What do fan dances, fierce femmes, and the Riot Grrrl movement have in common? In this episode, we step behind the velvet curtain of burlesque history with Dustin M. Wax, director of the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas.
We explore how this one-of-a-kind museum came to be, why preserving burlesque’s rich and rebellious history matters, and the role gender has played in both classic and neo-burlesque. Dustin shares stories of legendary performers like Tempest Storm and Lili St. Cyr, insights into the art form’s transformation, and advice for anyone drawn to the stage—pasties, politics, and all.
✨ If you're a fan of performance, sex-positive history, or reclaiming your body through art, this one's for you.
📍When you're in Vegas, don’t miss a visit to the Burlesque Hall of Fame in the Downtown Arts District. More info: burlesquehall.com
- Lydia Thompson and her contribution to 19th century American Theater: https://editions.covecollective.org/chronologies/lydia-thompsons-contribution-19th-century-burlesque-theater-america
- Tempest Storm comes up a few times: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempest_Storm https://www.burlesquehall.com/tempest-storm/
- Sally Rand: https://www.kqed.org/arts/13902628/the-burlesque-pioneer-who-fought-censorship-and-multiple-arrests
- Every Rocky Horror’s Fan Favorite, Lili St. Cyr: https://www.burlesquehall.com/museumathome-burlesque-legends-lili-st-cyr/
- A little bit about the Riot Grrl Movement: https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/brief-history-riot-grrrl-space-reclaiming-90s-punk-movement-2542166
- The Something Weird Video Channel https://www.youtube.com/@SomethingWeirdDotCom/featured
- An Interview with a couple of Burlesque Legends, including Jennifer Fox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTxj2Vi94sM
- A little bit about Hedy Jo Star: https://zagria.blogspot.com/2012/01/hedy-jo-star-1920-1999-showgirl.html
- The post mentioned about Marinka: https://www.burlesquehall.com/transgender-day-of-visibility-honoring-marinka/
- Aida Overton Walker’s Wiki page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aida_Overton_Walker
- Tony Midnite’s Wiki Page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Midnite
- About Jennie Lee: http://redhotsburlesque.com/2013/legend-jennie-lee/
- About Sherry Britton: https://burlexe.com/burlesque/burlesque-icons/sherry-britton-burlesque-history/
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