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Dazzling audiences from Las Vegas to New York, Ravenna Black captures the wit and humor of fellow Seattle ecdysiast, Gypsy Rose Lee.
Hailed as a “standout” by Seattle’s arts & culture newspaper, The Stranger, Miss Black has mastered the art of “Come-dy-Hither” - creating the perfect blend of slapstick and sultry, ludicrous and libidinous!
A favorite of burlesque legends Dee Milo, Satan's Angel, and Holiday O'Hara, Ravenna is one of only four modern burlesque dancers spotlighted in Burlesque, A Living History - the second book by Jane Briggeman (author of Burlesque: Legendary Stars of the Stage).
Featured on the reality TV shows Wife Swap (ABC) and Secret Lives of Women (WeTV), Ravenna's titillating performances have been enjoyed by millions of people world-wide.
But just like the famous Gypsy, her story really begins with her mother...
A determined single mom, "Mama Black" cultivated her daughter's skills from an early age. She enrolled Ravenna in formal dance training at the age of 3, and insisted on piano lessons at 5. Acting workshops, theater classes, and vocal instruction were soon to follow.
But it wasn't all work and no play! Mama Black wanted Ravenna to truly appreciate the arts as well as learn them, and by treating her little girl to regular symphony, opera, ballet, and theater outings, she nurtured a life-long love of the performing arts.
Some of Ravenna's fondest childhood memories include taking in the awe-inspiring performances of prima ballerina Margot Fonteyn, maestro Luciano Pavarotti, and many beloved Broadway musicals such as Camelot, Fiddler On The Roof, The King and I, and - of course! - Gypsy.
Ravenna eventually graduated from Seattle's prestigious Northwest School of the Arts.
Developing her skills alongside other budding young artists (fellow alumni include members of Pearl Jam, Scissor Sisters, and The Presidents of the United States of America), she benefitted from the instruction of many impressive teachers.
Mentors included northwest jazz legend Floyd Standifer, Ed Sampson of Seattle Improv, and Mama Black - who worked 60+ hours per week to cover the cost of tuition.
Without the loving support of her mother, Ravenna would not have grown up to become the performer - or person! - that she is. Ever grateful to Mama Black for the special gifts of her childhood (and unlike Gypsy and Mama Rose), Ravenna enjoys a close, loving relationship with her mom to this day. |
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Inspired by history's most celebrated stripper, Ravenna's performance style is also heavily influenced by the spectacle of live theater.
In addition to acting and performance roles, Ravenna has filled key behind-the-scenes positions in a variety of theater productions. Her experience includes property master, group dance choreographer, and special effects coordinator (a particular interest). Other skills include firearms training (both practical and theatrical), and horseback riding.
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| Ravenna has since studied burlesque dance with some of the most recognized artists in neo-burlesque.
The incomparable Miss Indigo Blue began her instruction, followed by Kitten DeVille, Tigger, Dirty Martini, Kitten LaRue, and Jo Weldon. Many more burlesque artists gave her tips and taught her tricks along the way, and Ravenna is very grateful to them all! Currently working with burlesque legend Dee Milo, "The Venus of Dance," Ravenna is re-creating the act I Married An Angel, which nearly got Dee arrested in the 1950's.
A raven-haired temptress, Ravenna boasts voluptuous curves sure to raise your blood pressure and gags guaranteed to make you laugh. When you see this petite powerhouse perform, you'll see why she's also known as:
"The little girl who's ALL grown up!"
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