Showgirl entertainer Pixie Raye won ED’s Newcomer Entertainer of the Year Award, and she’s been taking things to the next level ever since. After being in the industry for just under a decade, Pixie is emerging as a hot favorite for feature entertainer bookings, and she’s definitely raising the bar for newcomers. Pixie has stolen the spotlight — and our hearts — with her fun, bubbly personality and her ability to adapt to any club.
“Every place has a different strip club culture. I love traveling to different cities and seeing the way the girls move and interact,” says Pixie. “When I’m on vacation, one of my number one things I have to do when I’m there is go to a strip club just to see how it is. It’s an addiction…”
When she’s not on a feature booking, Pixie is gearing up for her next competition, ensuring that every moment in her career is productive and accounted for. ED Magazine spoke with Pixie about her triumphant win of ED’s Newcomer Entertainer of the Year Award, as well as her history in the industry, entertainer standards, musical inspirations, and more! And don’t miss Pixie’s personalized Spotify playlist, courtesy of StripJointsMusic.com.
ED: How long have you been a dancer in strip clubs? Where was the first club where you danced, and what was it like the first few times you went on stage in a club?
PIXIE: I’ve been dancing in strip clubs for almost 10 years. My first club ever was Little Darlings Las Vegas. Getting up on that stage for the first time was terrifying, mixed with a whole lot of adrenaline. I can almost definitely say it was nothing pretty! That club back then was known for their weekend theme shows and wet sets. So every house girl that touched that stage on a Friday or Saturday were there to perform. I learned so much from those ladies, as house dancers, their overall stage presence and athleticism was unmatched. I remember when I learned my first pole trick after a couple weeks when I started to get comfortable on stage. That was the highlight of my show, I ran with that one trick for almost an entire year and man did I think I kicked it up a notch!
ED: You won the ED’s Newcomer Entertainer of the Year Award this year! How did it feel to win this award?
PIXIE: I have to start with “Wow,” I am still in disbelief that I won Newcomer Entertainer of the Year. This is such a tremendous accomplishment for me and honestly, it was so unexpected because there are so many talented rising stars currently in our industry. I admire and adore every woman in our category. It’s so unreal what you can do when you apply and dedicate yourself to something. This award has shown me a new light and self-love. Not saying that I needed awards, but damn it feels good! I am truly honored.
ED: You debuted as a “feature entertainer” at the EDI West in 2018, and did very well both years that you’ve competed. How has competing in the EDI helped develop your feature shows, and how have the contests helped your career?
PIXIE: I guess I did things a little backwards. My debut as a feature entertainer was at EDI West 2018, where I was thrown in as a wildcard because I had never featured before. So everything that I learned initially was taught basically in competition mode. There was a lot of “boom boom pop” and pressure to go with it. So if there was a feature rubric, I got all the guidelines, and a “honey, you can do it.”
After getting through EDI and starting to develop my other feature shows, I realized at that point there was no more pressure. It was more about audience participation and having fun when you get up there. So, to answer the question, EDI taught me how to set my standards high and perform under pressure. In my eyes, EDI has helped develop my career tremendously and my hard work has been recognized with winning Newcomer Entertainer of the Year.
“I am still in disbelief that I won Newcomer Entertainer of the Year. This is such a tremendous accomplishment for me and honestly, it was so unexpected because there are so many talented rising stars currently in our industry. I admire and adore every woman in our category.” – Pixie Raye
ED: What do you look forward to most about being booked as a feature entertainer?
PIXIE: What I look forward to as much as working on bookings is experiencing different cultures. Every place has a different strip club culture. I love traveling to different cities and seeing the way the girls move and interact. When I’m on vacation, one of my number-one things I have to do when I’m there is go to a strip club just to see how it is. It’s an addiction, and now it’s my job. It never gets old to me. Also, being able to showcase myself and bring something different to a club is always fun. It feels good to be able to leave your mark or impression somewhere that you wouldn’t normally see yourself being. Culture shock = adrenaline = fun!
ED: What are your favorite types of music to dance to? Conversely, what music do you listen to when you aren’t working a club?
PIXIE: So my first love for music is hip-hop and R&B. When I’m working in a club I never choose my music, I leave that up to the DJ. I feel like the DJ sets the tempo and the mood for the room and I trust his judgment. During my shows I like to stay on theme, but my music is all over the place. I may go from Hardcore rap, to country, to rock, back to hip-hop. I think it’s fun and spontaneous. I like to make my show something that everyone will be able to enjoy. Music is so powerful. Outside of work, when I’m driving in my car, I’m probably bumping gangster rap because I’m an aggressive driver but when I’m at home I’m probably listening to jazz or something very sultry. Everything I listen to is based on my current mood. With music, there is no such thing as boredom.
ED: If you could see a concert of any musician or band, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
PIXIE: If I could see anyone in concert, I definitely would have to say Prince. Everything he represents is genius. I love his confidence, his aura, the way he flaunts his sexuality and femininity but still is masculine enough to make every girl want him. I wish I could emulate everything he puts out on that stage. He is a true performer and a true legend. I’m upset I never got a chance to see him in person.
Here’s more on Pixie Raye!
Where do you hail from (born and raised): I was born in Long Beach, CA and raised in Las Vegas, NV
How many years have you been dancing: I’ve been dancing for a decade
How many years have you featured: 2 years
Favorite type of music: Hip hop and R&B
Favorite recording artist: There’s so many I can’t choose. It definitely depends on my mood.
Favorite song to dance to: Currently, “break up with your girlfriend, i’m bored” by Ariana Grande.
Favorite song to listen to: “Easy” by DaniLeigh.
Favorite club manager: Dane Hansen.
Favorite DJ or industry pro: Micheal DeSuno.
Favorite part of your work night: Tito’s.
Pet working peeve: Negative energy (girls venting). I need all smiles and rainbows around me!!!
Advice for new feature dancers: Practice makes perfect. Nothing comes easy, don’t get discouraged. Stay relevant, and drama free.
Once again, don’t miss Pixie’s personalized Spotify playlist, courtesy of StripJointsMusic.com.