So this was the 26th Teddy Award Show, presented by the Berlinale film festival. What should I say – it used to be more exciting. This is my fourth time at the Teddy Awards and this year was the first time that I got a first class seat among the award winners and invited guests. And well, it was amazing to see how happy the winners were, especially such pieces like “Call me Kuchu”, which won the award for best documentation this year. It was touching to see their reactions. But a seat in the fifth row definitely destroyed the illusion of an international event. Because the last couple of years I watched the show via screen from the last rows, but now you get all the drama of Marianne Rosenberg directly and pretty close to your face – a strange view.

In contrast to that, Peaches feat. Ginger Synne owned the stage with their performance. By the way, that was the only show worth seeing that night, because even the variete acrobat was just “OK”. And well Stereo Total, well… you either love it or you don’t From time to time I got the idea that a lot of the thing happening at the Teddy award is done with spontaneity. Clueless people were suddenly pulled on stage to hold a speech etc etc…

But it was touching to see the appearance of Mario Montez who received a special Teddy for his life and who even received some congrats via Skype by John Waters. The Andy Warhol Superstar was the mother of all drag queens in the 70s. Truly touching. The craziness of Ulrike Ottinger and Curry 36’s culinary caretaking (even though most of the people probably expected a buffet, especially all of those who paid for a first class ticket) were other highlights.

“Parada” will probably be the big winner of Berlinale, since the reader’s prize of “ELSE” as well as the Panorama audience’s prize go to this quite serious comedy film. We were even able to talk to the creators of the movie. So these were the Teddy Awards 2012. Did I forget something? Oh yes. Once again Dieter Kosslick again stated that he had nothing today with that “trans-thing”, but NEVERTHELESS likes to attend such events – well, the appropriate sense of humor will probably never become one of his personal strengths..

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The inivitation hit me unpepared during my stay in Dubai, about which I still have to tell you so much. Already during my research on the new silent movie “The Artist”, which by far is the most wonderful Sean Penn movie since “Chayenne” and due to the unique jewel at Kantstraße, the “Delphi” cinema, one of the last non-multiplex theatres, I realized this film has potential. So I called up Dana and Sandra and hit the red carpet. Unfortunately I’m just famous enough to get a white wristband, which means – waiting and standing in line, enjoying some bad weather. In Dubai we used to have valet parking service… i just love it…drive by – get out of the car – and enjoy the event.

The Delphi Theatre, however, was all heated up and after two glasses of bubble water I felt fine again. After a short speech the experience started and it was like you took a journey in a time machine. Silent movies in black and white, in the year 2012 this is an adventure. But this adventure became more beautiful from minute to minute. The setting and the idea as well as the play of the amazing actors and the atmosphere of this theatre fit so perfectly together. The event organizer asked us to wear appropriate outfits – be glamour or roaring twenties were the right choice. Not everybody is familiar with boheme sauvage – which to me is the incarnation of a 20s party. Currently, a similar concept is introduced in Magdeburg, which might be just as exciting.

But back to the film: The plot is told quite quickly. A successful silent movie star has his trouble to adopt to newer times and he refuses to move over sound film and gets outcast. Just shortly before his fate took his lifeblood from him a misjudged love saves his life and everything turns into good again.

The film has many silent moments, wonderful pictures and a loving eye for the details, even if some people tried to tell me the opposite at the after party. The make-up obviously was the main point of criticism of most people, but seriously was just no remake of old classics like “Metropolis” or “El Gaucho”, but a love declaration to the retro boom of the past years and a challenge. This movie from Michel Hazanavicius is a must for all that love the past, but also for all of those who want to see a great idea beautifully transported to the screen – but remember, the choice of the cinema has its effect to the charme of your evening. Berenice Bejo as well as main actor Jean Dujardin, who I already knew from OSS 117, took us along on a journey to the past. Of course I also have to mention John Goodman, James Cromwell and Malcom McDowell. All of them amazing classics from film history. So from January 26th Berlin will screw 3D – and go back to the wonderful silent film !!! and back to movie theatre culture!

