I am part of a fresh breed of drags

Why The Heels instead of The Platforms?

Or The Sandals, or The Rollerskates…

But Platforms makes more sense than Sandals.

Last night they jokingly called me The Rollerskates [laughter].

What is the origin behind the stage name?

It’s simple. Many years ago, I went out in Las Palmas wearing heels, and that’s it. Some friends started calling me The Heels. So when I participated in Drag Gala, I thought, “Well, I need a name that people recognize me by.” And since everyone was already calling me Taco. Not a fish taco, not a Mexican taco, just Taco from The Heels. So I said to myself, people already know who I am. That’s why it’s called The Heels, no other explanation.

You have been the queen of San Lorenzo, Telde and from Piletas, will this prior experience help you compete more confidently for the crown?

No, because I think confidence needs to be built by oneself, not by winning a competition to feel more assured in your character. But well, winning competitions does boost you a little. I have been working on building my name throughout this year. I’m taking it easy, yes, because I’ve been toiling for many months, but creating the costume was so demanding… There were numerous setbacks. When they called my name, it was like, “Ugh, it’s over, I’m finally at the competition.”

What setbacks did you face?

Two days before, one of my dancers strained her thigh just a bit. Her quadriceps acted up, she even had to go to the emergency room for an injection. All this just two days before the preliminary selection. Imagine how I felt. We had timing issues because the pre-selection was moved up this year. No one was expecting that, everything was rushed and done with seamstresses. Orders didn’t arrive on time. I’m still waiting for an order that’s now useless to me.

How many times have you participated in the Drag Gala pre-selection in the capital?

Twice. Last year and this year. I passed both times.

What do you think about the change to Belén Maria?

It feels very odd to me because I have danced in troupes, but I participated in Drag Gala for the first time last year. I was used to dancing at Santa Catalina, and when we talk about Carnival, we talk about Santa Catalina. So this year, I sometimes slip up when talking about Carnival: “See you at Santa Catalina.” Then I realize and say, “Oh, at Bethlehem Maria.”

Did you encounter any issues with the stage on the pre-selection night?

I slipped. The day of the preliminary selection, the stage was very slippery, but thanks to Josué Quevedo, he took measures to paint the floor with non-slip paint. We haven’t tested it yet, but we probably won’t have a problem.

What is your opinion about the news regarding the Tenerife gala?

Well, they just announced it today. It’s not a drag gala. It’s called Gala Dragna… [clears throat]. My voice is hoarse today. It’s just that I caught a bad cold during the pre-selection. The gala is called Gala Dragnaval or something like that, I believe. But it’s not a platform drag gala. It’s transformist, it was published today, and I was just reading about it now. But hey, I think it’s great that there are Drag Galas happening in.Tenerife, but if they invite us, we are ready to go.

Is a drag academy necessary in The Gran Canarian palms to instruct participants from the nearby island?

There are exceptional drag performances in Tenerife, with a remarkable showing this year. A highly talented individual from Tenerife took part in the preselection. Perhaps there is something to learn from them instead of the other way around. I find that hard to believe.

What can the audience anticipate from your imaginative performance this year?

If you appreciate surrealism and fantasy, then you will certainly enjoy my act as it is based on the Beetlejuice movie, where I attempt to encapsulate the essence of the entire film. It’s quite a spectacle for those who have seen the movie. For those who haven’t, I aim to make it comprehensible and spark their curiosity to watch the movie. Designer Nancy Henríquez drew inspiration from the surrealism of the film, resulting in a truly mind-bending performance. We’ve endeavored to infuse the surrealism and fantasy of the movie into the essence of the drag act, and I believe we have succeeded.

How did this concept come about? Are you a fan of Tim Burton?

No, the concept is not mine; it belongs entirely to my designer, who conceptualized and presented it to me. The final colorful sketches resonated with me, and that sealed the deal.

After deciding on the design, how were the costumes brought together?

She meticulously crafted all the headdresses from scratch, resembling the ground snakes in the movie, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it myself. She designed them, and only she knows the method behind creating those intricate pieces. They will be showcased at the gala on February 16, and they are incredibly intricate. She also designed my outfit, which is equally complex and unique, a technique only she mastered.

Have you had to travel to other countries to source materials?

Many individuals travel to Türkiye for materials, but not me. I delegated the task of procuring everything, and once the items arrived, we put them to use.

Do you provide your own funding?

Yes, you eventually end up investing your own funds because an elaborate fantasy act incurs significant costs.

What was the total cost for this year’s performance?

