The atmosphere in the club is burning. It's 02:00 a.m. and the mood couldn't be better. Or could it? Because when an artist steps into the middle of the large dance floor and starts her show in burlesque style, a fascinated crowd quickly forms around her. Belle la Donna from Hamburg gets the crowd going with her performance and is celebrated.
Break. A few weeks later, we are sitting in the sunshine in the Schanzenviertel, drinking latte macchiato and talking. About music, careers, Hamburg, Sea Shepherd and life. Here is the detailed interview.
Belle, readers know you as a singer. Please tell us how it all began.
Well, how it all began. Hmm... I have been interested in music since early childhood. However, in my case, the musical origins lie more in dance. As a little girl, I danced ballet and did competitive gymnastics. There we were trained in the area of performance. Even then, we were expected to dance freestyle to music and incorporate acrobatic exercises. I would say that was the foundation for confidently perceiving music as a form of expression and a way of interpreting feelings.
Later, I had the ambition to combine the art form of burlesque with singing. During my training as a hairdresser, I had the opportunity to get singing lessons at a reasonable price through a customer in the salon. She helped me to develop a style from my first attempts at singing and to develop my voice further using the abilities that the universe had given me.
Belle la Donna
And how did you get into burlesque?
To cut a long story short: Since I loved dressing up and dancing as a child, I quickly felt like trying out this type of art myself when burlesque was not yet a thing in Germany, but something in the area was being organized here and there. At the same time, the first burlesque groups were formed in Berlin and Hamburg, and the first individual performers developed from them. At first I started in a group, but after two years I decided to go solo.
What was it like being in the spotlight at the beginning?
Since I was used to performing in front of an audience, I can't really say what it was like at the beginning. I can only say that I definitely need the stage and the applause like the air I breathe. Without the audience - and the self-realization on the outside - I wouldn't be me. Of course, there is still a lot of stage fright, but it is part of what I love. And that's why I don't want to miss it.
I would be lying if I said the crowd didn't go wild. But hey, burlesque was so new and we were a pretty nice looking troupe, with funny, very innovative, imaginative performances. We made most of the props and costumes ourselves. We were already booked internationally at the time and it was a lot of fun. So we were able to fully convey the good, relaxed atmosphere to our audience.
Belle la Donna
There is one line from my press release that I particularly like and I think it perhaps describes it best: “Belle la Donna stands at the edge of the stage and embraces the whole world.” I think that when you approach your audience like that as a performer, they can’t help but go with you.
Has the industry changed a lot since you started your career?
That depends on which industry you mean. The burlesque industry, definitely. New, and very great, performers are popping up every day. So the supply and demand have actually increased over the years. But as is always the case, when there is too much supply, the market and everything that goes with it changes. That's why I've acquired a few unique selling points, like fire performing, aerial acrobatics and singing.
And what projects are currently underway?
The production team Bernd Klimpel and Joachim Schlüter from Hamburg are currently working on my solo album called "Heroins". Here I interpret songs by my personal heroines in German and English, in a completely new musical style. Concerts are planned throughout Germany.
I was also recently seen in the current broadcast of "The Perfect Celebrity Dinner" on Vox, which has already resulted in further TV requests. In the fall, "The Harbor Pastor" with Jan Fedder will be broadcast on ARD, where I have a guest role. I was booked as a burlesque specialist and coached the lead actress in her role as a burlesque dancer. I will also be opening my own hair and make-up salon in the fall of 2016.
Belle la Donna
In your opinion, what has been your absolute personal highlight on stage so far?
Those were the 40 shows in Grünspan Hamburg, with my then burlesque band “The Sinderellas” under the record label Warner. We had a 1,5 hour long show with a live band and many highlights. Now I am looking forward to experiencing these highlights again with my solo music project.
You always look perfectly styled. What type of groomer are you? Do you take care of yourself quickly or do you spend hours in the bathroom?
Well, it depends (laughs). Of course, my stage styling is different from my everyday styling. But generally I'm quick, I have enough things to do as an all-rounder, so my time in the bathroom is limited.
And are there any special products you use?
Yes, I really like using the make-up products from “Paris Berlin”. They are not tested on animals and are vegan, but they still have such good coverage and last so long on the skin that I can use them for my make-up on stage and for photo shoots.
For hair, I can highly recommend "Davines". It really nourishes the hair, which tends to get a bit dry from constant styling. "Davines" is from Italy, very high quality and made only from natural ingredients, and is not tested on animals.
Belle la Donna
Hamburg, your pearl: What are your hotspots for eating or shopping?
Wow, since Hamburg has so much to choose from, I have to think about it first. At the moment I eat a lot of Ayurvedic food, so I cook it myself at home, but when I do go out to eat, I like to go to the Indian restaurant "Maharaja" in St. Pauli. Then I just love sitting by the harbor in the evening and enjoying the sunset. I also like to drive to the Alte Land in Finkenwerder and unwind with long walks.
Yes, I have to honestly admit that I shop online, and I like to shop at "Lucky Lola". I don't like the hustle and bustle of the city, or at least the stressful shopping hustle and bustle. But if I ever feel like it, I go to my dear friend who has the vintage boutique "Stay Gold" on Davidstrasse. She often outfits me for media events with great dresses like those worn by former Hollywood divas.
The vintage boutique “Mistress and Master” at Hein-Hoyer-Straße 15/17 is also one of my favorites. For the stage, I also like to wear latex outfits from “Inner Sanctum,” which is also located at Hein-Hoyer-Straße 15/17.
Belle la Donna
What are your favorite brands, which labels do you like to wear?
Collectif, Pinup Couture, Bettie Page Clothing, Inner Sanctum, Stop Staring, What Katie Did and Lena Hoschek.
And what do we find in your playlist?
Billy Idol, Depeche Mode, Type O Negative, The Cure and Gwen Stefani.
Are there issues that you are committed to, that are close to your heart?
Oh yes! I think the environmental organization Sea Shepherd is very good! They are very close to my heart. This organization made me consciously aware of the injustices in the world. Since then, I no longer eat meat and rarely eat fish. Although I used to love it, I have radically reduced my consumption. I would like to become more publicly involved with this organization in the future. Because I have had the opportunity to get to know the people behind it personally and know how much energy and heart they put into it.
Do you have petrol in your blood?
Haha, that's a well-worded question. Hm, I'd put it this way: I see a car primarily as a practical utility vehicle. I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't prefer a fancy car, like a vintage car or a super-modern sled. The more modern the equipment, the more environmentally friendly it is. But it's not a status symbol for me and you can't impress me with it.
Belle la Donna
What is your biggest dream?
Can I have more than one? (laughs)? Over the course of life, dreams and wishes change a little, so at the moment I can name the following: 1. World peace. 2. Of course I really want to become a famous artist who is successful in what she does. 3. An intact family with children, living in the countryside, animals.
Do you want the world to know something else about you?
Yeeeeeesss, absolutely (laughs). But it's more of a call to the readers: never give up and believe firmly in yourself and your dreams! Fight and stand up for what you love! And never let anyone tell you that you can't do it - in the end it's up to you what you make of your life and how much passion you put into it. Make the most of this life, because we only have one! Kiss, kiss, kiss, your Belle.