Berlin and Germany is reigned by corruption and violence… This is what reality just looks like. Presidents come and are made go, stock market people and business men divide the city among themselves. Truth is – the world… no.. we need a dark knight… an indescribable hero…. A dream… a batman live musical… oh no, it’s actually no musical… THIS definitely is NOT a musical. Batman live is a absolutely new live action variety theatre spectacle of a kind that has never been there before. And this is what you realize right in the first second – in a positive and in a less positive sense as well.

But let’s start with the highlight of the events. Batman live needs a huge location to take place in. The O2 Arena in Berlin might be huge, but doesn’t realy have the charme and the atmosphere of a TIPI stage or a charming little wintergarten. But it probably doesn’t intend to either. The O2 arena need pompous shows like the dinosaurs of the rock and pop world and a musical.. uhhh action theratre like BATMAN live. Just in the beginning of the show we were impressed by the huge LED installation in shape of the BATMAN logo which showed video stills and animations throughout the whole show.

But before we got our PREMIUM seats (thanks to UTE and BEUTE), there was some stuff to do. As one of the oldest super heroes of the DC Comics – yes, I accept my 32 years … it was up to me to create the my new super hero group. I somehow felt like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible. In times when a virus reins the city… I’m talking about a cold / flu virus which makes it really hard to get all the mega super comic heroes together. But of course, a wonder woman doesn’t give up that fast. Till the last day wonderful women turned into super heroes. And let me tell you one thing… the people outside the premium area really enjoyed the view on us. Full of hope kids ran into the arms of amazing Wolverine… and grown kids of male gender enjoyed the tight costumes of the female super heroes Additionally, there were the cameras of German Television Channels of N24 and RBB..and a sweet Patricia Pantel, who had to deal with the various universes of super heroes. And – we even proclaimed a reunion of DC and MARVEL

The show offers many special effects, artistic and amazing costumes. The images of the stage was colorful, impressive and loud. An intensive base and cool action sounds really had us. But: Who made the decision that the actors were not allowed to speak live? Why? Unfortunately the whole show is playback, at some points of the show, e.g. when HarleQuin appears that doesn’t really matter, because she was synchronized amazingly. The Joker was okay, too. But there were some parts that were really irritating. However, this show was something completely new – and a nice experience for every bat fan.

All of those who like to enjoy these special effects personally have their chance till Januay 15th in Berlin’s O2 Arena. After things will get packed and moved to Hamburg, Vienna, Hannover and Cologne. This goes out to all super heroes…. And of course to all super villains. Get your capes and spandex bodysuits (and do some sports and exercises) and visit this live comic als Poison Ivy, Harlequin, Catwoman, Pinguin, Joker, Batman or Robin. Of course, you can turn your character as well into a male as into a female version….

The Bread and Butter Opening Party doesn’t have it easy. Every year it has to go beyond the borders of the last one. Every year it has to top the expectations of thousands of participants. In Winter time, the Bread and Butter Opening Fashion Show Party always takes place in a huge tent. This year, the number of visitors was strictly limitet to 2000 people, which was good, because once you passed the entrée in the main hall you stood in front of a black curtain which marked the entrance to the arena in which FUERZA BRUTA were supposed to perform.

However, the waiting time for the show, shouldn’t really have bothered, because there were nice snacks… yes, really delicious snacks. The only problem you literally had to catch these little things, because the guys who carried them were quite clever: They knew how to get the amazing pieces from the catering area through the masses into the most hidden corner. A strategically clever place right next to the food area was absolutely worthless

Then, they opened the arena and of course, the curious audience headed in. However, I’d like to thank my own laziness that it made me decide against the show, because, thinking of standing in the masses, with my huge hair and these huge high heels would not have been fun at all.

