New Display: Fans from Tigger!’s “Emperor’s New Clothes” Act
With his characteristic generosity, 2006 Besy Boylesque winner Tigger! has allowed us to display this exquisite set of fans from his famous “Emperor’s New Clothes” act, as performed on stage at the BHoF Weekender in 2014. Dancer, actor, and burlesque artist Tigger! began incorporating striptease into their performances in the
Corinne, “Queen of the Stage”
You know the story: a child performer exploited by her demanding and exploitative mother to perform all over the country. The grueling road life leaving little time for basic schooling and attracting the attention of child welfare agents. The drive to ever-greater heights of fame and fortune at the expense
Congratulations to Bambi Jones, Recipient of our 2021 Living Legend Award!
It is with great pleasure that we announce this year’s recipient of the BHoF Living Legend Award: the Fairy Kush Mother herself, Bambi Jones! The Living Legend Award recognizes performers who created distinguished careers for themselves during the heyday of burlesque and who continue to distinguish themselves through their involvement
Transgender Day of Visibility: Honoring Marinka
Today is International Transgender Day of Visibility. In the spirit of this event, we would like to honor the late Marinka, Queen of the Amazons, who made herself visible when she came out as transgender in her autobiography titled Marinka, from Havana to Burlesque. Born and raised in Cuba, Marinka,
Congratulations to our 2020 Living Legend Award winner, Coby Yee!
It is our most sincere pleasure to announce this year’s recipient of the BHoF Living Legend Award is the great Coby Yee! The Living Legend Award recognizes burlesque performers who created distinguished careers for themselves during burlesque’s heyday and continue to distinguish themselves through their involvement in today’s burlesque community,
#MuseumAtHome: Burlesque Legend La Savona (VIDEO)
La Savona was a mid-20th century burlesque performer from Prague who became famous in the U.S. for her belly-dance inspired acts. She was awarded our Living Legend Award in 2012, the highest honor BHoF has to offer performers of burlesque’s classic era. Learn more about her life and performance style in
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