La Savona was a mid-20^th 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 this short video by BHoF Collections and Interpretation Coordinator Emmie Pappa Eddy — the first in a series of biographies featuring never before seen pictures from the Burlesque Hall of Fame archives!

Special thanks to Jim Linderman of the “Dull Tool Dim Bulb” and “True Burlesque” blogs for sharing pictures of La Savona taken by the legendary Irving Klaw.”