'Pizzazz, magic, fantasy' at New York's Latex Ball

At New York City's annual Latex Ball, drag performers, voguers and fashionistas face off in a variety of spirited competitions. The event, which is sponsored by the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, draws thousands of spectators to Manhattan's Roseland Ballroom.

In the "Fashion of the World" category, contestants are encouraged to take their inspiration from cultures around the globe and make something truly "bizarre."

Members of the audience watch performers. Some dance, while others model clothes or compete in categories that demand realistic femininity.

A drag queen contestant performs in the "Face of Art" category. Participants wear "extreme makeup" and use their faces as a "canvas for exquisite beauty."

A performer walks in the "Butch Queen European Runway" competition. In this category, contestants look to "the future and outer space" for inspiration.

Two dancers face off in a vogue battle.

Spectators and performers pack Manhattan's Roseland Ballroom for the annual Latex Ball.

Christopher Quarles, aka Afrika, performs in the "Butch Queen European Runway" category. His costume has an extraterrestrial theme.

After his competition, Quarles, right, talks on the sidelines with another member of the House of Khan. Performers compete in teams, known as "houses."

A performer walks in the "Female Figure Performance" category, where contestants were asked to take their inspiration from film.

A woman shows off her decadent heels in the "Le Gala Haute Couture" category, which requires contestants to don high-fashion labels.

A drag queen contestant performs in the "Face of Art" category.

While some categories at the Latex Ball showcase a performer's dancing ability, others emphasize fashion. In this year's "Female Figure Runway" category, competitors paid homage to royal figures throughout history.

In the "Butch Queen Face" category, judges assess a contestant's facial features and consider his overall attractiveness.

Some categories put a premium on ruggedness. In the "Male Figure Realness" category, the key to winning is to look like a typical "school boy."

A contestant shows off her physique in the "Women's Body" category.