Meet Elise: Theatrical Darling and All-Around Entertainer

Young adulthood is a time of uncertainty. Most of us are still trying to figure out what it is we are passionate about and what we want to do for the rest of our lives. If we’re lucky, we find this out when we are young, and when we’re older we keep the spark alive. For Taylor Elise Jackson–or simply Elise–this passion was performing. A glance at her resume shows that she is a hard-working, versatile entertainer who embraces all kinds of performance, ranging from film and T.V. to musical projects. From her first live dance recital at 5 years old to her most recent concert for her latest single “Go Shawty,” Elise has never lost her love of performing. Armed with a soulful, acrobatic voice and a charismatic stage presence, it’s clear that Elise was destined to perform. A countdown on her website shows the number of days until she performs at Harlem’s Apollo Theater–hopefully the first of many performances at the iconic theater. 

I recently had the privilege of asking her a few questions about her earliest musical memory, pre-show rituals, and, of course, her favorite musical.

J.D. Valdepenas: What is your earliest musical memory? 

Taylor Elise Jackson: My earliest musical memory takes me back to my middle school debut at the Alberta School of Performing Arts. I played Carmen, the lead role in Fame Jr., and it was such a special moment. I was dressed in a fire-red leotard, had my big afro and leg warmers. During my solo song, the lyrics were: “(Fame!) I’m gonna live forever, baby, remember my name.” I remember looking into the audience, I no longer felt like I was just playing a character. It was as though I was verbalizing my dreams to the crowd. I felt so powerful and connected to the moment. 

J.D. Valdepenas: How did you know that you wanted to be a musician? Was there ever a defining moment when you realized that this was something you knew you had to pursue? 

Taylor Elise Jackson: I’ve never had a single defining moment where I had to decide to become a musician. Performing has always been in my spirit, and I’m grateful that God has blessed me with opportunities and a supportive family to pursue it. Honestly, I wouldn’t even call myself just a musician — I like to say I’m an overall entertainer. Whether it’s acting, singing, or strutting on stage, I feel completely free to be as big and bold as I can. That freedom is something I can’t find anywhere else, and to live without it, or to not allow myself to chase my wildest dreams, would feel like living a half-lived life. 

J.D. Valdepenas: How did you feel the first time you ever performed live? 

Taylor Elise Jackson: The first time I ever performed live was at the Bama Theatre when I was about 5 years old, during a dance recital. I remember wearing a sparkly baseball outfit for our "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" number. The lights were so bright that I couldn’t see anyone in the audience, which made me feel a bit disoriented. Honestly, I was more irritated by how itchy the costume was and upset because I couldn’t spot my mom in the crowd! 

J.D. Valdepenas: What are some of your pre-show rituals? 

Taylor Elise Jackson: This might sound a bit crazy, but after I do my stretches and prayers, I like to find a quiet corner or any peaceful spot to sit alone. I take a few deep breaths, shortening them until I feel a little lightheaded. As I sway, I release all thoughts and judgments, clearing my mind completely. This way, when I run onstage, I can allow whatever wants to come out to flow freely, with no distractions, and fully express myself in the moment.  

J.D. Valdepenas: What is the best part of your job? 

Taylor Elise Jackson: The best part of my job is the exploration. I take all my pain, fears, and triumphs, and I get to reinvent and rediscover myself with every new idea and creative opportunity. It’s like alchemy. But nothing will ever beat the feeling of the audience responding to that. It's as if the air leaves and time slows down — and it becomes just me and the audience on a journey together. There’s no destination, just a shared moment in time that we’ll both carry with us. 

J.D. Valdepenas: Who is your biggest inspiration? What about their life or career inspires you in your path? 

Taylor Elise Jackson: My biggest inspiration is Michael Jackson. I don’t think the word "legend" even comes close to capturing the magnitude of his impact on the music industry. He was a true visionary, surrounded by a team of visionaries, and you could see that in every detail of his work. And of course, I LIVE FOR the theatrics, darling! My goal in life is to create art and moments that break through imagined limitations and live long after I’m gone, and Michael did that. 

J.D. Valdepenas: What is your favorite musical? 

Taylor Elise Jackson: This might sound a bit lame, but Hamilton is my favorite musical. I remember back in 2016, my dad tried to get me into it, but I thought it was so lame because who wants to watch a 3-hour show about history? But then it found me again a few years later, and it became my soundtrack freshman year of high school. And yes, I went to one of those performing arts high schools, haha! 

Hamilton on Disney Plus became a comfort show for me. The summer before college, whenever I felt lost, I’d turn it on, and somehow it always made me feel better. Hamilton was a visionary — whether you think it was "good or bad" is another conversation, but he fought for his vision and made history doing so.

Check out and follow Taylor Elise Jackson’s social media pages for more of her work! 

Interviewed by J.D. Valdepenas

Directed by K Pereira @Kaleb.pereira922

Photography by Mark Bluemle @barks.mindd

Styled by Jaiden Blank @thejaidenalexis

Pulled from: DOORS NYC @doors.nyc & Electrix Vintage @electrixvintage

Designs from: Metamorphoza @metamorphozafashion , Tania Orellana @taniaorellanaoficial , Mymokondo @my_mokondo

PA: Kedma Moise @Kedma_music

Featuring: Taylor Elise' Jackson @1amelise

Talent: DJ Placente @djplacente

Talent: Luis Betancourt @luis.Betancourt55