Shar Zayn

The phrase “jaw-dropping” is often used as a descriptive adjective, but it rarely — if ever — is meant literally. But for anyone who has seen Shar Zayn perform, jaws literally drop when she’s on the stage. As the producer of the EDI contests, this writer has seen it first-hand. I watched as the judges at our 2019 EDI East contest at The Pony Club in Memphis gazed, slack-jawed, as Shar Zayn performed one stunning move after another. Her athleticism, her artistry, her physicality, her grace, her intensity, all come across in her shows.

And we didn’t even mention her beauty and flawless physique. It’s no wonder, then, that in her short career as a feature entertainer, she won the EDI East Newcomer title in 2018, followed by the ED’s Newcomer of the Year Award that same year, followed by the EDI East Showgirl title in 2019, which included an automatic nomination for the coveted ED’s Entertainer of the Year Award. Shar Zayn is easily one of the most sought-after feature entertainers in the industry, and it seems like her career has only just begun.

We had the chance to catch up with the stunning, exotic beauty during a break in her regular workouts (just check her social media for some amazing photos), to find out a bit more about her origin and what fuels her truly jaw-dropping feature shows. And don’t miss Shar Zayn’s personalized Spotify playlist, courtesy of Bob Chiappardi StripJointsMusic!

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?

SHAR ZAYN: I really didn’t start “dancing” until 2010. My first club literally was in Puerto Rico, and my first time on the stage was pretty good. Because I have a background as a dancer and performer, the transition went pretty smoothly.

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ED: Where are you from originally? Were you born in the US, and if not, when did you relocate to the US?

SHAR ZAYN: I was born in Metairie, Louisiana, but I was raised in Puerto Rico and relocated to the USA when I was 25 years old.

“I did 10 years in artistic gymnastics and then eight years as a professional athlete representing Puerto Rico in handball. I have always been a super-active person. I think with all the stuff I can do with my body, it made me believe I was able to pursue a career as a feature entertainer. I really used all my skills as a gymnast and circus performance for all my shows.” – Shar Zayn

ED: What is your background as a dancer in general? Did you start as an acrobatic/gymnastic performer? What made you decide to take these skills and become a feature entertainer?

SHAR ZAYN: My background is in gymnastics. I did 10 years in artistic gymnastics and then eight years as a professional athlete representing Puerto Rico in handball. I have always been a super-active person. I think with all the stuff I can do with my body, it made me believe I was able to pursue a career as a feature entertainer. I really used all my skills as a gymnast and circus performance for all my shows.

ED: Every time I’ve seen you compete at our EDI contest, it seems as if the crowd can’t believe what they’re seeing! How does it feel to really excite a crowd and show them something they’ve never seen before?

SHAR ZAYN: Hahahaha, honestly that makes me feel really good. I feel all the sacrifices and hard work have paid off and I love to see the reactions from people. It’s always very exciting for me and makes my life full of happiness.

ED: You’ve won both EDI contests you’ve competed in: You won the Newcomer Division at EDI East in 2018 and the EDI East Showgirl Division in 2019. How would you describe the experience of competing in the EDI, and how has it helped your career as a feature entertainer?

SHAR ZAYN: My experiences competing in the EDI are the best. I love to see my other feature friends and what they bring to the table. I really learn so much from all of them and to be part of something so amazing, I just love it. It also helps me in my career so much because they are big titles, this is a competition that any feature in the industry should do if they can.

ED: What are your favorite types of music to dance to? What music do you listen to when you aren’t working a club?

SHAR ZAYN: My favorite type of music is dubstep drum and bass, and some alternative. When I’m not at work I listen to the same music that I play in my sets. All the music I listen to has a purpose for my shows.

ED: If you could see a concert of any musician or band, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

SHAR ZAYN: If I can see a concert would be Sevdaliza, she’s a Persian musician. Her voice and lyrics are super unique and controversial.

More “get-to-know” questions from Bob Chiappardi!

Where do you hail from (born and raised): Louisiana, Metairie. Raised Puerto Rico
How many years have you been dancing: As a stripper 3 years from 2010-2013
How many years have you featured: As a feature 3 years
Favorite type of music: Electronic, alternative R&B, trip-hop, experimental pop, and avant-pop.
Favorite recording artist: Sevdaliza, TANERÉLLE
Favorite song to dance to: ‘Human’ from Sevdaliza
Favorite song to listen to: ‘Dreamgirl’ TANERÉLLE
Favorite part of your work night: Joint and hotel room. Rest time is my favorite time.
Pet working peeve: They always tell me I look better in person than the pics. And they ask if my booty is real (smh).
Advice for new feature dancers: My advice for new features is always be you, bring out the best of you. Your uniqueness is what is going to make you shine.

Don’t miss Shar Zayn’s personalized Spotify playlist right here, courtesy of StripJointsMusic.com!

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