10s Across the Borders

This dance documentary takes us to Southeast Asia, where its protagonists find hope and community through ballroom.

“Tens Across the Borders” has been described as Southeast Asia’s answer to the 1990 classic “Paris Is Burning”. Half a century after Crystal LaBeija founded the House of LaBeija in New York, ballroom culture has crossed oceans and grown into a global phenomenon.

The film follows three performers from Southeast Asia’s ballroom scene: Teddy from Malaysia, who fled an abusive father; Xyza from the Philippines, who was ostracized by the modelling industry; and Sun, who is forging her own path in Thailand.

They are united by their commitment to honour and carry on the legacy of ballroom culture, navigating the complex relationship between their birth families and chosen communities, and helping those communities thrive.