And so everything was perfect. Avantgarde meets special effects, incredible images support the atmosphere and music melts into movement. All of these elements were involved and the imagery was brought into the masses. Argentinian Fuerza Bruta truly were a highlight – it was almost POETRY.

Next to some shows at the wonderful Hebbel Theater many years ago I rarely got to see such amazing images. But everything has its end. And just at this moment, the Bread & Butter Opening Party turned into a mega disco scenery alla IBIZA. Laser, Lights and loud music reminded us of the times at the metropol or of these typical dicsos of Ibiza. You know, since we all get older and my ears are a bit more sensitive, the loudness soon got a bit annoying, but it was the funny conversations with Mr. Silverwings that kept me there und that I wished I could have enjoyed a bit longer – but the volume of the music was playing against it.

Every time, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week comes to Berlin, which is two times a year, I start getting crazy… I love to meet all these amazing people and get in touch with their own personal history. Yesterday there was an event, that was really worth coming – The Fashion Rock Night 2012 at Kesselhaus / Kulturbrauerei was the final highlight of this spring’s fashion week. Why? Because it was not about posing elegant posing, it was not about just getting fashion runways photographed, it was not about shining in the paparazzi’s flashlights (well, a bit). It was about people. Again, I just love what I do. Because the mass of people I get to know by just looking the way I look give me such an amazing feeling – I just feel like doing the right thing.

The evening already had a great beginning… Instead of throwing ourselves into the people masses on the BBB, we enjoyed an amazing dinner with Phillippe and Micky at La Cocotte – if you ask me, the most wonderful French Restaurant Berlin has to offer. After that we arrived at Fashion Rocknight 2012 – way too early. Way too early means… nobody was there *looo* So who says drag queens are always too late?? So what do you do when you got lots of time? Of course: Hit the next spot and have a cocktail. So right now I have to mention a restaurant called “Queso y Jamon”, which offered us a warm place and some delicious free drinks. So even though it might look a bit strange showing up with a paper cup, we took our strawberry marguerita to go and finally hit the red carpet.

Rock Fashion Night is just an extraordinary event, far away from all neon lighted and perfect runways. It is about people like you and me. No matter if your whole body is tattooed way up to you chin, you like to appear all dressed in latex or all casual – everything is possible. This is what makes this event so unique, the live concert just melts into the fashion presentation: You won’t get bored.

And this is where you meet amazing people, just like Thomas Gottschalk. Seriously, first I thought it would be an imitator or something.. but it was really him – the former king of Germany’s most popular Saturday night show “Wetten Dass”, even though he didn’t stay long. All of those who could not participate, because the shows were just sold out, is able to get a tiny impression from the shows right here – and now knows that early ticket buying is everything Dear Rockstar Crew…THANK YOU for the night…

All those who rely on rumours, gossip and the reports of the media are captured in real Second Life. And for that reason, it was about time to see the spectacle at close range. Equipped with a style ticket and a hotel reservation close to the spot we are heading towards wonder-wonder-wonderful Vienna. To get a Life Ball Ticket you really have to make some effort, so ordinary costume wings from the carnival shop of your trust won’t really get you any further… Still, we happen to spot some true dress-up-masters. If we can trust the rumours, however, these folks had to pay more later on, because some really unmerciful style police got hold of them.

Strolling along the magenta carpet and seeing the people right and left of you cheer and scream was absolutely amazing and impressive, even though it was quite obvious that they came for Janet Jackson, Thomas Gottschalk and Bill Clinton. Somehow, this feeling was similar to my emotions at the Christopher Street Day in Cologne, only that it lasted for a two hundred times longer… Still, it was so cool. Unfortunately, the excitement decreased, at least when you are the first one to walk down the carpet, because it takes endless patience, since all the waiting got really annoying. In addition to that, wearing high heels for hours and hours can really get you into bad mood and euphoria is totally drowned by aching feet and legs. Then, at the middle of the event and the climax of the night, you get totally flashed… when Holly Johnson is suddenly announced! In this particular moment, it was absolutely worth it. And well, there was another moment like that.. but more of that later. Seeing Holly Johnson from Frankie Goes to Hollywood live – an absolutely amazing dream. A dream of my youth and a wish that I couldn’t make true myself back that… stupid as I was!

