Today we’d like to introduce you to Haute Cocoa.
Hi Haute, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
This year marks three years since I stepped into the world of burlesque and ecdysiast performance. I first fell in love with the art form years ago, attending shows when I lived in Chicago. A few years later, I signed up for a nine‑week class with an acquaintance that ended in a student showcase. At the time, I figured the worst that could happen was that— as a mom in my 30s — I’d reconnect with my body and return to dancing, something I had missed deeply.
Instead, that class opened a door I didn’t know I needed. Nearly three years later, I’m performing not only in Nashville but across the country. I’ve fallen in love with the craft, the community it’s brought into my life, and the creative fire it’s reignited in me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The first night of our two‑night debut, I was in a car accident and broke my wrist, which meant I couldn’t hit the ground running the way I had hoped. I ended up sidelined from performing for almost two months. Coming back required rebuilding my confidence after a medical setback, and as someone living with lupus, I’ve also had to learn how to better manage my symptoms while still honoring my artistry. It’s been a journey of pacing myself, listening to my body, and finding my way back to the stage with even more intention.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a burlesque and ecdysiast performer, my work lives at the intersection of storytelling, sensuality, and cultural lineage. I’m known for blending classic burlesque aesthetics with the musicality, history, and emotional depth that come from my background in dance and my work in the arts and cultural sector. Onstage, I specialize in performances that are both visually striking and deeply intentional — pieces that honor Black artistry, celebrate womanhood, and invite audiences into a space of joy, liberation, and self‑expression.
What I’m most proud of is the journey itself. I started performing in my 30s, as a mom, simply hoping to reconnect with my body and return to dance. Three years later, I’m performing not only in Nashville but across the country. I’ve built a creative practice that feels authentic, empowering, and rooted in community. Burlesque has given me a space to reclaim softness, power, and play, and to model that possibility for others.
What sets me apart is the way I approach performance as both an artist and a cultural worker. I bring a deep understanding of Black music, history, and narrative to my acts, weaving in influences that honor the legacy of the performers who came before me. My work is polished, intentional, and grounded in a desire to create experiences that feel meaningful, not just entertaining. I’m also committed to professionalism, collaboration, and care: values that shape how I show up backstage, onstage, and in community with other artists.
At its core, my work is about connection: to the music, to the story, to the audience, and to myself.
What matters most to you?
. As both an artist and a cultural worker, I’m driven by the belief that storytelling and representation shape how we understand ourselves and each other. When people witness their histories, bodies, and identities reflected with care, it opens the door to healing, joy, and possibility.
Burlesque has taught me the power of reclaiming space in my own body, especially as a Black woman, a mother, and someone navigating chronic illness. Being a performer has shown me how deeply music and culture anchor our collective memory. Performance and cultural stewardship constantly remind me that art is not just entertainment; it’s a bridge. It connects generations, builds community, and invites us to imagine more for ourselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: hautecocoanashville.my.canva.site
- Instagram: @hautecocoanashville
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571149000990
