Q&A With Featured Burlesque Superstar Frenchie Kiss!

Our Q&A With featured Chicago burlesque Superstar Frenchie Kiss, the Temptress of Twirl! Known for her award winning performances at the Burlesque Hall of Fame, Frenchie took a moment to share some of her adventures with ChicagoBurlesque.org readers.

When was your first burlesque performance?

It was in the fall of 2006 and the show was at Fizz, a great bar in Chicago. I don’t remember the name of the show, but it was a weekly Star & Garter show (Star & Garter eventually became the Chicago Starlets).

What burlesque troupes do you currently belong to?

I’m one of the Chicago Starlets.

What are some of the notable shows you have performed in?

I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of some incredibly notable shows, but my favorites of all of them were the times I’ve performed and competed at the Burlesque Hall of Fame (BHoF). And as a follow on to my most recent BHoF participation, I got to perform in Michelle L’amour & Franky Vivid’s Superstars of Burlesque Show, doing my winning duet with Jett Adore (of the Stage Door Johnnies).

What award did you win for your duet with Jett Adore?

Jett Adore and I won Best Duo 2012 at the Burlesque Hall of Fame in June 2012.

What routines would you consider to be your signature numbers?

Le Jazze: a dazzling, fast-paced number featuring my twirling and my little poodle, Fifi

Bohemian Rhapsody: where I’m baroque, regal and rock n’ roll

Le Shopping cart: a comedic trip through a French grocery store with a glittery yellow shopping cart

The Mooche: a sensual classic that feels like film noir

Who’s The Boss: my first duet with Jett Adore, a steamy night at the office

Who are three Chicago burlesque performers that inspire you?

Michelle L’amour is my mentor and was my first inspiration. She continues to push me to this day, which is as hard and wonderful as you can imagine.

Jett Adore is my beloved duet partner. He inspires me to be a better performer and I’m so lucky to be able to work closely with him.

The Chicago Starlets are my sisters, and their varying personas, creativity and wit teach me something with every group rehearsal.

What is the best burlesque complement you have received?

I’ve had several women tell me that they feel good about themselves after taking my Basic Burlesque class or twirling workshop, and that’s the best possible compliment I can receive.