RIP Kitty West (1930-2019)
Burlesque legend Kitty West, also known as Evangeline the Oyster Girl, passed away Sunday (8/18/19) at the age of 89. Born Abbie Jewel Slawson in Mississipi, Kitty ran away to New Orleans at age 16, where she began dancing. Her signature act, rising out of an oyster shell like Venus
Who’s Who in Burly-Q: Jean Idelle
Jean Idelle, often called “the Sepia Sally Rand,” was the first black exotic fan dancer. She was active from 1950 – 1963 and performed internationally during a time of intense segregation. Jean was instrumental in integrating whites-only dance clubs. Her famed fan dance broke racial barriers long before the 1964
Who’s Who in Burly-Q: Bettie Page (1923-2008)
As the “Queen of Pinups,” Bettie Page rarely needs an introduction. Her trademark jet-black hair, blue eyes, and bangs influenced generations of pinup models and burlesque performers to come, and her physique still inspires countless artistic renditions. Much of Bettie’s life has become pop culture history. She was born on
Who’s Who in Burly-Q: Blaze Starr (1932 – 2015)
Blaze Starr is an iconic redhead, with a sultry voluptuous figure and charisma that has stood the test of time. Born on April 10, 1932 in Wayne County, West Virginia, Starr was raised in a large family and was the second oldest out of 11 brothers and sisters. Starr left
Congratulations to our 2019 Living Legend Award Recipient, CAMILLE 2000!
We are pleased to announce that Camille 2000 has been selected to receive the 2019 Living Legend, to be awarded during this year’s BHoF Weekender. The Living Legend Award is given each year in recognition of both a performer’s active career and their continued achievements as a mentor, teacher, and
Interview with Dita Von Teese
In honor of Women’s History Month, and inspired by the #5WomenArtists project led by the National Museum of Women in the Arts, we are asking burlesque artists to share with us their thoughts on their art form. We’re closing out the series with an interview with burlesque superstar Dita Von
Interview with Dirty Martini
In honor of Women’s History Month, and inspired by the #5WomenArtists project led by the National Museum of Women in the Arts, we are asking burlesque artists to share with us their thoughts on their art form. Today, we hear from 2004 Miss Exotic World and BHoF Board Member, Dirty
Interview with Julie Atlas Muz
In honor of Women’s History Month, and inspired by the #5WomenArtists project led by the National Museum of Women in the Arts, we are asking burlesque artists to share with us their thoughts on their art form. This week, we are talking with 2006 Miss Exotic World, Julie Atlas Muz.
Interview with Judith Stein
In honor of Women’s History Month, and inspired by the #5WomenArtists project led by the National Museum of Women in the Arts, we are asking burlesque artists to share with us their thoughts on their art form. First up is Judith Stein, “The Lady Divine”, who performed throughout the 1970s
Featured Artifact: Gypsy Rose Lee’s Pincushion
Gypsy Rose Lee was practically born into show business, touring the vaudeville circuits with her sister, Jane Havoc, from before she was old enough to go to school. Their successes were fleeting and hardships enduring, and it behooved the young vaudevillian to learn to sew. Throughout her stage career, both