do we have to look forward to from Nina West?

N.W: This is Thriller! Thriller night…

What was your favorite performance you did last year?

N.W: My favorite thing, other than the crowd, is the community of the neighborhood, the business owners helping out and volunteers.  I didn’t have one favorite performance, I just wanted to make sure everyone was entertained.  But I love the whole atmosphere and of course the overwhelming sense of community is always so fun.

Does Nina have any tips for the Kings and Queens Costume Contestants?

N.W: GO BIG!! If your going to go in drag, which is common, you have to GO big, big hair, crazy makeup, outlandish drag costume. Don’t buy something at forever 21 and call it a day.  What is lost about drag is that it is an art form in itself. Going big is the theme of the event, being noticed! Don’t hesitate to do what you want to do, because the theme is masquerade!

Are you used to performing in front of predominantly gay audiences?

N.W: I usually perform large scale rehearsed productions that are very theatrical. But what makes Short North very special is that drag has become more mainstream..the transition in the last four years has really taken over.

How does this audience differ from other venues?

N.W: I have to take into consideration who is in the crowd and maintain a strong filter. This is not a small crowd! This event brings in a diverse group of people and…I am character, I am a man in a dress and there are people who have not always been around a drag queen, so I cannot be a threatening character.  But I have always been about entertaining people and I know how to do that.  I want to make everyone feel comfortable and engaged into the show.

What would you say the biggest difference is between HighBall Halloween and a typical Halloween Party?

N.W: This is an event that is open to anybody yet geared towards a specific clientele. This is a night you can be whoever you want to be! HBH is for everyone and what they feel Halloween means to them.

Are the costumes different at HighBall Halloween?

N.W: The costumes are mixed… some are very scary. What makes HBH so awesome are the costumes… they are decadent, gorgeous, grotesque, yet all somehow beautiful, but it is expected, it’s Halloween!

Is the event amplifed by being in the Short North District?

N.W: This event is embraced in a neighborhood marked by difference.  This is the gay center of the city & the arts center of the city.  Short North & HighBall give people a creative license to try something new.  People come in from the suburbs might go all out, in the spirit of the season.  The Short North District is truly an amazing cross section.

How did people react to you off stage?

N.W: Last year I walked around a lot and talked with people. Their comfort level could really adjust when I got into the mix. People were taking pictures then adding me on Facebook, it was just really fun.  Everyone was so cool.

Anything else?

N.W: I am really excited for this weekend! I cannot wait to see what everyone comes up with.

Tags: Columbus, couture costume fashion showdown, Fashion, halloween, HighBall, Nina West, Short North