Debuting at the Orlando Burlesque Conservatory in 2022, Emma Jewel was awarded Hollywood Starlet at the 2024 Hollywood Burlesque Festival, and debuted internationally in November 2024 at the Black Burlesque Festival in London, UK. She produces Rare Gems Cabaret in Orlando, with upcoming shows on December 18th, January 22nd and February 19th.
Here’s her 21.
1. How would you define yourself in three words?
Motivated, intentional, quirky.
2. Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Halle Berry maybe?
3. What is your biggest strength?
My biggest strength is my resilience. I have overcome so much in my life; my resilience is a huge reason for why I am still here today.
4. What is your biggest weakness?
I struggle a lot with imposter syndrome; it has definitely impacted the way I have shown up for myself. I’m definitely working on believing in myself and my abilities.
Emma Jewel by Greg Larro
5. When are you most happy and inspired?
I am most happy when I’m with people I love. I am most inspired when I have the freedom to move and exist with no agenda.
6. What is your favourite on-screen burlesque moment from film or TV?
I am not a movie or TV person, so I don’t know that I have a favorite moment off the top of my head. In general, I love seeing burlesque moments in pop culture.
7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
“You are under no obligation to be the same person you were yesterday.”
Emma Jewel By Will F Photo
8. If you could switch lives with one person for a day, who would it be?
No one.
9. What’s the biggest myth or misconception about burlesque?
That you have to be thin and white to be successful.
10. If you could only perform to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Waterbed Lou by Sax Gordon.
Emma Jewel By Will F Photo
11. What surprisingly useful things do you have in your show case?
My non-stick titanium scissors have been the most useful. I feel like I should be sponsored by Fiskars.
12. Do you have a backstage ritual?
I usually take a moment to step away from everyone and remind myself that I belong on every stage I step on.
13. What advice would you give to new performers starting out today?
Do not let anyone else’s burlesque journey dictate your path. Be yourself, be kind, and take classes.
Emma Jewel by Pippa Alice
14. What is your proudest achievement?
This is hard – there are so many moments I can think of, but recently I am proud of creating a BIPOC Burlesque show in Orlando.
15. What is your biggest regret?
When I was 21, I let my ex-girlfriend talk me out of going to a Burlesque audition. It took me five years to build the courage to get into Burlesque after that.
16. What is the biggest challenge facing today’s burlesque scene?
Resistance to change and diversity.
17. If you could go back and tell yourself one thing when you started out in burlesque, what would it be?
Follow your own path, take your time and don’t worry about what everyone else is doing.
Emma Jewel by Evan O’Brian
18. What is a cause or issue that’s very important to you?
I am very passionate about queer youth and their accessibility to mental health resources.
19. What are you currently reading, watching, and listening to?
Reading Where the Crawdads Sing, watching – Rupaul’s Drag Race and Jujutsu Kaisen, listening wise I’m always bouncing around between 90s R&B, blues and hip-hop.
20. If you could share a dressing room with one performer for the rest of your career, who would it be?
Miss Blaque Velvet, an Orlando-based performer. It’s such a good time every time we’re backstage together.
21. What would you like your life and career to look like in 10 years time?
I would like to be touring internationally. I’d also love to continue producing shows for BIPOC artists. Overall my goal is to always be evolving and growing as a performer.
Visit Emma Jewel at emma-jewel.com and follow her on Instagram.