BURLESK: As You Like It!

Couchita

Vintage promo photo dated from April of ‘43.. The reverse side of the photo mentions her scheduled appearance at ‘The L & L Café’ in downtown Chicago..

burleskateer:

Dorothy Haller

This 5’6” girl from Minneapolis was a child actor on radio, as a 5 year-old. In her teens, she caught a strip show featuring Carrie Finnell; and decided to pursue a burlesque career.. She became a sensation at Chicago’s famed ‘Silver Frolics’ nightclub when a fellow dancer dared her to smoke the cigars onstage, that she’d been enjoying backstage. Dorothy wore a feathered bowler hat in her routine, and ended each performance by handing her cigar to a lucky audience member..

Cover design to the souvenir program from the 1957-edition of the famous ‘LIDO’ burlesque show; located on the Champs-Elysées, in Paris..

Vintage 50’s-era matchbook for ‘The ROSE BOWL’ nightclub, located somewhere in Chicago.. No address listed, but you could always try phoning: “Delaware - 2819”

Tee Tee Red

Showgirl at NYC’s ‘Latin Quarter’ nightclub prepares for another show..

Noel Toy performs her Fan Dance routine on the small stage at ‘LEON and EDDIE’S’ nightclub; located on West 52nd Street, in the heart of NYC’s “Strip Alley”..

Vintage 40’s-era promo postcard for the World Famous ‘LEON and EDDIE’S’ nightclub; located on West 52nd Street, in the heart of NYC’s “Strip Alley”..  

Blaze Starr performs her “Miss Spontaneous Combustion” routine..

The act involved squirming provocatively on a low settee (or chaise), while a smoke machine gave a hint of danger.. Then as the final bits of costumes were removed, a strong red light and fan would come on suddenly, blowing bits of fabric (or colored cellophane) to simulate a fire.. This variation looks like it involved a “Dragon’s Breath” mythology too, judging from the prop located directly behind her..