#MuseumAtHome: Minstrel Shows and Stock Comic Characters in Burlesque
CONTENT WARNING: sterotypical imagery including blackfaceLearn about some of the often troubling roots of burlesque’s stock characters in this #MuseumAtHome entry. Burlesque and minstrelsy were closely related in the late 19th century, and many elements of the minstrel show became part of burlesque’s “bag of tricks”. Understanding this difficult history is essential
#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
Re-Opening Friday, October 7th!
After a brief hiatus and thanks to the careful yet quick work of our staff and volunteers, The Burlesque Hall of Fame REOPENS in our temporary location on Friday, October 7th at 5pm and will be open until 9pm in honor of the 14th anniversary of First Friday Art Walk! Visit us at
Performance Archetypes: The Half-and-Half
While I’ve yet to find conclusive proof of its origin, the Half-and-Half—in which a solo performer utilizes clever, vertically divided costuming and skillful choreography to create the illusion of a duet—has long been a staple of classic burlesque performance. Most commonly associated with dichotomous male/female numbers (like Zorita’s racy “Bride & Groom,” top),
Behind The Garter Belt: Immodesty Blaize
I’m not alone when I say I’ve been dazzled by the sublime opulence that are the costumes of international showgirl, Immodesty Blaize. Throwing out my usual questions for Behind The Garter Belt, I was honoured to be privy to Immodesty’s sketches for some of her signature show’s costumes and you,
Behind The Garter Belt: SATAN’S ANGEL
When I saw Satan’s Angel perform her fire tassels routine out in the Mojave Desert heat in 2005’s Miss Exotic World pageant, I was speechless. This woman was Tina Turner and Mick Jagger rolled up into one fiery package. She is the rock n’ roll of burlesque! I’ve been fortunate
All the News That’s Fit to Strip, 11.09.10
Katy Perry is a tease. In an article from People.com, she admits that she is a “burlesque girl” at heart and would prefer to tease, than to go completely bare. In other news… Burlesque isn’t the only striptease movie coming to theaters. A brief history of burlesque. Rachel Zoe shows
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