Rising Stars: Meet Lily Frias of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lily Frias.

Hi Lily, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Currently based in Los Angeles, I was born and raised in Lerdo, Durango, Mexico. I took my first dance class while living in New Mexico, where my family had immigrated so my father could pursue his PhD. It was there I was first exposed to hip-hop and the rich cultural mix of the U.S. That early spark never left me.
Back in Mexico,I kept dancing, at first alone in my room, and with my family putting on talent shows, then later at a studio called Centro de Danza after seeing my cousin and fellow dancer Lorena Valenzuela perform. I joined the studio and the competition team and trained in jazz, ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop, traveling across Mexico and the U.S. to compete and learn.
Still, I craved something that felt more personal and expressive. I found that in street dance—training with a local team called Urban lead by Teikua dance pioneer in Torreon Coahuila and eventually taking my first Popping and Locking class from Mexican pioneers Luigi Barba and Boogaloo Bean. That’s when my passion for the foundations and culture of street dance truly began.
After high school, I moved to the city of Monterrey to attend college and to join Funkdation Crew. A pivotal moment came when we became the first Mexican team to compete on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew. That experience led me to move permanently to Los Angeles to pursue my dream of becoming a professional dancer.
Since then, I’ve been fortunate to appear on So You Think You Can Dance (as the first Mexican dancer on the show), co-found the international dance company Femme Fatale (with Marie Poppins and Dassy Lee), and perform globally. My work spans the entertainment industry and street dance community, with credits including Vogue, Netflix, Nike, Cirque du Soleil, Red Bull, Coachella, YSL Beauty, Busta Rhymes, Maluma, Tove Lo, and Mýa. First ever Mexican Winner of Freestyle Session World finals in LA in the category of Whacking and representing in battle scene worldwide as a judge, teacher and dancer in events such as Juste Debout France, WDC Japan, Red Bull Dance Your Style, Strike with force Mexico, Raiz en Tribu Colombia, Queer da Waack in Norway and many more.
Specializing in the styles of Whacking and Popping, and immersed in the street dance scene and in the US and around the world. I saw myself reflected in this community where we could find common ground in turning struggle into art and where our unique differences and backgrounds were celebrated and encouraged.
Dance has given me freedom, community, and purpose. I’m incredibly grateful—and more driven than ever to keep creating and sharing through this artform.

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?
Yes, like in any journey of pursuing an “unconventional” career or dream, especially moving to another country alone—there have been moments of struggle, sacrifice, and hard lessons. These have led to a lot of hard work, personal and professional growth, and now more than ever, a reconnection with my purpose—some days easier than others.

I’m constantly finding balance in all aspects of life: work, art, family, love, health, travel and the current state of the world for people like me. I channel and heal all of these experiences—good and bad—through my art. I’m very blessed to have an amazing support system and the unconditional love of my friends and family back in Mexico.

Ultimately, I feel incredibly grateful to be an artist, to continue receiving new opportunities and reaching larger platforms—where I can inspire others and connect with people who resonate with my life journey as a Queer Mexican woman living in the U.S.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve been fortunate to build a career that bridges both the entertainment industry and the global street dance community. As the first Mexican dancer to appear on So You Think You Can Dance, and as a co-founder of the world renowned international dance company Femme Fatale, I’ve had the privilege of performing, judging and teaching around the world. My work includes projects with Vogue, Netflix, Nike, Cirque du Soleil, Red Bull, Coachella, YSL Beauty, Busta Rhymes, Maluma, Tove Lo, and Mýa.

One of the milestones I’m most proud of is becoming the first-ever Mexican winner of the Freestyle Session World Finals in Los Angeles in the Whacking category. I continue to represent my community in the battle scene as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and judge at international events such as Breakin’ Convention (London), Red Bull BC One World Finals, Juste Debout (France), WDC (Japan), Red Bull Dance Your Style, Strike with Force (Mexico), Raíz en Tribu (Colombia), Queer da Waack (Norway), and many more.

Taught and spoke as guest teacher at The university of southern california. Appeared on the AMAs, Blindspotting (Starz), and the 2024 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.
In the theater world, I’ve choreographed and perform with the Femme Fatale dance company in “Unbounded”, part of the Golden Stage National Tour in France, and touring across the U.S. as a principal dancer with the Emmy Award–winning production The Hip Hop Nutcracker.

Currently teaching every Thursday in legendary studio Movement Lifestyle in Los Angeles. Specializing in Whacking and Popping, I’ve found a deep sense of belonging in the street dance scene—both in the U.S. and internationally. In this community, I saw myself reflected. It’s a space where struggle is transformed into expression, and where our unique backgrounds are not only acknowledged but celebrated.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Find and celebrate your individuality and your unique voice—there is only one you! If there’s no “right” lane, create one for yourself. Surround yourself with genuine, good people who love and support you through change and growth—both as a human and as an artist—in the struggle just as much as in the success. Oh and take care of your artist spirit, mental health and physical health , your body is your instrument, listen to it 🙂

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilyfdc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LilyFriasM/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LilyFriasdance
• Other: Company Femme Fatale https://www.youtube.com/@FemmeFataleDance

Image Credits
Redbull.
Bohemio https://www.instagram.com/bohemiodanza/ (event strike with force)
Breakin convention
Ben conde https://www.instagram.com/kidconde/
Queer the Waack https://www.instagram.com/stillchai/