Are you looking for a unique and energizing entertainment option for your reception that will keep your guest on the dance floor all night long…then Belladiva is perfect for you! For this week’s VOW, we spoke with the president/CEO of Belladiva about how the Belladiva entertainment experience brings a little bit of Vegas to the Twin Cities! Want to see them in action? You’re in luck because Belladiva will be performing live at UNVEILED on November 13th at the Minneapolis Convention Center; you won’t want to miss this!
Q: What does Belladiva specialize in?
A: Belladiva specializes in high-energy entertainment that engages and interacts with every one of your guests. We will provide a seamless event that elevates each and every member of the crowd. Music is more than entertainment. It’s an experience! And the experience we will create helps to connect people to feel joy and passion, to celebrate, and to cultivate a connection with each other. We will transform your event into an unforgettable experience. It goes so far beyond just playing live music.
Q: What makes Belladiva stand out compared to other reception entertainment options?
A: We are constantly striving to find new ways to improve our brand, to execute the best in customer service, and to stay on trend with the most current song lists, choreography, and costumes as possible. We know the most important part of our job is to create memorable and magical moments for each of our guests. We strive to elevate the energy of every person in the crowd. A great setlist and light show aren’t enough! You want to hire someone who has the experience and has put the time in. Belladiva is in its 15th year and has the expertise and the know-how on what makes a great event happen. When the synergy of the singers, the musicians, the production crew, and your guests come together, it’s amazing! We know entertainment. We know that when the rhythm and energy of the band are in sync and amplified through the crowd, we connect, and the connection is huge. Connection is what we all strive for.
Q: When and how did Belladiva begin?
A: I was living and working in Las Vegas and traveling all over the world in production shows. I had to move home in 2000 to have major reconstruction on my knee, with the mindset of moving back to either Las Vegas or Germany where I was stationed with one of the production shows. My recovery and physical therapy took so much longer than I had anticipated that I decided to just bloom where I was planted. I started a production company in 2000 and was singing and subbing in other bands and decided I could start my own. I knew there was a need for a high-energy, show/dance band in Minneapolis and that I could bring a bit of “Las Vegas to the stage”. I also knew that the experience I brought as a singer/dancer in Vegas and a degree in acting/directing/stage management could make a difference. Most of the leading bands in town are males, which is cool, but I bring a totally different outlook, energy, and vibe to the stage, which is also what makes us stand out. I wanted to have a female-inspired front line that is strong and passionate and could fiercely entertain.
Q: What would you want brides who are searching for the perfect wedding entertainment to know?
A: A live band provides more than just music, they provide an experience. It’s the musicians, the singers, the history a band has that gives you value. Choose someone that knows and understands the utmost importance of history and chemistry. Choose a band that engages the crowd! Choose a band, that has put the time in and has a track record! There is nothing like the chemistry that is created between a live band and your guests. People not only want to be entertained, they want to be engaged, they want to be a part of the night. Choose a band that will extend the stage to the dance floor and a band that will bring people up. When you make your guests a part of the band, its like fireworks! People will remember that forever!
Q: Any other advice for couples regarding wedding entertainment?
A: Well, of course I am biased, but I do think live music is like no other! The energy, interaction, and ability to engage a crowd with a live band is incomparable. And if it’s a budget issue, most bands offer smaller configurations so that you can still have the components of what a live band offers, so don’t be afraid to ask for options and packages.
Q: What is your favorite style of music or favorite song the band performs?
A: That’s too hard to pinpoint as being music lovers, we love all styles! I would say the band loves playing the funkier styles like Bruno Mars Uptown Funk, or James Brown… I love dancing to the current dance hits but love singing anything Journey! And of course some of the musicians and singers prefer the jazz standards which are classic!
Q: How do you choose what songs to perform at a wedding?
A: I always ask the bride and groom to send me their “Please play and do not play” list. From there, I design a set list that includes their requests and what songs I know will work to keep the dance floor packed all night, which is always our number one goal! We perform a lot of medleys so the music never stops which helps to keep the energy going.
Q: What do you like about working in the wedding industry?
A: I Love it! I love to see a couple beginning the rest of their lives together and seeing their family and friends come together and celebrate this union. It’s so exciting! Unlike corporate events, you will always see the dance floor packed at a wedding because everyone knows everyone and is celebrating — both on and off the dance floor. The energy that is created from love, excitement, music, family, and friends — it’s just incredible! And of course when the guests are into it and the music, it just lights our fire! Everyone is feeding off of everyone’s energy, it’s incredible! At some weddings, I feel like we are about to blow the roof off the place with what we create together as a band with the guests. The energy just becomes intoxicating!
Q: What can couples attending UNVEILED on November 13th expect to see from Belladiva?
A: We will be featuring our full 10 piece band – 6 musicians and 4 singers. Normally we perform with 3 females and 1 male but we will be featuring a 2 female and 2 male singer line up which I’m excited about. We are seeing more requests for this configuration which we can certainly deliver on! We will be performing a huge variety of styles from jazz, to pop and dance, current, R&B, classic rock, Motown, and Disco. And for the country lovers, we can always throw in a tune or 2!
Belladiva Lightning Round:
Q: Describe Belladiva in a few words:
A: High-energy and engaging
Q: Red or White?
A: White
Q: Black Tie or Farm to Table?
A: Black tie
Q: Chocolate or Vanilla?
A: Chocolate
Q: Heels or Flats?
A: Heels
Q: Veil or no veil?
A: Veil!
Q: What’s your go-to comfort food?
A: Extra cheesy pepperoni pizza
Q: If Belladiva could perform at a celebrity wedding, whose would it be?
A: JLO!
