We had the good fortune of connecting with Emma Jewel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emma, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Dance has been a constant in my life since I was 13 years old. It has been the one thing that has always grounded me throughout the toughest times in my life. My childhood wasn’t easy and it wasn’t stable. I bounced between 11 different foster homes before I was adopted at 13 years old. In college, I made a decision to pursue a career that would provide me with financial stability and security instead of pursuing a dance career that would fulfill me. It was a decision I made out of survival. During all that time, I never completely stopped dancing, I discovered pole dancing which then led me to finding Burlesque 3 years later. Burlesque feels like the thing I was born to do. Being in the world of burlesque fulfills me in ways I can’t fully express. Choosing to pursue a career in the Art of Burlesque is also choosing myself. It’s choosing to believe in my dreams and allowing passion to lead my life instead of survival.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a Black American woman who was had to adapt to predominantly white spaces Burlesque gave me an avenue to embrace my beautiful black body, boldly. Burlesque is something that deeply empowers me, so when I am performing it is my goal to take the audience on that journey of empowerment. Connecting with the audience brings my art to life. As a Burlesque Performer my entire job is to create a visual story through the art of tease. Being able to use my background in contemporary dance and pole dance to help me convey emotion and sensuality is what makes my performances unique,

As cheesy as it may be, I am most proud of allowing myself to step out of my comfort zone. For so long I allowed fear to hold me back from pursuing my dreams of being on stage. I am excited for my future, for the ways I’ll grow and the places I’ll perform.

Getting to this point in my burlesque career has required a lot of dedication and hard work. I started my journey by signing up for the Orlando Burlesque Conservatory, where I had my Burlesque debut. Since then, I have continued to take classes, go to shows, and most importantly ask for feedback. Learning to ask for help has been my biggest lesson this year. I am constantly looking for ways to improve and refine my craft, whether that is through advice from mentors/friends or from hours of research. It hasn’t been easy. Learning to balance my 9-5, pole training, relationships and burlesque career has been a challenge for me. I consider it growing pains though, since I’m still fresh into my career.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first day, I would start by taking them to my favorite vegan breakfast spot, and then explore downtown Orlando. For dinner, I’d take them to my favorite ramen spot. We would probably close out the night at a speakeasy or chill bar. At some point during the week I would take them to one of the Springs we have in central Florida and spend most of the day relaxing on the water.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Well, my first shoutout is to my sisters. They have been by my side rooting for me to pursue my dreams my entire life. They are my literal lifelines. I could not ask for better role models. My sisters have shown me, that anything is possible. I also want to shout out of my friends and mentors who have invested in me and continuously give me the courage to keep going.

And lastly I want to shout out every Black Burlesque Legend and Performer who has come before me and will come after me. I am grateful for the work they have done to create spaces and standards that honor black bodies.

Website: https://www.emma-jewel.com/

Instagram: @Emma.x.Jewel | https://www.instagram.com/emma.x.jewel/

Facebook: Emma Jewel | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084250749146

Youtube: Emma.x.Jewel | https://www.youtube.com/@emmajewel

Other: TikTok: @Emma.x.Jewel | https://www.tiktok.com/@emma.x.jewel

Image Credits
Photographers: Eric B. Mack, Cosmic Lens Imagery, Black Hat Photography, Chris Bishop Costumes: Emma Jewel Braids: Hair By Marshon

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.