Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruby Joule.
Hi Ruby, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started performing burlesque with a group of dance and acting friends in 2006. We met on the set of an indie Zombie movie the year before and realized that we all had a secret dream of doing burlesque. We figured that as a group, we could put a full show together and pitch it to a venue. We did the first one in the summer of 2006 and just never stopped. That’s how my troupe, The Jigglewatts Burlesque Revue got started.
For those who may not know, there are many different styles of burlesque, from the classic to super-innovative and it’s an art form that’s always evolving. As a baseline, I like to say that it’s a historical form of performance art that has seen a resurgence in recent years and often includes the tasteful element of tease.
Since we started, the troupe and I have grown and developed alongside the neo-burlesque revival, traveling to perform at shows and festivals as they popped up around the country and world. Since burlesque is an art form that showcases solo dancers just as much as group performances, we were able to develop our unique individual personas and styles as the troupe gained momentum. We’ve been honored to receive many awards over the years and earned acclaim and notoriety by performing and traveling pretty extensively. It’s a deep love for the creativity, beauty, and endless possibilities of this art form that has kept me interested and excited for what’s next.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not always been smooth, but it has been so rewarding! One of the biggest challenges has been educating audiences and venues about what burlesque is and what to expect from a performance. Some people hear the word “burlesque” and they either think “oh, like the movie?” or “you mean like… stripping?” and it turns out it’s not as simple as that. In some very conservative areas, burlesque is highly monitored and censored. One show I was running in a smaller Texas town actually had a private investigator and members of the City Council come out a couple of times to ensure that there was no nudity or “adult entertainment” going on.
Just like other art forms, as a burlesque performer and producer I’m also an entrepreneur striving to find that balance between overwork and financial stability. I’ve had to wear many hats along the way, from costumer to choreographer, music editor, publicist, sales team, etc… The spirit of burlesque is very DIY, so I’ve said it’s like 19 full-time jobs in one! That can be a real challenge because when you love your work, it’s hard to know when to take a break and rest. I once brought on a debilitating case of hand eczema from all of the pressure and stress. The costumes are expensive, the nights are late, and the travel schedule can be intense, so paying close attention to self-care is very important. But in the end, entertaining and delighting people, showing them something that they may have never seen before is a huge privilege and thrill!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I perform in and produce burlesque shows as a soloist, with my troupe The Jigglewatts Burlesque Revue, and in others’ shows and events. I can be found performing in theatres, private events, live music venues and nightclubs in Austin, across Texas, and touring the country and world.
My specialty is “classic” burlesque, a style made popular in the mid-twentieth century that’s characterized by over-the-top glamorous costuming, incorporation of elegant, nostalgic aesthetics and music, and an emphasis on connecting with the audience.
I am probably best known for aiming to uplift burlesque as an art form and helping to keep the historical traditions and glamour of the golden era of burlesque alive; for incorporating the fantastical striptease gimmicks and props of a bygone era such as the giant champagne glass, giant feather fans and boas; and for bringing that element of traveling to another time and place to a modern audience.
I am most proud of having been able to travel and perform around the world with my profession, learning from the living legends of burlesque, and for co-founding and producing the longest continuously active burlesque troupe in Texas. It’s also endlessly rewarding to see other performers that I’ve mentored blossom into burlesque stars in their own right. I love sharing my experiences and passing along the legacy of this art form.
I think it’s my particular combination of skills and passions that may set me apart from others in this field. I use my classical dance and theatrical training to embody and reimagine burlesque in the spirit of the superstars from the golden era. But it’s also important to me to respect and connect with an audience in the moment; to radiate sensuality without being pushy or confronting. I try to strike a captivating balance of playful delight and sensual confidence in a way that appeals to audiences of all persuasions.
What matters most to you?
I have a passion for the history of burlesque and learning about the women and men who paved the way with this form of live entertainment. Within the burlesque community, we are really lucky to have some living legends of burlesque from the 1950s – 70s who are willing to befriend and mentor us “newcomers.” They are so generous with their knowledge and stories; it’s a huge honor to know them and keep their traditions alive.
I also aim to elevate burlesque as an art form and demonstrate what I believe to be its immense value. After seeing a burlesque show where all body sizes and shapes, ages and looks are celebrated, I’ve seen audiences perspectives shift. It can change the way people see themselves, and that is very powerful.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@thejigglewattsburlesque.com
- Website: www.RubyJoule.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubyjoule/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RubyJouleBurlesque/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RubyJoule
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RubyJoule
- Other: www.thejigglewattsburlesque.com
Image Credits
Derek Jackson, David deLara, Brent Kosadnar, R.J. Johnson, Roj Rodriguez
