Meet Frankie Fictitious | Award-Winning International Burlesque Artist | Model | Costumer | Clothing Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Frankie Fictitious and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Frankie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is believing in yourself. Dreaming big and not letting anyone diminish your dreams or tell you otherwise. Surround yourself with people who encourage and support your dreams and ambitions.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Burlesque is a performance art that encompasses the vintage art of striptease. It’s a form of empowerment for all body types, ethnicities and genders. It’s storytelling in the form of striptease.

What sets me apart from others is that even when its a packed house I make it my mission to connect with every audience member in the room and make each person feel like my performance is just for them.

I got where I am today be working really hard and not giving up. I studied every single aspect of what I did and constantly looked for how I could improve myself. It was not easy, I dedicated everything I had to it and spent every free moment refining my craft. Any challenges I came across rather than looking them as a negative, I took it as positive and saw it as a way to help me improve.

Growing up as a Chinese American it was a learned habit for me to blend in, to be humble, to keep my head down and work hard.. I was always the quiet little Asian girl that was unmemorable. I grew up thinking I didn’t have a voice and that my thoughts weren’t significant enough. When I discovered burlesque I realized I can have a voice in the form of dance. It gave me a space to be seen and heard. Burlesque has made me realize I am NOT the stereotypical subdued Asian woman that keeps her head down, but rather the Strong Fierce Dragon. When I’m onstage I feel the fire of my Asian ancestors running through my veins. I am a Phoenix taking the torch. I hold their stories dear to my heart and when I get on stage I’m not just releasing my own truths but rather the experiences of everyone’s stories I’ve held.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My absolute favorite place to be in LA is the Garment District. I can spend days there obsession over all the different textiles & rhinestones for costuming!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This Shoutout is dedicated to my dear friend the late Coby Yee. Coby stared dancing burlesque in the 1940’s. She was a trail-blazer, she paved the way for myself and so many other Asian-American burlesque performers to this day. She is a Legend in both the local and the national burlesque scenes. She followed her dreams and did it all with timeless style, grace, and a kind heart. Coby just past away last year, it is important for me to uphold the legacy of the Chinese-American performers who have come before me and inspired my burlesque endeavors as well as the future of the burlesque art form.

Website: https://www.frankiefictitious.com

Instagram: @frankiefictitious https://www.instagram.com/frankiefictitious/?hl=en

Twitter: @xofrankief https://twitter.com/xoFrankieF

Facebook: frankie fictitious https://www.facebook.com/MissFrankieFictitious

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKy0ecOhEfRhS9gUIyBdYOQ

Other: TikTok: @FrankieFictitious https://www.tiktok.com/@frankiefictitious

Image Credits
Photographer: Shannon Brookes Costume/Make-up: Frankie Fictitious Hair: Danielle June