Welcome to the Dangers of Beauty...

 

Bella Donna Historical Performers is a performance troupe providing songs, instrumental music, and wit at Renaissance and Italian-themed entertainments.

We are based in the San Francisco Bay Area (Northern California).

We aim to educate about the fascinating world of the renowned Venetian courtesans – educated, talented and alluring women -- through our music, dance, and improvisation. We are available for staged or informal singing, dancing, background music, and meet and greet; more formal events may wish to feature our original 30-minute show, "Aspects of Love," which combines elements of the commedia dell’arte tradition with Elizabethan-style language, featuring period songs (mostly in Italian), poetry, dance, and instrumental music. We are also available to perform as costumed characters from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries (Baroque, Rococo, and Victorian eras).

Let Bella Donna bring the Renaissance to life by including us at your event!

For current and past performances, see our Schedule.

For photographs and video, see our Gallery.

To learn more about our offerings, see our Repertoire.

To meet our performers, see our Cast.

To learn more about the history of our group and the Venetian courtesans, see our Background.

If you have an event or occasion at which you would like us to perform, Contact Us.


Awards

Best Novelty Act
San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade
Oct. 2009 & 2008
2nd place, 2012, 2011

Best Musical Act
1st West Coast Renaissance Awards
Feb. 2008

Press & Reviews

"The enchanting ladies of Bella Donna bring us a glimpse of [the Venetian courtesan's] world, in its charming as well as more basic aspects, with grace, humor and melody..."
Maureen Ustenci,
Harpbeat newsletter, December 2008

Folsom Telegraph
October 11, 2012

San Francisco Examiner
October 10, 2010

Santa Rosa Press Democrat
September 18, 2010

Vallejo Times-Herald
June 15, 2008
(image zoom)

"Just the right amount of everything...it's really nice to see and hear something really Italian. Bella!"
Dan Briggs (Dogs In Doublets)
Oct. 2007

San Francisco Examiner
Aug. 21, 2007

All text and images (C) Bella Donna Historical Performers except where noted

Last updated 25 March 2013