Rehearsals until the pirouette sits: behind the scenes with Laura Thorn

From the outside, the Rockhal in Belval seems extinct this Friday afternoon. But music penetrates from one of the many adjoining rooms. Here the Luxembourg Eurovision candidate Laura Thorn rehearses for her big appearance. It is one of her last rehearsals in Luxembourg. Because on Sunday we continue to Basel, where she will compete in the semi -finals on May 15th.

Rehearsal until the pirouette sits

Choreographer Denys Stulnikov and dancer Melanie Marques critically observe every movement. « Can you take smaller steps? » « Turn around earlier! » « Pay attention to your attitude! » The instructions buzz through the rehearsal room, while Laura Thorn plays through every part of her performance again and again.

The rehearsal is not optimal today, but the 25-year-old Luxembourgian takes it calmly. « Sometimes you are at 100 percent immediately, on the other day it works bumpier – that is part of it, » she reveals to the « Luxembourg word » for the rehearsal and asks about the time. Everyday life is waiting: as a Solfège and vocal teacher at the Escher Music Conservatory, she juggles between Eurovision preparations and professional life.

« During the rehearsals, my thoughts constantly revolved around the teaching preparations – no wonder that I was unfocused ». The last few weeks resembled an organizational effort to reconcile ESC and job. « It’s a lot, but it’s a dream that comes true, » she enthuses with shining eyes.

Between flash lights and fishing channels

Your schedule is full: interviews, photo shoots, music videos – including an electric version of « La Poupée Monte Le Son », which was shot in Belval. In between pre-parties in London, Madrid and Amsterdam, where she has already met thousands of Eurovision fans. « It is surreal. You get out of the taxi and suddenly there are fans who sing your song. The appearances not only offer valuable international doctorate, but also initial encounters with the competition. They have already hit around 30 participants. » We all immediately had a special wire. « 

A curious anecdote: The Maltese participant Miriana Conte – which is quite polarized with her contribution – gave her underwear. Speaking of gifts: A fan presented her a carefully laminated four -leaf clover. « It will be my lucky charm in Basel, » she smiles. Three dolls designed by children will also travel to Switzerland with her.

Countdown to the big appearance

She hasn’t packed yet. « My mother helps me and still washes, » she admits. Also included: uncomfortable high shoes and a new stage outfit that will differ from the pink corsage dress of the preliminary decision – how exactly is her secret. She also reveals so much about the revised stage concept: the larger St. Jakobshalle in Basel needs more dancers, « but the basic idea remains the same ».

Surprisingly, Laura is surprisingly valued by her current nervousness on a scale of 1 to 10 at just 1. « That can change when I see the finished stage in Basel and have my first rehearsal there. A lot depends on how this first rehearsal runs. »

She does not allow negative thoughts: « I do not imagine what could go wrong or that a mistake remains forever. I don’t think: ‘What if I forget a dance step?' » Instead, she focuses on diving completely in her role as a rebellious dance marie.

« I am just looking forward to Basel, where I can finally concentrate on my appearance. Then it only means: eat, esc, sleep, escap, » she laughs warmly. And in the few free hours? Then she and her team explore Switzerland like normal tourists – a trip to the Jungfraujoch and a boat tour with cocktails on the Rhine are on the program. « For us, of course, non -alcoholic, » she adds with a wink.

With this anticipation in his luggage, Laura Thorn is in a hurry – the conservatory and her students are already waiting for her singing teacher, who will soon be on Europe’s largest music stage.