Courtesy of GiGi La Femme

Since 2008, East Village audiences have been entertained, even seduced, by the monthly burlesque show “Revealed” at UNDER St. Marks Theater. This Wednesday, the show will come to an end so that producer and performer GiGi La Femme can pack her bags for Nashville after three decades in New York City. (“Not only do I love Nashville,” she explained over e-mail, “but I’ve got a super wonderful man and puppy named Milo waiting for me when I get there.”) Here she reflects on how she started in burlesque, what she’ll miss about the Village, and her plans after the curtain falls.

How did you get your start?

It was in February of 2004 when I saw my first burlesque show with my cousin, Scarlet Sinclair. Shortly thereafter, Scarlet began her journey within the blossoming BurlyQ scene and I tagged along for the ride, supporting her at every show I could get my bottom to.

And that was it: I fell in love.

For the next year and with Scarlet as my mentor, I went to shows, watched films, read books, “made” my first costume, stage kittened a Wasabassco Burlesque show and days later, in March of 2005, debuted in the World Famous *BOB*’s New Revue at the old Galapagos in Williamsburg.

What are the best and worst parts of performing?

The worst part of performing is when you have had the most awful day, you have a show that night and there’s no backing out of the gig because it would be absolutely unprofessional to cancel. Having to get into full drag and full glitz, maintaining a sincere smile and bringing your “A” game can be super tough when your head just isn’t in it. However, the best part about performing is the minute that glamor and adrenaline pulls you out of the dark. It’s just you, your art, your fellow performers and a loving audience who is willing to share their energy.

Do you think the East Village is less welcoming to burlesque performance than it has been in the past?

I think that part of town has always been fairly welcoming to the art form but sometimes we fall prey to venues that unexpectedly shut down. I mean, it’s New York, right? You don’t have to necessarily be in the East Village to be a victim to that. However, there is someone who is carrying the torch in the neighborhood since our beloved RiFiFi had to shut its doors a few years ago, and that’s Fem Appeal, who run a weekly show called Kitty Nights.

What will you miss the most about the East Village?

I’ll miss some of my favorite eateries: Kate’s Joint (and no, I’m not vegetarian, but it’s that good!); Veselka; Gandhi (great Indian); one of my favorite haunts for late-night shenanigans, Three of Cups; the Tompkins Square Park dog run; all the community gardens peppered in Alphabet City; and of course, I’ll miss the Horse Trade Theater Group.

Do you plan to keep performing after you leave New York?

I sure do. I also plan on performing in neighboring cities like Memphis, Knoxville and Atlanta. Additionally, I will continue to tour with a troupe I have the absolute honor to be a part of, Dangerous Curves Ahead: Burlesque on the Go-Go. Have pasties, will travel!