“Inspiration is all around me all the time” - Guest Feature: Nadia Lotte
Los Angeles-based burlesque performer, Nadia Lotte performed in our Under the Sea and Cults & Covens Speakeasies in 2023.
Nadia steps out of a black jeep (?) in creme, vintage lingerie and a forest green boa. Photo by @mitziandco
In this interview, you’ll learn all about Nadia as a performer, from how she got her name and her first performance, to what she’s known for, and what she’s working on now!
Nadia Lotte, She’s Not Always Bad, But She’s Nadia Lotte! - Early Burlesque Career
Who doesn’t love an origin story? Learn how Nadia became the naughty, punny and beautiful performer we’ve all come to know and love…
How did you come up with your name?
It was a long process. I performed once under another name when I first moved back to Los Angeles, and had selected a different name after that which Google informed me was the name of a celebrity dog. Luckily my boyfriend is a bit of a wordsmith so he helped come up with the final choice.
I knew I wanted something that was a first name I'd respond to and I knew I wanted something punny. Despite most people saying it wrong, I love my chosen spelling because of how it looks when written with each word being 5 letters long.
How did you come up with your tagline?
I didn't! My burlesque Godmother came up with it for my first solo performance and I've used it ever since.
What originally drew you to burlesque?
My aunt suggested I go to a show she saw online when I first moved back to Los Angeles, and it happened to be Monday Night Tease (formerly LAs longest running weekly show). About 30 seconds into the first performer's act I was hooked. I became a regular audience member and eventually took a workshop to become a performer.
What was your first-ever burlesque act?
Special Date. I used to teach preschool dance classes and there was this adorable 1920s song on one of the tap class CDs of a girl singing about getting ready for a date.
Nadia leans against a wall with one leg popped in black sparkly heels, and black, beaded fringe top and bottoms. Photo by Arthur Robinson
Nadia’s work and Inspirations
How would you describe your aesthetic and the concepts/stories you explore in your performances?
My goal is to be ethereal, dreamy, a fairy princess, or playfully sexy. Anything where I can spin around with lots of flowy fabric!
Who and What are Your Biggest Inspirations?
Inspiration is all around me all the time in nature, music, friends, memories, dreams. I truly can and do find inspiration everywhere.
What Inspires Your Acts? Walk Us Through Your Burlesque Act Creation Process
Literally every act has a different process. Some start with a song I hear, others with a costume. Some take months or years of planning, and some come together in a few days. The most diffult is when I have a concept of the theme or character I want to portray and then need to find a song to fit, and then figure out what type of costuming will work. My tropical act was an idea in my head for about 6 years before finally getting the costume made...and then after having the costume I finally found the right music!
Nadia Lotte is clocked in various textures of black with a black velvet cape, black gloves and hat, holds out one hand with fingers outspread in front of red, quilted leather backdrop. Photo by Daniel Silwa.
What 3 Burlesque Acts are You Best Known For?
Mindless Killer, Lavendar, and Red Right Hand.
Mindless Killer is my LED jellyfish act. I wanted a tropical type act that wasn't another mermaid. Because I constructed the light up head portion of the costume on my own, its an act I'm quite proud of.
Lavendar has become my signature burlesque color, so when I found this song I knew I had to dance to it! And of course use my custom lavender wig and feather fans :) I hope to bring it to more festivals in the coming years. It's a bit sassy and fun, and I love performing it.
Red Right Hand was my first 'expensive' act that I created specifically for Seduction Burlesque at Harvelle’s Long Beach. I was inspired by all the different women on Peaky Blinders and found a true vintage velvet coat and hat to mimic the show's styling. It's a bit darker than my usual vibe, but it is still very me with all the flowy fabric and audience interaction.
Primarily blue and purple artwork depicting Nadia in her jellyfish costume. Art by Malcolm Thomas
What do you hope to add to the art of burlesque and that audiences take away from your work?
My hope is that for a moment I'm able to connect with the audience and be so authentically myself that they feel safe to be authentically themselves. I also hope to make an impact backstage, and make every performer feel welcome and supported.
What’s something you’re working on now that you’re excited about?
My Lagoon Nymphette act is the next big thing on my list. Varla Va Voom has been creating a one of a kind costume specifically for me and I cannot wait to see the finished piece. Plus, I think I found the perfect song!
Where can readers learn more about you and keep up with your work?
@nadialotte on Instagram is the best way to see what I'm up to
What current performers are inspiring you now?
@miss_orchid_mei @amberlafae @silk_electric @lacey_lilac_acb @missmagnolia_acb @natalieperlincomedy
Nadia Lotte’s Burlesque Bio
Nadia Lotte has been gracing burlesque stages since 2012. She is: the producer of California Dreamin' and Champagne Cabaret; resident performer at Harvelle’s Long Beach with Seduction Burlesque and the original Diamond in the House of Knyle. Don't be fooled by this California Cutie's sweet cheeks. She isn't always bad, but she is Naughty a LOT!
