Lily Frias | Femme Fatale | 2020 Exclusive…

Dance Mogul Magazine Exclusive…

Dance Mogul: What were your first dance inspirations?
Lily Frias: My first dance inspirations were music videos, music, and movies. I lived in New Mexico for five years as a child while my dad was finishing his Ph.D. and my two older sisters were going to middle school and high school at the time. They were listening to the prime time music from the 90’s TLC, Brandy, Usher, P Diddy, Aaliyah, Missy Elliot, Boys II Men and many more. I just remember always wanting to dance whenever I heard music. So I would watch movies and music videos then recreate the whole singing and dancing parts in my room. I definitely had lots of creativity and energy as a kid and literally, anywhere I would see dance I would be fascinated by it. A big inspiration comes also from my upbringing, I grew up in a big and very close family where there was always dance, music at parties.

Dance Mogul: Did you have a support system?
Lily Frias: My support system has always been my family, friends and now my group Femme Fatale. I was always demonstrating to my family how important dance was for me and how committed I was to thriving in it. Later on in life when I decided to become a professional dancer is when my whole family really surprised me with how supportive they were, they always want what’s best for me and they admire how fearless I’ve been to chase after my dreams, they are truly my number one supporters. When I was moving to the US my dad told me “your dream is plan A, there is no plan B” and to hear that it really was one of the most validating moments I’ve ever had.

Dance Mogul: When did you know you wanted to dance professionally?
Lily Frias: I always had a special connection to dance, that happiness and the sense of self-identity it gave me. After thriving as a dancer in Mexico, I came to the US to participate on Randy Jacksons “Americas Best Dance Crew” on MTV Season 7 with the first-ever Mexican Dance group to ever be apart of the show. This was groundbreaking for me and when I saw the world of dance and the culture that excited in Los Angeles is when I knew being a professional dancer in the US is what I wanted to be and I was ready to push my talent and carrier to the next level.

Dance Mogul: What was your big break?
Lily Frias: One of my proudest moments was being on “So You Think You Can Dance” season 12 breaking barriers as the first and ever Mexican to be apart of the Top 20 featured on this TV show. It opened a world of possibilities and gave my story and talent great exposure. I am also a member and founder of international dance trio based in LA “Femme Fatale” with whom I performed with at Red Bull BC One in Zürich in an Arena for thousands of people and in front of the top dancers from all over the world gathered in Switzerland. Since then I’ve had the change to perform and travel all over the US and the world. I’ve gotten to connect with so many talented artists from all over the world that connect with my dance.

Dance Mogul: How important is it to spread the culture properly?
Lily Frias: To me, it’s very important to spread the culture, there is so much history and culture in dance and all the urban styles that were created in the US. There is so much knowledge within dance, all the cultural aspects of how it was created and how music and dance have evolved together over the years. Dance is a global movement and it’s important as professional dancers to know our history because dance has influenced and shaped past, present and future art, music, and cultural movements.

Dance Mogul: How has social media effected your career?
Lily Frias: It’s been an excellent platform to showcase my work and artistic creations to the world. Artists and people from all over can find you and your unique work. Social media has definitely changed the way people live and experience dance. There are many awesome aspects and advantages to it. It is however important to not forget to live in the moment and enjoy dance life, the vibe and emotions it creates in the moments are like no other. Dance really does bring people together on and off the screen.

Dance Mogul: What’s the best advice you can give a young dancer that wants to be professional?
Lily Frias: The advice I would give would be to never doubt your talent, be fearless, kind, disciplined and always true to yourself. Never forget why you love to dance and what makes you special as a person and dancer.

Dance Mogul: Any current plans for 2020?
Lily Frias: I’m preparing for an upcoming battle in Washington as a special invite for the US National Finals for Red Bulls “Dance Your Style” competing with the top dancers from all over the US and with the opportunity to go to the world finals in Johannesburg South Africa. I’m excited to go on tour once again with the acclaimed show “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” featuring the Hip Hop legend Kurtis Blow with whom I will be touring with all over the US in 2020. I am excited to continue working extensively on future projects with Maximum Entertainment Productions.

I’ll be working with the amazingly talented, and unique artist and music producer CloZee. I will be judging and teaching in Portland, San Fransisco, LA, and the East Coast, so stay tuned for that. I am apart of an exclusive online teaching platform called STEEZY where you can now find my classes. I am currently working on several big projects with my group Femme Fatale. We have created an intensive training session for women in LA, its growing and we definitely want to take that to another level. 2020 is bringing amazing things!

Dance Mogul: What do you want your legacy to be?
Lily Frias: I would like to be a trailblazer for the Latina community in dance in the US and around the world. I aspire to create unforgettable pieces of art and be apart of epic moments in dance that will inspire people around the world, just as I was inspired to go follow my dreams and goals.

Dance Mogul: Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you on your journey?
Lily Frias: I want to thank my family, my father, mother and three sisters for their constant support in life and dance. My friends that are also like my family and support system Lorena Valenzuela, Andrea Lomelin, Marie aka Marie Poppins, Dassy Lee, Memo Martinez, and all the amazing dancers and people that I’ve crossed paths with that in some way or the other have impacted my life and dance.