Today we’d like to introduce you to Samara (Desdemona) Fraker.
Hi Samara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been involved in performance art my whole life. Started as a pageant kid, that evolved into theatre, and eventually a Rocky Horror Picture Show shadowcast. I played Columbia for two years. My cast mates encouraged me to do burlesque and during my first burlesque performance something clicked. I knew that was what I was supposed to be doing with my life. This was the art I wanted to create. I have a bachelors of the fine arts in performance and production from Texas State University. I’m known to mostly professionally as Desdemona.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Burlesque can be controversial. At the end of the day, it is the art of striptease. There’s strong opinions from family, audience members, people who don’t understand. Burlesque is freedom, it’s power, it’s standing in front of a room of people and daring them to see the story you are telling. It’s a form of theatre.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a burlesque dancer. I’m the president of the San Antonio burlesque alliance. I won the Texas Burlesque festival audience choice award in 2025. I’ve performed to live music in the esteemed Teaser festival at the House of Blues in New Orleans.
I specialize in feather fan dancing. Feather fans bring a certain grace to a routine and center me when I perform.
Weirdly enough, I think I’m most proud of not my achievements but when an audience gets so absorbed in my act, I feel their energy. I performed for a 50th birthday once and someone there yelled “take it off” when I was at my peak in my act and it felt really special to know I had them at the edge of their seat.
What does success mean to you?
Success is subjective. I feel like success would mean reaching a goal but I don’t want to reach a goal. I want to live in the moment and share my art with others.
Pricing:
- 150 per act, 2 act minimum for out of town travel
Contact Info:
- Email: theedesdemonaburlesque@gmail.com
- Instagram: thee_desdemona
- TikTok: @thee_desdemona