It amounted to seven thousand euros.

Will it be profitable at some point?

It’s not just about financial returns but rather personal and artistic growth. Being recognized and appreciated is rewarding. When people see you and say, “Oh look, it’s the one from Beetlejuice.”, or in the case of Drag Sethlas, who is my choreographer, it is that of The Virgin, for example. It may not fully amortize financially, but it signifies personal progress.

Drag La Tacones, finalist of the Drag Gala 2024 in Las Palmas de Gran CanariaLP/DLP

How many months have you been working on the fantasy?

A considerable number of months. The design by Nancy has been in progress since May or June. Around that time.

And the choreography with Sethlas?

It commenced in October, as far as I recall. We began in the last quarter of last year.

How many people are involved in your team?

Enumerating from the first to the last would be an extensive list. Nancy designed the concept, with Juan Fernando Henríquez, also known as Fefa, a prominent figure in Carnival, creating my headdress. Juliana and Pino, specializing in foam design with numerous children’s Queens under their belt, crafted the final headdresses for my dancers. Additionally, Sethlas choreographed the performance. I always rely on the assistance of my friend Acrux, who also makes an appearance at the gala, along with my dancers.Certainly. All the maternal figures of my dancers, the aunties, the grandmothers… everyone comes in there and gives me a hand. Naturally, my grandmother and my mother are part of this, as creating a fantasy is no simple task.

What was your mother’s reaction when you entered the world of drag?

If she had her way, she would appear even before me. She adores the drag culture, and I have always had a connection with her. Both she and my grandmother are my main pillars of support, and to be honest, I don’t encounter any issues with them.

Is it challenging for sponsors to have faith in the projects?

Securing a sponsor is a formidable task. Mainly because, on numerous occasions, the sponsoring companies do not receive the acknowledgment they merit. Without them, the carnival would not come to fruition. There would be no Drag, no Queen, no murgas, nor comparsas. Often, the due recognition is not accorded to the sponsoring companies. At times, the difficulty lies in companies refusing. The substantial financial commitment in many instances renders it unattainable.

Who are your role models in the realm of drag?

The earliest Drag Gala I witnessed in person was in 2012 when Cookie emerged victorious with a design by Nancy. I hold vivid memories of Seregon, and I greatly admire his stage presence. The likes of Orion, Acrux, and The Vulcano are praiseworthy. If I had to single out one, it would undoubtedly be Seregon, and Mandragora for the way he carries himself on stage. They were truly exceptional performers.

Do you consider yourself part of a new generation of drag artists?

I am convinced. No doubts about it. Essentially, since last year, it has become apparent that many of the previous contestants are no longer in the picture, and the new crop of talent is the one taking center stage at the gala. If you compare the current lineup with the past, you will note numerous unfamiliar names, much unlike those featured in the past such as Drag Vulcano, Sethlas, Mulciber.

Does the Drag Gala have a definite shelf life?

No, it has been evolving and flourishing since ’98. It has been 26 years since the inception of this Gala, and it will continue to evolve and progress, persisting in its transformation. Whether it reverts to individual drag or not is uncertain. Nonetheless, I firmly believe that the Gala will never fade away. It serves as a platform where individuals have the freedom to express themselves, evolve, and showcase their talents. So, I don’t foresee its expiration. It may undergo changes, evolve… but its expiration is doubtful.

If you triumph in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, what will be your next undertaking?

For me, winning in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria would steer me towards Maspalomas. I consider it as the most appealing prospect. Telde, though previously significant, has lost some of its luster last year due to certain issues.

Is your performance more assertive or comical?

It’s neither about making a stand nor is it comedic as I am not a drag comedian.

So, where does it fall?

It’s elegant, surreal, and utterly whimsical, to be honest. From start to finish.

How would you characterize your drag persona this year?

Compared to last year, it’s more refined, alluring, glamorous, and completely whimsical.

A much more comprehensive transformation.

Indeed, there’s a significant contrast from La Tacones 2023 to 2024. It’s been observed and mentioned by individuals personally.

What are the attributes that a skilled drag performer should possess?

Being adept at walking in high heels is crucial. If you can’t do that, you can’t be a drag artist. I always maintain that I’m not exclusively a drag dancer, even though I do incorporate dance into my performances, following a choreography, I also engage in drag, outside of the Drag Gala. Practically every night, I am involved in drag, so having an expansive body and facial expression is essential. You don’t necessarily have to excel in dancing, but you must have the ability to connect with the audience in some way or another. However, the foremost skill is being adept at walking in high heels.