Bella da Ball is known for BIG hair, LONG legs, and HIGH heels…but there is so much more

Bella da Ball, with her big hair, signature glasses, long legs in short skirts, high heels, and a big mouth to match that huge personality is not just a Palm Springs socialite. This social ambassador works tirelessly to support local youth and the LBGTQIA community.

She is widely recognized for outstanding leadership and service, and for her work as a champion of human rights. Her accolades read like a CVS receipt and include a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce P.S. I Love You Award, City of Palm Springs Human Rights Commission Community Service Award, Safe Schools Desert Cities Champion for Youth Award for LBGTQIA Youth In The Desert, Human Rights Campaign Advocate for Equality Award for outstanding leadership and service to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community; PrideNation Best Entertainer People’s Choice Award for many years, Community Service Award from AAP (AIDS Assistance Program/Food Samaritans) at Evening Under the Stars with Cyndi Lauper, DAP (Desert AIDS Project, now DAP Health) Everyday Heroes award, was inaugural “Community Sweetheart” in the City’s 25th Festival of Lights parade, and has received GED Magazine’s own award for OUTstanding Drag Diva and OUTstanding Drag Show. Phew! Her mantle must be huge – size queen!

She is as at home commanding a Pride stage as she is hosting Drag Queen Story Hour at the Palm Springs Public Library or appearing in Hairspray with Bruce Vilanch. She has hosted or introduced almost every event in Palm Springs in the LGBTQ world and beyond. She is a Palm Springs fixture, as big as the Marilyn Monroe statue – just with less controversy.

Plan to party Palm Springs style with Bella Thursday evenings at Copa’s Lipstick Drag and Cabaret Show, gird your loins!

Bella da Ball grew up in small-town Southern Minnesota, near Mankato, don’t you know, the youngest and shortest in the family.  She was premature, couldn’t wait to come out…she knew at an early age. 

How did you come up with your drag name?

A group of friends enjoyed dressing up and going out for dinners and theme nights at venues around Palm Springs such as Sweetwater, Racquet Club, Blame It on Midnight, and was asked by the manager of Sweetwater about performing and started the elegant drag performing group, The Delicious Divas, and said we each need a drag name.  They said to me— you are the leader, the organizer, the bell of the ball, the life of the party, the party planner, you need to be Bella da Ball!  Others were Amba Goodbar, Babette d’Muir, Lauren, Stephanie, Wild Ginger Snap, Lady Jenna, Ermine Van Pelt/later Honey du Melon, and Marina del Ray. 

How long have you lived in Palm Springs?

I’ve been coming to the area from Los Angeles for many years, first buying a weekend home and then making the move over 15 years ago. 

What do you love about Palm Springs the most?

The diversity, the weather, the small town with big city flavor, the people, the lifestyle, ease of getting around. 

Favorite part about doing drag?

Wearing high heels and big hair!  Organizing, planning, scheduling, hosting shows and events – “Julie the Cruise Director”/party planner.  When you are in drag, you can go up to almost anyone and they are cool with it, want to be involved/interactive in one way or another.  I love to promote shows and events and spread the news. 

Least favorite part about doing drag?

When show attendees must touch your hair in amazement. People not getting the name correct.  Bella da Ball, not de Ball, not du Ball, not d’ Ball…but that’s life… at least they are thinking of you and trying! 

Photo: Mike Thomas

Craziest drag story?

When we were first doing drag on a cruise, my partner and I were dressing for a night out on the ship.  He puts on his long nails first and then tried to put on the pantyhose.

Life in the dressing room is always fun and crazy and rushed.  Most dressing rooms are rather compact for many performers and LOTS and LOTS of wigs, costumes, shoes, suitcases, props and sometimes it is a major squeeze. When I was wearing a wig going into Oil Can Harry’s in LA, the front door frame is rather low it seems, and my wig, of course, is high and big…caught it on a nail on the door frame and pulled it off. 

Most un-drag thing you do?

I love to dance, fox trot, polka, waltz, schottische, swing, big band, 50’s.  I need to lead.  But, then again, love to twirl and spin the skirt if I have one on, too! 

Strangest hobby or talent?

Don’t know if it is strange, but I love to type and have some good speed.  Worked at a newspaper and loved to do a mini newsletter of social calendar events before the ease of computer days. 

What celebrity most needs a drag makeover?

Many dudes I would love to see in a dress and work the runway/stage—from the international political scene, Justin Trudeau, the Property Brothers—Jonathan and Drew, David Beckham, Ryan Seacrest, some of the charming guys on Hallmark Channel shows and movies – they’ve had some gay-themed characters or shows, but don’t believe I’ve seen or heard of ones with drag.  There are so many hotties on TV news – let’s put them in some drag! 

Favorite Palm Springs hotspot?

So much to offer in our great destination.  Many excellent theatre options throughout the Valley.  Many clubs, bars, special events, fund-raisers.  Palm Springs is hot!  People are hot!  The weather is hot!  Organizations with great causes are hot!  Hopefully, when COVID is over, we can get back to really embracing and expanding and enjoying what makes this area such a world-class, over-the-top hotspot. Stay safe and keep thinking of good times to come. 

Favorite Palm Springs non-profit?

They are so many fabulous and worthwhile charities in the city/county/area.  Some to highlight include Safe Schools, Palm Springs Pride, Boo2Bullying, AAP/Food Samaritans, Modernism Week, DAP Health, all the film festivals, PSWIFT, Animal Shelters, and the list goes on and on. 

Favorite Palm Springs area restaurant?

I’m a basic foods girl.  Love some small-town diner feel – Don and Sweet Sue’s.  Love a great burger -Tony’s. There are so many fabulous restaurants throughout the area with all different types of food and offerings. 

Go-to cocktail?

Mountain Dew.  I drink very little alcohol, but when I do, like the Amaretto Sour, Midori Sour, Pink (of course!) Squirrel. 

What would the name of your biography be?

Big Hair is Happy Hair – Life With Long Legs and High Heels 

Favorite song to perform to:

Looking For a City by Happy Goodman Family.  Snapshot by RuPaul. There are so many fabulous drag personalities who take the stage and do an extraordinary job with all sorts of music and artists. Christmas will be here before you know it and I love, Mariah’s All I Want For Christmas Is You.

What is your after-drag ritual?

Like to unload the car and put everything away.  Have some sweet goodies—donuts, cake. 

What’s your favorite pickup line?

Who needs a pick-up line? I have a fabulous partner!  Butt (two t’s)! Perhaps a comment: Love that smile. Love those jeans! 

Where can we find and follow you?

–Facebook: Bella Da Ball 

Bella will be making appearances at Modernism Week, Boo2Bullying Halloween, Halloween on Arenas, Palm Springs Pride, PS After Dark, PALM SPRINGS THE MUSICAL: Born to Sparkle, and, of course, Copa on Thursdays!