Now in its third run since debuting in 2023, La Bella – I am Woman has earned a loyal following for its evocative take on love, sensuality, betrayal, and ultimately, self-discovery. It’s a timeless narrative brought to life through daring acrobatics, rich visuals, and dramatic flair. While burlesque is often misunderstood as simply striptease, this show reframes it as an empowering art form – sensual, expressive, and deeply human.
"[La Bella] is a show that can be enjoyed by anyone – the costumes, the lighting, the storyline – it’s all very eye-catching, relatable, and universal." – Joanna Pawelczyk
Ahead of the upcoming season, we caught up with Joanna Pawelczyk – one of the show's producers and The Cirk’s co-owner, creative director, choreographer, and all-round superwoman – to chat about the production’s evolution, behind-the-scenes magic, and why Women's Month in South Africa is the perfect time to spotlight feminine strength and sensuality.
Why is the production so popular, in your opinion?
Who doesn’t love a show full of glitter, glitz, and glam! La Bella is a vibrant and dynamic show, full of passion, strength, and death-defying tricks – it’s the perfect setting to enjoy a date night with your partner or a girls' night out with your friends.
How does La Bella represent the art of burlesque to Joburg audiences?
La Bella is burlesque-inspired, meaning you’ll see elements of the art form such as costumes and props, but the acts are adapted for a broader and more commercial audience. Burlesque is a beautiful art form that is still very small-scale in this country. It’s great to bring an element of burlesque to a wider audience.
How does La Bella differ from other Cirk productions?
Most of our other productions are more family-based and always have a mixed cast of male and female. This is the only show that is all-female.
With this kind of show, how do you limit the sultriness of it?
There isn’t really anything overly adult in this show; the age restriction is more due to the sensual style of dancing. It's just the right amount of sultry without being overtly sexual – it's more a celebration of all things woman.
What's it like working with dance school La Rouge?
La Rouge is a pole dance and aerial school that has been around for many years in Joburg – they’ve been empowering women from all walks of life for almost two decades, and this is where the passion for this show comes from. It’s not just a made-up story; it’s a reality that is seen every day through working and spending time with women. The cast of La Bella is very diverse, from rhythmic gymnasts to art teachers to corporate queens. These ladies shine together on stage in a way that is both powerful and unique.
Photo: The Cirk.
Tell us about the set design, soundtrack, and how these practical production elements enhance the show's popularity?
The soundtrack comes from various places and movies, but draws a lot from popular movies like Burlesque and Moulin Rouge, which are pioneer movies representing the art form of burlesque. It's great to use music the audience can recognise and that has a story already attached to it, as it heightens people’s experience of the show.
"The cast of La Bella is very diverse, from rhythmic gymnasts to art teachers to corporate queens. These ladies shine together on stage in a way that is both powerful and unique." – Joanna Pawelczyk
What are some of the challenges faced in producing this show?
The perception that this show is too risque for the general public, when really it isn’t at all. It’s a show that can be enjoyed by anyone – the costumes, the lighting, the storyline – it’s all very eye-catching, relatable, and universal.
Was the decision to launch the show in August, Women’s Month in South Africa, intentional?
Yes, it was intentional – we have always run La Bella over Women’s Month, as it’s the perfect way to celebrate! It's such an ideal way to embody womanhood and celebrate how powerful women really are.
Step into the world of La Bella at Cresta Shopping Centre from Fri, Aug 22 – Sat, Sep 27, 2025. Book your tickets here.
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