Aquarius Moon is an award-winning, Somali-Nigerian American performance artist, commercial model, and inclusive choreographer. Originally from Rockville, Maryland, her dynamic performances have taken her on a two-year burlesque tour across the US and Australia, and she featured in the acclaimed documentary JIG SHOW: Harlem in Havana. Before stepping into the spotlight, Aquarius was a full-time political advocate, championing disability rights, early childhood education, and universal paid family leave. She is also the visionary behind OK Moves Collective, fostering inclusivity in dance, and Aroma Vibes Co., an organic candle brand dedicated to wellness and sensuality. Here’s her 21…
1. How would you define yourself in three words?
Magnetic, ethereal, energetic.
2. Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Tika Sumpter or Doechii.
3. What is your biggest strength?
My ability to motivate and inspire people to reach their highest potential.
4. What is your biggest weakness?
Overextending myself when I get excited!
5. When are you most happy and inspired?
I am most happy when I spend free time with family and I feel the most inspired when I have the freedom to independently explore my environment without shame.
6. What is your favourite on-screen burlesque moment from film or TV?
I could watch Catherine Zeta Jones in Chicago on repeat and would be happy!
7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Never chase the camera, let the camera find you. No matter where you are placed in a line up, always perform like you are a headliner. There is no timeline on your dreams.
8. If you could switch lives with one person for a day, who would it be?
Grace Jones.
9. What’s the biggest myth or misconception about burlesque?
‘The beauty of burlesque is that the art form is accessible to anyone’. Since pursuing a full time career, I’ve learned there is a certain aesthetic, a significant financial investment, and proper amount of strategic business planning required to maintain success. Many of the high-level skills required to manage yourself as an independent burlesque artist require years of experience in entrepreneurship, branding, marketing, and skill development.
10. If you could only perform to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Give It To Me Baby – Rick James.
11. What surprisingly useful things do you have in your show case?
I usually have an extra costume for emergencies and some mini tin candles to hand out as goodies.
12. Do you have a backstage ritual?
I have a playlist for when I fly and before I go on stage. If time is on my side I love catching up with friends while doing our hair and makeup together. So many beautiful conversations happen before doors open and its a great way to calm my nerves and get some giggles in before performing. I also always bless my body before exposing myself in front of large crowds. Right before going on stage I do a quick gratitude prayer and meditation by laying hands on myself. Works every time!
13. What advice would you give to new performers starting out today?
Take your time. Be kind to everyone you meet, from the lighting technician to your co-workers. Mentorship is a privilege and gift that can change the trajectory of your career. Not all mentors need to be in direct contact with you or even be alive. Find people, places and spaces that inspire you and study them. Read, research, get off the internet and into the library. Be brave and reach out to those who inspire you and pay them for their time. Expand your repertoire far beyond burlesque.
14. What is your proudest achievement?
Becoming a headliner and reaching financial stability has been a goal I set from the beginning. In my third year of performing full time, I can finally report profit in my businesses. In 2024, I created a showgirl stock portfolio that is growing daily and has helped me accumulate long term retirement assets for myself and my family.
15. What is your biggest regret?
Silencing myself in the digital space in fear of pushback or loss of opportunities.
16. What is the biggest challenge facing today’s burlesque scene?
Evolving the definition of what ‘classic’ burlesque can and should look like. Many of the most prestigious and highest paying opportunities value costume designs or movement patterns revolving around the classic aesthetic. I really want to be a part of the evolution of this style by infusing modern dance styles with the classic bump and grind. Fusing street styles like voguing or adjacent performance styles like drag into my burlesque aren’t just artistic choices but direct responses to the idea that classic should look one way.
17. If you could go back and tell yourself one thing when you started out in burlesque, what would it be?
Spend time investing in interpersonal relationships beyond business. The time spent getting to know the people you work with will pay off in the long run. Go out of your way to speak to legends and hear about their stories. You may only get the opportunity once, so always take the time to connect when on the road.
18. What is a cause or issue that’s very important to you?
The elevation of Black women and femmes in glamour and luxury spaces. These spaces have traditionally been gatekept and we are now starting to see more opportunities given to those historically overlooked.
19. What are you currently reading, watching, and listening to?
I am currently watching Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 17, listening to Shirley Bassey on repeat, and reading All About Love by bell hooks.
20. If you could share a dressing room with one performer for the rest of your career, who would it be?
Maki Roll! She has been one of my biggest inspirations and she makes me laugh all the time. She was one of the first producers to give my art a chance and she has constantly advocated for our community on and off stage.
21. What would you like your life and career to look like in 10 years time?
I would love to be directing in television or film. Producing a Broadway musical based on my blog series Diaries of a Traveling Showgirl would be a dream!
Follow Aquarius Moon on Instagram and TikTok. Aquarius is the producer of the The Cheeky Martini, a live band burlesque and drag show in Washington DC, with an upcoming Black History Extravaganza Show on February 19th.