Are you looking for a comprehensive list of the most famous burlesque dancers? This curated collection showcases the legendary performers who have made a lasting impact on the art of burlesque.
For centuries, burlesque dancing has remained a popular form of entertainment, dating back to the Victorian era.
Even in the 21st century, it continues to captivate audiences with its sensual and glamorous appeal.
The most famous dancers are at the forefront of the burlesque world, whose masterful performances leave audiences breathless by the show’s end.
Below is the list of the top 10 Famous Burlesque Dancers.
1. Dita Von Teese
Dita Von Teese is a well-known figure in the world of burlesque as a dancer, model, and actress.
Born Heather Sweet in 1972 in Michigan, she adopted the name Dita Von Teese in the early 1990s. Classic silent films inspire her performances, and she has become an icon in the burlesque scene.
She has appeared on popular television shows such as Dancing with the Stars and America’s Got Talent.
Additionally, she has modeled for renowned designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Vivienne Westwood.
As a spokesperson for luxury lingerie brands, her signature style featuring red lipstick, French manicures, and dramatic eyelashes is celebrated.
Dita Von Teese’s unique acts have been showcased at the famous Crazy Horse Cabaret in Paris.
She is the epitome of elegance and glamour, and her efforts to elevate burlesque as an art form continue to inspire people worldwide.
2. Josephine Baker – Famous Black Burlesque Dancer
One of the most notable burlesque stars from the 1920s is Josephine Baker, originally named Freda Josephine McDonald.
Although born in America, she later moved to France and fell in love with the country. Most of her performances were centered around France and its capital, Paris.
Josephine quickly gained popularity among concert-goers, and her shows at the legendary cabaret hall, Folies Bergère, were always sold out. In 1927, she reached the height of fame for her performance in the revue Un vent de Folie.
Josephine’s costume, which featured a short skirt made of prop bananas and necklaces, became an emblem of the Jazz era and the 1920s.
She was known as the “Bronze Venus” then and was famous for her routines that combined exotic dance moves with a touch of comedy.
3. Mistinguett
Mistinguett (born Jeanne Florentine Bourgeois) is a famous French burlesque dancer who rivaled Josephine Baker’s fame in France.
At a young age, Mistinguett knew she was destined to become an entertainer. However, she didn’t think she would someday become a world-renowned artist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRfgebr5BBo
She started her career as a simple flower girl, singing ballads while selling flowers. Later, while on a train ride to Paris, she met Saint-Marcel, the revue director at the Casino de Paris.
From there, her career took off. Her debut at the Casino de Paris was a success, and she began to appear in more venues.
As her popularity grew, Mistinguett’s name began appearing more frequently in the press until her bold and provocative routines completely won over Paris.
At one point, she was the highest-paid female performer in the world, and her long legs, arguably the most significant allure of her shows, were insured for a staggering 500,000 francs.
4. Lydia Thompson
Lydia Thompson, also known as Eliza Thompson, was a prominent figure in the English burlesque scene.
Born in London, she began performing in pantomime shows in London and Europe as a teenager.
During an international tour, Lydia transitioned to dancing and quickly gained recognition for her performance in the burletta “The Spanish Dancers.”
This breakthrough catapulted her to fame, and she went on to tour extensively across Europe before returning to England in 1859, where she was celebrated as a distinguished dancer.
The press praised her character’s vivacity, youthful beauty, natural allure, and audacious moves.
Lydia also introduced Victorian burlesque to America with her troop, “the British Blondes,” which is among her many notable accomplishments.
5. Gypsy Rose Lee – Famous American Burlesque Dancer
Rose Louise Hovick, known professionally as Gypsy Rose Lee, began her career as a dancer and singer.
However, she soon realized that by incorporating more risqué elements into her performances, she could elevate her career. Burlesque provided the perfect platform for her to do so.
Rather than focusing solely on the “strip” aspect of her shows, Gypse’s performances emphasized the “tease,” using her sharp wit to turn them into intellectual exercises and physical ones.
Gypse’s talents extended beyond dance and performance. She was also a skilled writer, having authored two novels and a play.
She also hosted television shows and starred in numerous films, earning critical acclaim and her Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
6. Jean Idelle
Jean Idelle, also known as “Sepia Sally Rand,” was the first black exotic fan dancer.
She began her career at 20 years old after being discovered by a Broadway talent agency. Jean received training from a fan dancing choreographer and showed great skill in the profession.
She performed in nightclubs nationwide, earning over $12,000 annually (equivalent to approximately $125,000 today).
