DIESEL: The European Prince of Seduction
We recently had the chance to visit Oslo, Norway, and while it was definitely colder than we’re used to, the city welcomed us with an unexpected warmth. As first-time visitors, we only scratched the surface of its queer scene. Beyond places like London Pub and Agenda, the options felt limited, yet the city itself carried a quiet sense of openness, with rainbow flags scattered throughout and an overall feeling of safety and ease.
Ahead of our trip, we came across the striking presence of Daniel Soheili, a.k.a. Diesel, a.k.a. The European Prince of Seduction. We tried to meet while in town, but timing had other plans. Between the preparation of the debut of his show and a party he hosted and we just missed (tragically), our paths didn’t fully cross in person. Still, we connected in another way.
What followed was a conversation that revealed the depth behind the performance, the discipline behind the sensuality, and the politics embedded in pleasure.
This is what Diesel told us.
We first came across you through your powerful ballroom presence — your Sex Siren performance is unforgettable. How did your journey into ballroom begin?
First, thank you so much for the appreciation – as this is one of the most important reasons, I want to share this art of sensuous and sexual expression with everyone to be enjoyed and felt.
My journey into Ballroom has been me admiring but also just spectating the few people I had around me being a part of the scene. My first ever Ballroom related class was with Anna 007 (ex Ninja) that later introduced me to the Ninja fam as Icon Javier ex Ninja (now Martine Rose) & Archie Ninja. My first ever engagement/spectating a Vogue Knight was at the Escuelita in NYC 2011.
But it wasn´t until 2013 I got to know the Norwegian trailblazer Cassandra 007 where we danced a lot (mostly contemporary as that was the style of dance I focused on) – then later in 2015 actively joined more of Ballroom related things she was hosting.
he also does oldway, check here
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he also does oldway, check here 〰️
You’ve collected more than 40 wins across 12 countries and carry the title European Prince of Seduction. What does that title mean to you personally and artistically?
The recognition and acknowledgment sit deeper than any title or prize I have had and wear it with pride. It means I am seen by my peers and community. That the way I have moved through the Ballroom scene has meant something to the scene and the people. I do want to give a shoutout to organizers that take their time to create OTYs and ceremonies where we get at chance to acknowledge talent and work that has been made, to celebrate that within the scene amongst us.
Ballroom is deeply connected to community and chosen family. Do you currently belong to a ballroom house, or how do you situate yourself within the scene today?
I do not belong to a House yet (after being Ninja); I am a 007 still – I have taken my time to work on things outside the Ballroom scene that has needed more of my focus.
But who knows what the future might bring.
Your artistic journey includes training in Sweden and New York at Broadway Dance Center. How did those experiences shape your relationship with dance, performance, and bodily liberation?
Dance & technique will always be the root of anything artistic I do – It gave me the fully awareness of my body, the way I move and the way it can be moved. It gave me understanding of music, musicality, stage presence, collaborations, perspectives but most important of all – it gave me the full understanding of what it means to be a part of something & represent a culture and all the depth of what community give but also what it means to give back. My journey of Bodily autonomy & Sexual liberation came with Ballroom – because Ballroom wanted me to grow within that. When entering the Ballroom scene, I brought every tool I had been given up to that point and the fusion of all of that became the results everyone sees today.
You’ve described your artistry as both sensual and political. How do you use performance to explore themes of sexuality, freedom, and identity?
That’s a very good question as I have tried to understand that myself and the impact of what I do can be drawn parallel to the many political topics that are being discussed daily – regarding bodily autonomy and sexual liberation. I realized that being Queer in a world that has proven to fail us all that goes outside the set norm is already the biggest activism and political statement one can make. I use my performance to explore these sensuous and sexual topics by simply mirroring the emotions & experiences I have had but also would want to experience – which is used differently depending on what I want the audience to experience.
You’ve recently debuted your own show, Diesel’s Carnal Cabaret Café in Oslo. Tell us about the project — what kind of world are you creating on stage?
Diesel´s Carnal Cabaret Café is a world where we deep dive into every possible shameless desire one can have. It is a show tapping into many different identities, kinks, sensuous & sexual expressions - mixed with a bit of comedy.
I could not have made it without my wonderful cast of:
Everyone being so incredibly talented in their art that the mix became a dangerous fusion. We truly created a living room inviting the audience to celebrate the many different aspects of sexuality, desires and identity.
Photo/Flyer by: @janelool
You were recently seen playing Rocky in The Rocky Horror Show in Oslo. What was it like stepping into such an iconic role, and what did you bring to the character?
The Rocky Horror show was beyond anything I had imagined… to think I almost turned this role down because I didn´t think it was for me. It was one of my biggest moments on stage truly. To enter the legendary role Rocky, as a Persian Gay man gave a depth I loved. (We like that! ❤️)
The universe that was created by Heiki Riipinen was monumental – we had people coming back to watch it 3-6 times. It is a show that deserves to come back. Hopefully I did the role justice and gave the character and show the depth and moments it deserved – by the feedback and articles, it seems like it mostly did.
You’re a queer performer of Iranian roots, born in Sweden and now based in Norway. How has your multicultural background influenced your art and your identity?
To be able to do what I do in countries that aren´t restricting me in my art is firstly a big privilege. To be able to move and be invited to the many different artistic spaces being who I am and the many intersectional layers I represent and the ways I represent them to be celebrated - is major. I have had people around me that have taken me in and been curious of me and what I do that has also set a foundation for me to explore my identity and artistry.
How would you describe the experience of being queer in Norway today? Do you feel the scene here supports bold, unapologetic performers like yourself?
The Queer scene in Norway is bold in many ways, and I do feel bold artistry is supported as many Queer artists doing what they do and representing themselves loudly and unapologetically is so very bold itself. The Queer scene here is as most Queers scenes around the globe I would think. We are many that got each other back, but we are also busy surviving and creating that we might not get the opportunity to always show support more than one could have wished to. We are many that fight battles in many different spaces/institutes and that should be acknowledged. But to answer your question, I do feel supported – it felt like it took time for many to understand what I was doing and who I am (maybe people are still figuring that out?), but I do feel supported.
And finally, the question our readers will definitely want to know… are you single, taken, or in an open relationship? Do admirers out there stand a chance?
The way I laughed reading this, so sweet. I am single and I am not looking for a relationship as I have realized I might not want to be in a relationship of any kind. I can’t only love one person – because I love and share my love with many. I don’t want kids nor marriage so I'm not looking for that either. I do love admirers/fans and aim to have many lovers in the future.
If you find yourself in Oslo, Diesel’s world is one worth stepping into.
Diesel’s Carnal Cabaret Café is more than a show, it’s an invitation to explore desire, identity, and expression without shame.
Catch upcoming dates:
Friday 08/MAY/26 – 21:00
Saturday 09/MAY/26 – 21:00
Don’t miss it!!!
And importantly, Diesel is offering tickets to members of the community with limited resources, including queer individuals and sex workers. If this is you and you’re in Oslo, reach out to him directly on Instagram, they want you in the room.