See more pix at http://www.queerlesque.de

All the other live acts were nice, too, but couldn’t really distract me from my hurting feet, at least not for more than a minute. All in all I have to say, if you ever go to Live Ball, don’t wear high heels or take one of those seats at the tribune.

After the event the masses swept into Vienna city hall to hit the party after crossing the labyrinth of the uncountable stairs. I was especially happy to see the two other girls from Berlin that were booked for the show stage for that night. Miss Pepper and Ginger Synne performed a small, but flashing burlesque show, involving fire and everything else you need for a crazy performance. The videos of their show will be presented at queelresque-tv.de tomorrow. Unfortunately I couldn’t really get Jankaphrodite aka Regina Regenbogen to any more movement, so the evening didn’t end too early. Actually, it was my feet that got my brain making this decision, even though it usually ignores such messages.. *lool*

The Rusty Revolver totally rocked me.. because the tiny but very lovely location at Straßburger Straße 60 is a true jewel, I haven’t discovered before. The sweet rusty revolver has incredibly much charm, the old red brick building seems just so cozy and all those little retro accessories support that impression.

A well-assorted bar serves drinks for fair prizes even though this spot is located in one of the trend districts. And, what was absolutely sensational to me, the bar in basement has another storey with a small stage on which you can always find some newcomers. That night, I unfortunately was a little too late and was only able to see the last part of the show. But even that was full of esprit. “Last Man Standing”, “Pin Sharps” and “Lost Ones” gave their debut on the floor that night. Amazing.. that place is truly charming and reminds me of good old times.. Meeting old friends was just as exciting. Most of them, of course, feminine, but the guys, too, were super nice. I guess it actually gets around that travesty is not contagious. Visiting the Rusty Revolver is absolutely mandatory.

Berlin has so much potential and every Berlin tourist hast the chance to spontaneously see something crazy, just like a bunch of transvestite artists in front of the capital’s landmark – the Brandenburger Tor. The reactions were just off the hook.. Construction workers were trying to get their single colleagues a man uhhh woman.. and uncountable subtropical tourists got the chance to get a great photo. I mean, it doesn’t happen that often that Berlin’s transvestite allstars pose in front of Berlin’s most famous sight. The idea for that was born in Mykonos and soon turned into an experiment… What it is going to be in the end won’t be told in details yet, but it will probably be just awesome. And even if it was only about the meeting, it would still be great fun..

At the Lustgarten, the Berlin Variete WIntergarden, at the Brandenburger Tor, the Kanzleramt, the shopping malls of Berlin and at Tegel Airport the beautiful wig-wearers were spotted – and almost arrested by the authority *loool* You could even call that a “transvestite guerilla” – and that was what was so refreshing about it. Gloria Viagra, Mataina, Melli Magic, Barbie Breakout, myself and wonderful Sandra Steffl… who was just there to take control of that bunch, gather autograph money and save Miss Magic’s short dress from greedy eyes… Of course, we laughed a lot, freezed a little and got photographed so much.. And besides I learned something: I always thought a huge huddle of tourists were uncontrollable: Guess what: It wasn’t even that hard to make them shut up by a simple “Psst”. So don’t ever call those tourist crowds uncivilized again, quite the contrary was true. They showed us a lot of respect, admiration and the assumption that they stood in front of true stars – which is kind of true!

All in all we became unforgettable as the five east European girls for those who happened to be at Brandenburger Tor on that day. I think the photo tells it all… As you see, drag queens aren’t just unshaped imitations of ladies – actually a high heeled walk on such a ground will get you a quite nice behind… and draws more attention on itself than Berlin’s actual sights.