Shawna the Black Venus

Shawna, known as the "Black Venus," started her burlesque career in 1972. She took a dare from a friend at an "amateur night" contest and won! That was the beginning of her professional dancing career. Inspiration came from headliners she was lucky to work with, including Leigh Sharon, Tempest Storm, Terry Starr and Gina Bon Bon just to name a few. Shawna appeared in Guam, Puerto Rico and became famous throughout the East Coast and Mid-West in the 70s and 80s. The Ponderosa Sun Club in Roselawn, Indiana was infamous for holding the Miss Nude America and several other Burlesque contests. Shawna was asked to participate at the Ponderosa Sun Club in her booking agent's all-nude wedding as a bridesmaid!! Cheri Magazine filmed and published the entire event. Shawna was well known for her "country Western" and spectacular "fire show" in which she twirled tassels with fire! She formally retired in 1994, but has since returned to burlesque to teach tassel twirling and participate in the walk of fame at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender in 2018 and 2019. Shawna has been featured in the book, Legends of Burlesque: Then and Now. Shawna now works in healthcare for well-known clients.