CONGRATULATIONS to La Cholita, one of this year’s Sassy Lassy recipients! The Sassy Lassy is awarded annually to performers, producers, and others in the burlesque community who have made an outsized contribution to the perpetuation of burlesque in the modern era. La Cholita has become an icon as one of the earliest and most visible Latina performers in burlesque, paving the way for a generation of performers after her.
Natasha ‘La Cholita’ Estrada, “The Latina Queen of Burlesque” burst onto the scene with bold statement acts centering her Mexican American heritage by incorporating mariachi music, traditional folklorico, Dia De Muertos, and danza azteca-inspired pieces as well as reflections of the Chicana experience in LA including tributes to her Pachuco grandfather, and labor workers.
It’s hard to imagine LA without a burgeoning burlesque scene and Cholita played a huge role in bringing burlesque to venues throughout the city and encouraging promoters to make it part of their regular programming. After being crowned Miss Viva Las Vegas in 2007 she used her platform to challenge mainstream beauty standards, tour internationally and advocate for more representation.
La Cholita’s contributions to burlesque history are both groundbreaking and enduring. Her work helped carve space for Latina performers at a time when representation was scarce and often actively excluded. Her influence extends far beyond the stage through consistent and meaningful community engagement, particularly within Latino communities.
She has inspired generations of performers past and present to reclaim cultural identity through burlesque, boldly incorporating Spanish-language music and culturally rooted storytelling into their work. During periods of social and political crisis, La Cholita’s presence and advocacy provided vital representation and visibility when it was most needed.
Beyond performance, La Cholita is a dedicated advocate for immigrant communities across all backgrounds, with intersectional justice work that includes workers’ rights, women’s’ rights and community empowerment. Her impact is both artistic and activist, and it was an honor to recognize her contribution with the 2026 Sassy Lassy at this year’s BHoF Weekender in May. Viva La Cholita!