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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, and Terry Starr 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. Shawna was asked to participate as a bridesmaid in a nude wedding at Ponderosa Supper Club in Indiana. 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 do the “walk of fame” at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender in 2018 and 2019 and was named Burlycon’s 2022 Legend of Honor. Shawna has been featured in the book Legends of Burlesque: Then and Now. Shawna now works in healthcare for well-known clients.