It is worth noting that Jean achieved this success during severe segregation and regularly performed in white-only clubs.
Jean’s mesmerizing fan dancing routine with glamorous feather fans helped break down racial barriers long before the 1964 Civil Rights Act and has made her an important symbol of progress.
7. Perle Noire
Many people compare Perle Noire to Josephine Baker, and it’s not hard to see why.
Perle Noire (or “Mama Perle” to her burlesque fans) delivers sultry and captivating performances like Josephine. She exudes glamour and elegance, just like Josephine did. But Mama Perle has her unique qualities too.
Unlike other famous burlesque performers who adopt a stage persona, Mama Perle is always herself, both on and off stage.
According to an interview, she speaks, acts, and dresses the same way in her daily life as she does in her performances.
Her enthusiastic and charming personality is genuine, so she’s an internationally recognized performer and a successful dance teacher.
She runs her own dance company, the House of Noire, where she helps aspiring dancers achieve their dreams.
8. Sally Rand
Sally Rand is a well-known figure in the world of fan and bubble dancing.
Originally named Helen Gould Beck, she began her stage career as a chorus girl in a theater at a young age. After completing her ballet and drama studies, Sally Rand decided to pursue a career in Hollywood.
Throughout the 1930s and beyond, Sally gained fame in the burlesque scene and earned her stage name. She is particularly famous for her daring fan dance routines, considered risqué for the time.
Sally was arrested four times a day at a fair due to allegations of indecent exposure.
She also invented the bubble dance, not just to expand her repertoire but also to handle windy conditions during outdoor performances.
9. Joshua Dean
Many believe that only women perform burlesque dancing, but this is untrue. Male dancers like Joshua Dean are also highly sought-after in the burlesque industry.
Joshua, known as the “Cirquelesque Sensation of NYC,” has performed since 2007.
What sets him apart and earned him the title of “best boylesque 2019” is his unique combination of circus and burlesque elements in his shows.
Each performance is full of energy and excitement, with Joshua’s impressive acrobatic skills keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
10. Isaiah Esquire
Isaiah, also known as “Glamazon,” has a captivating stage presence that captivates the audience.
He seamlessly blends various dance styles, from burlesque and drag to contortion, into his choreography.
His performances are characterized by a unique emotional and energetic disposition that sets him apart as a notable figure in the current burlesque scene.
Isaiah has showcased his talents in numerous venues around the globe, including the US, Finland, and Jamaica.
If you are in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to witness his awe-inspiring shows.
Conclusion
Burlesque dancing is an art form that has been around for centuries and continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Through this list of the most famous burlesque dancers, we’ve highlighted some of the biggest names in the business.
From Gypsy Rose Lee to Dita Von Teese, these iconic entertainers have left an indelible mark on burlesque culture and will continue to inspire many aspiring performers.
FAQs
Why is burlesque famous?
Burlesque is famous for its ability to combine aspects of striptease, comedy, and drama.
It’s an art form that celebrates body positivity by featuring performers who showcase their bodies uniquely and entertainingly.
With its bold costumes, intricate dancing, and larger-than-life personalities, burlesque provides a fun escape from reality that presents a new perspective on beauty and femininity.
It also encourages inclusivity by being open to embracing all shapes, sizes, colors, ages, and gender identities.
Additionally, burlesque has become increasingly popular over the years due to the increasing number of high-profile performers within the community, such as Dita Von Teese, Immodesty Blaize, and Miss Polly Rae.
Why do people like burlesque?
People enjoy burlesque for a variety of reasons. It celebrates the feminine, expressing sexuality as something to be loved and embraced rather than something to be ashamed of.
The performances often feature strong female role models and body-positive messages.
Additionally, burlesque is an art form that can be daring and humorous.
With its combination of comedy, satire, song, and dance, burlesque provides an enjoyable night out, perfect for date nights or group outings.
Ultimately, people appreciate burlesque’s unique blend of beauty, humor, and passion, showcasing women’s empowerment in a safe and fun atmosphere.
Who is the most famous burlesque woman?
The most famous burlesque woman of all time is undoubtedly Gypsy Rose Lee.
Born in Seattle, Washington, in 1914, she rose to fame around the 1930s and 40s as a comedic striptease artist.
Her wit, sophistication, and wise-cracking delivery made her an audience favorite and an iconic figure of the era.
Today she is still remembered fondly for her trail-blazing performance style and clever wordplay that paved the way for subsequent generations of women who followed in her footsteps to pursue their own unique artistic paths.
