Presenting historical images that celebrate the Golden Age of Burlesque and Striptease..
Zorita (aka. Katherine Boyd Petillo)
Vintage press photo from 1937 features Zorita performing her “Wedding Of The Snake” act onstage, with one of her Indigo Snakes…
Keith Linforth’s CABARET REVUE
Keith Linforth operated a touring Burlesque company during the 40’s and 50’s.. This formal troupe photo features the entire cast from his “Original CABARET REVUE”.. The photo was found in the archives of Seattle’s ‘RIVOLI Theatre’; where his show would’ve (undoubtedly) once performed..
Patti Waggin negotiates her way past “Bald-Headed Row” at an unidentified theatre..
Tee Tee Red
Sequin aka. “Beauty in the 4th Dimension”..
Photo courtesy of the Kevin Hill collection..
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”..
Lee Sharon aka. “The Shape”..
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..
Pepper Powell stretches herself out..
Photographed by F. Roy Kemp
