Sex up and dance

The third annual Bal Érotique opens wide
for a weekend of parties and art

ILLUMINATI-INSPIRED: Bal Érotique performers

by CHRIS BARRY

Frank Scuccimarri is the guiding light behind the hugely popular Monde Osé parties, where, he says, “good-looking,” sexually open-minded couples go to meet and maybe later wind up doing the nasty together back at home. This weekend, the Monde Osé gang will be sponsoring their third annual Bal Érotique, a three-day wingding of parties, erotic art and more parties. The Mirror sat Scuccimarri down to get the skinny on what the uninitiated can expect this weekend.

Mirror: What’s this year’s theme about?

Frank Scuccimarri: It’s based around the Illuminati and the mysterious underworld of secret societies. The inspiration comes from Eyes Wide Shut. The highlight will be when we initiate a new couple into the secret society. It’ll be done along a ritualistic theme.

M: Cool. Will people be naked like in the film?

FS: No, this isn’t a swingers’ party. Le Bal Érotique always employs class and sensuality so there are lines we won’t cross. I know everybody will be expecting the ritual to end in a public display of sexual intercourse, but instead it’ll be an artistic circus performance.

M: So what? Someone will start juggling?

FS: Not exactly. You’ll see, it’ll be a very sensual circus performance.

M: Is there any other kind? What’s the schedule this weekend?

FS: On Thursday we’re launching an art exhibit called ARTundressed in collaboration with le Conseil des arts du Québec. ARTundressed features 150 of the world’s greatest, most erotic, displays of today’s art. Friday is Le Bal Érotique at Club Opera, and on Saturday afternoon we’re having a pool party at Hotel de la Montagne.

Kubrick and costumes

M: Any artists of note being exhibited at ARTundressed?

FS: Sure, Martin Schreiber. He took nude pictures of Madonna in 1979 that will be on display.

M: Wow, that’s quite the coup, nobody’s ever seen Madonna naked before, huh?

UP AND AT ‘EM: Early to Riseby Michael Breyette at ARTundressed

FS: Hey, it’s a look back at one of the biggest superstars to have influenced sexuality in our generation. It’s pretty cool.

M: In keeping with this Illuminati/Eyes Wide Shut theme on Saturday, are people obliged to wear masks, or is that rule strictly for the less attractive partygoers?

FS: No, you can’t get in without wearing a mask. It’s very important when we choose a theme that people abide by it—that’s what creates the spirit of our events. Later on in the evening you can take it off if you want.

M: Is it okay if I only come with the mask my wife wears during sex, a brown paper bag with a couple eyeholes cut out of it?

FS: Listen, the masks are important. If you come without one it means you obviously don’t know what the erotic ball is about. The masks also help us weed out people just looking to take advantage of the situation.

M: What’s there to take advantage of?

FS: Experience has shown us that anytime you do an event involving sexuality, you get these single guys showing up thinking they’ll just come and get laid.

M: Isn’t that what most parties are about, you know, when you cut to the chase?

FS: Le Bal Érotique isn’t about getting laid. It’s a celebration of humans being sexual beings and being proud of it, yet not engaging in disrespectful, un-classy, or un-gentlemanly-like behaviours. That’s a big part of our belief system. It’s a huge celebration of sensuality and sexuality but at the same time we want some control over ignorant people who would come and try to take advantage of the women just because they’re, say, only wearing sexy lingerie.

A new, horny generation?

M: With the Monde Osé parties I know there’s a strong emphasis on youth and physical attractiveness…

BADA BOOM!: Burlesque performer Scarlett James, performing at the Bal Érotique

FS: Yeah, but not with Le Bal Érotique. It’s open to everyone. You see, we’ve entered a new era of sexuality. It’s no longer our parents’ era. Our generation looks at sexuality very differently. We’re more casual about it because we accept that we’re human and that sex is instinctive. Social standards of what’s sexually acceptable have changed. In the past, couples did what they had to do to in order to stay together, meaning they cheated. Now people look for ways to maintain strong relationships without ignoring the strong sexual urges they have. They know they want to be with other people so they’re finding ways to be in open, honest relationships with their partners while experiencing sexuality in a way that’s acceptable to one another. More and more regular couples are wondering, “How do I stay loyal to my partner yet experience what I instinctively feel I should be experiencing sexually?” Maybe it’s because our generation is less about sacrifice and more about instant gratification, I don’t know, but whatever it is, it’s coming from somewhere. We’re living in a new era of sexuality for couples.

Le Bal Érotique weekend runs
from Thursday, Aug. 14 to
Saturday, Aug. 16. Admission $40
in advance, $50 at the door. Go to
www.balerotique.com for
complete schedule, location
and admission information