Donna Poderosa has been spreading her love for performance across the UK and beyond since 2022. A proud alumni of the Soho School of Burlesque and the Black Burlesque School, her credits include Glastonbury Festival, the Black Burlesque Festival, Perth Burlesque Festival, Stockholm Burlesque Festival, and Cork Burlesque Festival where she won the Rising Rebel Award. Donna also helps to produce scratch nights for artists with Soho School of Burlesque, a monthly event when artists can showcase new work and enjoy a fun Sunday afternoon together.
Here’s her 21.
1. How would you define yourself in three words?
Donna: Emotive, authentic and passionate. Gabi: Reflective, brave and committed.
2. Who would play you in a movie about your life?
I would love to have that part! I would cast myself if I could.
3. What is your biggest strength?
My positivity.
4. What is your biggest weakness?
I overthink a lot!
5. When are you most happy and inspired?
When I am spending time alone with my craft rehearsing in a studio, doing some movement exploration or just playing with new music and ideas in my bedroom.
6. What is your favourite on-screen burlesque moment from film or TV?
This has to be Big Spender from Sweet Charity choreographed by Bob Fosse!
7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Remember to have fun!
8. If you could switch lives with one person for a day, who would it be?
I actually really love my life, happy to be walking in these shoes even on the hard days. I am grateful for the life I have, especially when I watch the news and remember there are so many people in super tough situations.
9. What’s the biggest myth or misconception about burlesque?
There are so many! What I hear most often is that some people don’t realise Burlesque can be done in countless different ways depending on the artist or where it takes place. They think of burlesque as one dimensional and they’re so surprised to learn there is so much more, and that it rarely looks like the image they had in mind – which most often is a classic style or based on a the Burlesque movie.
10. If you could only perform to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The track of my newest number, Stella by Blow 3.0. Or My Ugly Boy by Skunk Anansie.
11. What surprisingly useful things do you have in your show case?
In my luggage I have recently added a special glue for latin shoes in case they break, and another glue type which helps gauntlets, gloves or stockings stay in place. I love the latter so much because now these pieces don’t take me out of the moment. I got both recommendations from the fabulous Gina Stirling, who generously shares tips and knowledge.
12. Do you have a backstage ritual?
I do! I make sure I am as present as possible. I ground myself with breathing, stretching, drinking water or warm tea, but the last thing I do before going on stage is remind myself to have fun and break a lash! I also like to look at myself in the mirror in full make-up and ready to leave no crumbs on that stage (Yes, I look a bit weird) but it’s helpful to get out of my head and see myself as the fully transformed ‘Donna Poderosa’ and ‘turn on my diva’ as GiGi Holliday would say! For some acts I keep a couple of words front of mind to help my internal dialogue when I am on stage.
13. What advice would you give to new performers starting out today?
Don’t limit yourself to one style, one music genre, one box. Explore, play, discover and find your authenticity. Go see shows and spend time understanding the difference between community and industry. Focus on yourself, reflect on what inspires you, what brings you joy and why. Have fun! Saddle up and enjoy the ride with all its bumps and grinds!
14. What is your proudest achievement?
I was recently in Hamburg for my first contract, working with Pulverfass Cabaret, and we do seven shows a week for five weeks. Every night I am part of an incredible cast, watch some amazing artists, and share my acts on a beautiful stage. I was chosen for who I am and what I bring. Pulverfass Cabaret has been running since the 1970s; it’s an institution and it’s been a truly amazing experience. I am proud my work was a good fit for this opportunity and I am also proud of how handled this very fulfilling but also challenging experience. I am also proud to be carving my own path my way, trying to stay true to my inspiration and authenticity.
15. What is your biggest regret?
Being overly critical or analytical of my work. As artists we are allowed to create for our own pleasure, too, and just for the sake of being an artist. I forget that sometimes and I have chased perfection. I also regret not being present enough in the moment, especially when good things are happening. It is important to be present to enjoy them as they are happening, otherwise achievements will pass you by and you will have to enjoy them with hindsight.
16. What is the biggest challenge facing today’s burlesque scene?
In the UK, we have lost a lot of shows and several residencies have stopped. A lot of artists have lost a lot of work, and it is incredibly sad to see opportunities shrink. The industry is really struggling.
17. If you could go back and tell yourself one thing when you started out in burlesque, what would it be?
Own your uniqueness and cherish all the things that make you stand out: what makes you different is your superpower. It’s not worth being down because you’re not a conventional beauty standard or style. Trust your instincts and trust that your uniqueness will open the right doors for you. Keep doing things your way. Authenticity is the key. I have never been able to fit into one box, but this has made me versatile and it has given me a different perspective on things.
18. What is a cause or issue that’s very important to you?
Diversity and representation in the arts is extremely important to me, not just from a racial perspective but also gender and body. I still see a lot of line ups which sadly lack this.
19. What are you currently reading, watching, and listening to?
I am currently trying to finish The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron – it’s been eight months at least! I am hoping to finish it soon but I have enjoyed taking my time. It’s been super interesting to help me understand my artistic process and spark some good reflections.
I have been watching Rings of Power. I am a massive Lord of The Rings fan and will forever be a nerd!
I really enjoy listening to Bad Bunny and Cardi B; their two most recent albums have given me a lot of joy and lifted my spirits travelling around the UK on grim days and late nights.
20. If you could share a dressing room with one performer for the rest of your career, who would it be?
My cabaret wives, Blu Laloux and Deeva D! I’d also have my family dog Nando for some cuddles.
21. What would you like your life and career to look like in 10 years time?
This is a great question. I would love my career to reflect my interest in experimentation and love of being an artist. I have a lot of ideas, so I hope that in a few years I will be able to look back and see I committed to them, even if some might not work! I would love to keep travelling and spread my love for cabaret and booty shaking all around the world. There are so many artists I want to meet and learn from. I hope I never stop – I want my career to be as long as the rest of my life.
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