Christabel

Description

Although singing is my love and my forte, my passion for life translates into everything that I do. This is hard to express myself, but this review by my ex-boss at the Barefoot resort (where I completed 3 contracts) says it all:
Christabel (Bella) first came to Barefoot in 2012. Although she was hired as a singer, it quickly became apparent that she is not only multi-talented but also has vast reserves of energy, which made her perfect for our resort. In no time at all, Bella devised multiple avenues of engagement with our guests and she began teaching children to hula hoop and also condu ... cted craft classes and offered bespoke voice training classes as well. The fact that she has a naturally gregarious personality meant that, off duty hours, her very presence for any length of time in the common areas of the resort was itself a boon as many guests were drawn towards her for conversation.
It would be wrong to classify Bella as just a guitarist or singer, as she brings much more to the table. Even labeling her as an Entertainer doesn’t go far enough, as she does much more than that. Over her 3 stints with Barefoot (the last being between 2018-2020), she also began to teach our guests Yoga and conduct Nature Walks (having researched and designed the first “Endemic Trees of Barefoot” book). She was also happy to get involved with special events, for example, she put together a variety show using some of our resort guests and staff over New Year’s Eve 2019-20.
Bella has a big voice, one that really reaches out and grabs your attention. And she has a big personality to match it. She makes each song her own, unafraid to change the tempo or tweak the tune to suit her style.
If you give Bella the space to perform and the freedom to be herself, she rewards you with passion and commitment.
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Reviews     (5 Reviews)

Experience

I was born and brought up in Abu Dhabi, UAE - where world culture and technological advancement were both commonplace and top tier. The unique advantage of growing up here was being exposed to both US and UK offerings equally, which accounts for my vast repertoire. I was also lucky to be brought up in a house where music played constantly - from Elvis and the Beatles, all across to Bollywood and local Arabic hits. Lyrics come easier than chords to me and I can riff rhymes or melodies in several styles - I love big soul vocals like Aretha, Adele, Bette Midler - can easily go wilder with power ... houses like Janis Joplin, John Fogerty, Robert Plant, Tina Turner - but I can also deliver calm and clear classics like Karen Carpenter, John Denver, Sade. Because I also sing in Hindi, French and Arabic, I can also riff in an "eastern" or folky styles, but for clarity's sake I have to say here that I'm not trained musically at all. Music for me is a hard earned pleasure and a lifelong labour of love. Read More

Previous Clients

It would be impractical to state all of my clients, but my best was Barefoot resort in the Andaman Island of Havelock - where I have completed 3 seasons as the in-house singer and entertainer (plus one season as their yoga teacher) I have been more a traveler than pursued fame, and I prioritize experiences over all. My parents both grew up in Mumbai, but my dad was from performers paradise Goa, where I have spent every winter season except for the three years with Barefoot and one year in Auroville. I've played all over India, from the mountains to the cities and spent a summer busking on the ... streets of south Germany. I also lived for a couple of years on a working holiday in the small town of Luton, UK where I performed for a Disco band once and a Rock band a few times.
There were a few years in Goa when I also an active part of the circus community (hula hooping has been a passion too) and had leading roles in Gala nights for INJUCO, Maya Fullpower's Boudoir Burlesque, and Livia Etelka's Feral Banyan Circus, thanks to my vocal abilities. In terms of ambition, this is the area in which I would be most excited to move forward in.
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Suitable for

Anniversary Party Awards Ceremony Baby Shower Bachelor / Stag Party Bachelorette / Hen Party Birthday Party (Adult) Bridal Shower Casinos Charity / Fundraising Event Christening Club Party Cocktail Party / Drinks Reception Community Event Concerts / Tours Conference / Meeting Corporate Event Cruise Ships Dinner Party Engagement Party Festival / Outdoor Event Funeral/Memorial Service Grand Opening Party High School Reunion HM Forces/Army/Navy/Military Event Holiday / Theme Parks Hotel Event Nightclub Event Nursing / Care Home Event Private Party Product Launch / Promotion Restaurant / Bar / Pub Event Retirement Party Session Work Social Club Theaters / Stage Trade Show / Exhibitions University / College Event Virtual Event Wedding Ceremony Wedding Cocktail/Drinks Reception Wedding Reception

Acting Experience

My acting experience is comparatively inconsequential, but the shows I mentioned before and was a part of were theatrical in nature. In the right surroundings and with the right guidance I believe I could really flourish. The stage is somewhere I feel right at home and my voice is strong enough that I pulled off a comedy act with hula hooping and singing (to Tracy Chapman's Give me one Reason)

Meet the Act

I may have been earning my keep through my voice, but singing isn't my only pleasure. I'm definitely an "amateur everything, master of none" type who spent her childhood reading intensely and the rest of it trying new things. I love DIY projects of course, right up to masonry and construction. I'm also a painter of sorts - I like to do imitations of nature on walls, old guitars and have even illustrated a Botanical compilation on the flora of the Andamans. As it is with good learners, I'm also a good teacher and I give classes in Yoga (certified) Music, Circus and Dancercise to all ages - I ha ... ve ample experience working with kids too.
Even though I love my solitude, I think I've tried to get onto every stage I caught sight of since I was a baby, but it's only after I had those two years in England that I "found" my voice and things took off professionally - and that was when I was twenty seven! In my life, it has been nothing short of a miracle - freeing me from the corporate structure and allowing me freedom of movement. I love this world and nature and want nothing more than to just see new parts of it.
Of course, there's also my online persona - and I love taking photos and videos and uploading reels and such. Read More

Additional Information

Unfortunately, I have an Indian passport, which probably immediately disqualifies me from a lot of positions. I'm looking for the people who see my worth and can extend a little beyond the norm for an exceptional case.

Virtual Services Offer

Online Singing Classes

"Sing with Bella" is a therapeutic session designed to get out your head and into your body to release the voice. Suitable for those with an under developed ear or quiet voice and also those who just feel too nervous or ashamed of their capabilities.