Meet Xochii De La Noche | Burlesque Artist, DJ, Photographer, Videographer, & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Xochii De La Noche and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xochii, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been a creative and artistic soul from a very young age. My dream was to be a singer and I was heavily involved in choirs and musicals from elementary schools up until I graduated from high school.

Being first-generation American, I didn’t really know any creative professionals growing up. I thought once I graduated high school, my artistic career was essentially over and I needed to focus on a “serious” professional career path. It wasn’t until many years later after working in interactive media that I started to come back and explore my art and creative passions, particularly around movement and music.

I also got to know creative professionals and entrepreneurs and learn more about their process! It helped me start to piece together what it would take to actually pursue an independent, creative career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
All of my art, whether it’s burlesque, DJing, or visual art, is rooted in pleasure, play, and fun and transmuting pain or shame into moments of joy . Whether you’re watching my burlesque acts or dancing to my DJ sets, I want people (particularly other femmes of color) to feel inspired to take their shame by the root and lean into their own pleasure and joy.
I would consider myself pretty early in my career, but it took a lot of healing and unlearning my own shame and self doubt to gain enough courage to even take the leap and commitment to my artistic and creative journey. So far, I’ve learned that it’s okay to lean on community to ask for help and support, that everyone really has their own path and journey, and that rest and taking care of yourself is important for a long-term career.

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.
The first day, we’d definitely be hanging out in Long Beach! First, we’d stop by Viento y Agua Coffeehouse on 4th for a morning pick-me-up and to check out the fun Chicanx gifts and goodies at Adelita’s Revenge.

Next, we’d go to Taqueria La Mexicana on 4th street and get their bomb California burritos (with guacamole!) for lunch. We’d take our burritos and eat them at the Long Beach peninsula for some sun and swim time, maybe even renting a paddleboard or kayak to check out more of the peninsula.

When we’re done with the beach, we’d head over to Downtown to Ammatoli for their grilled halloumi, shwarma, and wine.

After dinner, we’d do a fun night activity like the Night Dive at the Aquarium of the Pacific, Everybody Dance at The Good Bar on 7th, Seduction Burlesque at Harvelle’s in Downtown, or karaoke with MariaChingona at Roxanne’s on Wardlow.

Other notable Long Beach spots I’d take them to are Moongems Burlesque show at Supply & Demand, Casita Bookstore, Far Outfit, Page Against the Machine, ReCircle Home, Fingerprints, and the 4th Horseman.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people I want to shoutout – so many folks in my community that have supported, mentored, and held me to get me to where I’m at today!

Egypt Blaque Knyle: major shoutout to my burlesque house mama! I’ve learned so much from Egypt and how to be present, embodied, unapologetic, and authentic on stage and off and I can’t thank her enough for that.

Perle Noire: Perle Noire has been such an incredible mentor in not only teaching skills on stage, but really helping me see the business side of burlesque so I can have a plan not to just survive, but to THRIVE. I also cannot thank Perle enough for that.

Onyx Black: Onyx Black has also been an incredible mentor in both my dance technique and in reminding me of my self worth and to speak up and advocate for myself and my community. I am always learning so much from her and have a lot of gratitude and immense amount of respect for her and all the work she pours herself into.

Artists 4 Revolution: my volunteer community group that continuously reminds me that art should and can be rooted in Black and brown liberation and freedom. I am always so inspired by everyone in our group and that talents and wisdom everyone brings.

My Loves: there’s a few special loves near and dear to my heart that have always shown up, supported, brainstormed with me, soothed me, hyped me, and reminded me that I am worth taking care of and that my rest is also important. I appreciate and love you so so much.

Lastly, I want to give just the biggest shoutout to all the incredibly amazing and talented queer Black and brown people of color around me, both in Los Angeles and around the US and globe. I am always so inspired and in awe at all that we’re able to do and transmute. Everything I do is rooted in QTBIPOC community and making sure we’re seen, safe, and able to thrive.

Website: https://xochii.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xochii_noche/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@xochiidelanoche5311

Image Credits
Main photo: Liam Woods (@analoguepapi)
Image 1: Jonnah Llamas (@destructodisk)
Image2: Hannah J (@planet.hann)
Image 3: Tim Hunter (@timhunterphotography)
Image 4: Cameron Siebold
Image 5: Jose Franco (@frvnco.noire)