We recently connected with Raven Jackson and have shared our conversation below.

Raven, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

I find myself misunderstood and even mischaracterized as a burlesque performer quite often. On stage I am confident and extremely outgoing, so after shows people are often surprised when they meet me and find I can very reserved and quiet. One of my favorite parts about performing is the person I get to be on stage, but when I get off stage I’m just Raven.

Raven, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Raven. I am a Nashville native and shockingly my real name as well as my stage name is Raven! I am a classically trained ballerina, I began dancing at age three and became serious and went strictly ballet at the age of thirteen. In recent years, I’ve wanted to continue performing and dancing but realized my dreams of becoming a prima ballerina were slowly diminishing. I am now a burlesque dancer and a resident performer downtown at Skulls Rainbow Room. I’ occasionally travel and book gigs all over the country! I love what I do! I actually began doing burlesque on a total whim! I had never seen a burlesque show nor fully understood what burlesque consisted of when I was offered a booking for a show! Someone saw me gogo dancing and thought I’d be great for it and I just wanted to perform so I accepted! I did one show and never regretted it! I love burlesque and have created a great family both near and far within the community!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Burlesque sometimes still seems very “underground” and a lot of people have preconceived notions about it. The best thing society can do is realize it’s an art, the art of tease and teasing with a live band can be incredibly challenging! Another thing society can do is come out and enjoy a show! We have shows every week all over Nashville! Sid’s Gold Room has weekly shows every Wednesday and Skulls Rainbow Room has shows every Thursday thru Saturday (just to name a few!). Shows have a variety of performers, some with live bands and others w prerecorded tracks, all sorts of fun and exciting themes. I’m actually producing a show for my burlesque group, Back to Back Burlesque this fall with the theme early 2000s! (Follow our Instagram to find ticket details @backtoblackburlesque) I’m so excited! Lastly, and most importantly if you come to a show and like what you see do feel free to tip the performers! It’s one of the many ways to show your appreciation and keeps our rhinestones shiny and feathers fluffed!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me personally, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is being able to be my happiest self! Being on stageC performing, hearing the cheers from the crowd, seeing the excitement on their faces and of course collecting the downpour of tips! Some people measure their success in how much money they make, how many followers they have and becoming a household name…I just want to be happy doing what I love and I’m living that life and loving every bit of it!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Raviejae
• Other: Instagram: @backtoblackburlesque

Image Credits
1. N/a 2. Adrian Morales 3. Emily Allen 4. Emily Allen 5. Chris Bailey 6. Adrien Morales 7. Silohouse