In the Spotlight: Dawn Voz
- Rubys Rebels
- Aug 24
- 4 min read
1. For those just meeting you, who is Dawn Voz, and what do they bring to the burlesque stage?
Dawn Voz is my inner weirdo unleashed, part theatre kid, part groove monster, pure lesbian longing. On stage, I bring musicality, raw emotion, and a magnetic, sometimes chaotic energy. It’s all about turning daydreams and inner chaos into something beautiful, honest, and a little unhinged.
2. What inspired you to start performing burlesque?
I always wanted to be on stage, musicals, drag, the works. I fell in love with the freedom of drag, but it didn’t fully click until I discovered Violet Chachki and her burlesque. The moment I saw her perform, I knew I had to do it. It felt like the only option, even before I’d taken a class.
3. Do you remember your first performance?
Yes! It was a group number with Ruby's Rebels to “Touch Me” from Rocky Horror, which I used to dance to in my room when younger, so it felt fitting. I was recovering from being ill at the time, and I was proud to get through it. Four months later, I performed my first solo and felt more like myself. I was shaking, but I left the stage feeling unstoppable.
4. Who or what are your biggest influences?
The music I grew up on, like different walks of soul music, and watching Soul Train videos, influenced my moves and rhythm. Bob Fosse's choreography and tap legends like The Nicholas Brothers, and musicals like Chicago, Dreamgirls, Cabaret and, Rent. Violet Chachki was one of my gay awakenings, her drag is crazy! Every detail is aesthetically thought about, watching her revue at Crazy Horse in Paris is one of the best things I have done. Icons like Eartha Kitt and how she intimidated men purely by existing, and Prince is my alter ego, their fluidity, sex appeal, and fearless stage presence really spoke to me. In burlesque, Demi Noire was one of the first performers I fell in love with, I still gag that she knows who I am. Also, I’m obsessed with Emma Jewel from America, I always go back to watch her performance in The Cocoa Butter Club’s first Black Burlesque Festival.
5. How have you found the burlesque community?
I think I had quite a soft landing into the community, largely thanks to my amazing burlesque mum and mentor, Ruby 'D' Woo, I’d be lost without her. I also joined The Black Burlesque School, and this really helped me find part of myself. I felt comfortable surrounded by other talented black artists. But even so, the community has thrown more self-doubt my way than I expected. Everyone’s carving out their own space, with their own views and opinions, and it can feel impersonal and lonely, especially when you’re shy like me. You’re not performing with the same people all the time, and if you are, it’s by chance. Being a Black burlesque performer in the East Midlands can be a little isolating, and I’m mixed race and very light-skinned, so it's important to know that I am not your only black representation in this lineup up, thank you.
6. What are your goals for the next year?
More art, more acts, more stages! I’ve debuted a new act and want to travel, do festivals, and bring singing into my burlesque. I also want to close the gap between Dawn Voz and the real me, less anxiety, more confidence, more power on and off stage.
7. How do you handle stage fright?
Nerves always hit hard. I let them wash over me, zone in, give myself a pep talk, and then channel that energy into performance. It’s part of the process now.
8. What’s surprised you most about burlesque?
How endless and undefinable it is. I naively walked into something I had one set idea about, fully thinking I’d change the game (awks), I mean it’s not too late, but it's not going to be in the way I initially thought. The other surprising thing, which maybe shouldn’t be so surprising to me, is how it consumes every corner and ounce of your life. I am constantly daydreaming about acts or potential acts, consuming all types of media on my burlesque, stressing over it, designing, upgrading, fixing costumes, choreographing, spending, saving money for burlesque, it’s all I think about. Please tell me this is normal..?
9. What challenges have you faced as a newcomer?
Perfectionism, comparison, self-doubt, transitioning from training in dance, there are so many things I’m unlearning. Plus, there’s this “secret rulebook” that everyone else seems to know, and it’s hard to catch up. But as long as I lead with good intentions and an open heart, I’m finding my way. I’ve been overcoming these by simply keeping going, staying open, taking breaks when needed, and reminding myself I’m the artist, this is for me.
10. Final message for upcoming performers?
Be kind to yourself. Burlesque is a journey. Confidence, presence, and artistry take time. Stay open, do your homework, watch lots of shows, and get to know your voice. It’s already inside you.
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