Q & A with GiGi Femme; Burlesque Extraordinaire

NLBK is proud to introduce the Burlesque extraordinaire, GiGi Femme who allowed us to interview her for our Q & A series. If you’re not familiar with the lovely, GiGi than you have have been missing out.  She performed in a variety of Burlesque shows including hosting and starting in Wasabassco Burlesque Show at Public Assembly and Union Hall in Brooklyn. Read the full interview after the jump..

Are you a Brooklyn Native?  If so, what part?

No, I’m not, but I am a happy transplant!

If not, where are you originally from?

Not many people know this, but I was born in Kansas and yes, Dorothy was totally my role model even as a baby. I slipped on ruby slippers of my own and moved to New York with my mom at age 1, where I was raised in Astoria, Queens.

How long have you lived or performed in Brooklyn?

I’ve lived in Brooklyn for about 3 years, but have been performing in Brooklyn for a little over 4 years.

What is your favorite place of Brooklyn to hang out?
Besides my awesome new apartment (complete with super big kitchen, a walk-in closet and a BAR!), I love hanging out at The Bell House in Gowanus/Park Slope. It’s seriously the best performance venue not to mention the perfect place to grab a cocktail and munch on a Dub Pie.

What is your inspiration and influences?

Like most burlesquers out there, I do draw a lot of inspiration from eras of the past and from those who came before me. What’s amazing about the art form in its current day and age, is you don’t have to pigeon-hole yourself to just one era or just one look.

Besides looking at old pin-up books and magazines, stag reels, and Technicolor musicals, I love looking at my immediate past (hey, I did grow up in the 80s!) and what is around me now. I love re-interpreting the iconic ideal of women through the ages and applying modern twists. Sure, any girl can mimic a Vargas, an Elvgren, a Driben…but how do you make it YOU? Burlesque doesn’t need to be classic all the time.
Working with Doc Wasabassco of Wasabassco Burlesque has also definitely helped shape my on-and-off stage character. From producing to performing, his advice and support has pushed me to think outside of the box. He constantly inspires me and I love him dearly for it.

What future projects do you have in the works?
I’m looking forward to traveling and performing in other cities in addition to collaborating on shows with troupes outside of New York. Our community grows more and more every day and it’s a blast to meet and work with people who you’ve only seen in pictures.
Other than that, I just plan to work hard on my craft, make new acts, perfect old acts and give lots of love to my burlesque baby, Revealed. Doc Wasabassco and I co-produce it as a monthly show and hands down, it’s my favorite one to be a part of.

What is your favorite memory of Brooklyn?

Summers at Coney Island, for sure. I’ve been going there since I was a teeny tot and as long as I live in New York, I don’t plan to stop!

Who is the first person who comes to mind when you hear the word, “Brooklyn“?
Fellow performer, Little Brooklyn – For obvious reasons!

If you could choose one “Mayor” of Brooklyn who would it be and Why?

Me! Not only am I a woman of action, but I look great in a tailored suit. Do you think it would be too much trouble to get a podium made out of lucite?

What are the top 5 songs on your playlist? And why?

Daydream in Blue by I Monster – I’ve been playing it constantly to practice my new springtime act. I’m sure my upstairs neighbors want to shoot me, lol.

Sweet Leaf by Black Sabbath – I love them and I LOVE this song. I’m thinking of using it for a special tribute act one day.

Doing the Unstuck by The Cure – It reminds me of summertime as a teenager cruising around with all the windows down in my giant 1980 Cutlas Supreme…singing at the top of my lungs, of course!

Back Back Train by Aerosmith – I seriously love Joe Perry so much and it would be a dream, not to mention an ultimate fantasy, to sing this with him while Steven Tyler wails on the harmonica in the background. Swoon!

B-Boys Makin’ With The Freak Freak by the Beastie Boys – Dirty beats and a heavy bassline. It doesn’t get any better.

Check more at GiGi Femme.com