#MuseumAtHome: Happy Birthday to “Miss Exotic World” Creator Dixie Evans
Dixie Evans, “The Marilyn Monroe of Burlesque,” would have been 94 today. After a successful career as a burlesque dancer, Dixie eventually ended up running the Exotic World museum, creating the Miss Exotic World pageant that to this day forms the core of our BHoF Weekender, going on right now
#MuseumAtHome: Minstrel Shows and Stock Comic Characters in Burlesque
CONTENT WARNING: sterotypical imagery including blackfaceLearn about some of the often troubling roots of burlesque’s stock characters in this #MuseumAtHome entry. Burlesque and minstrelsy were closely related in the late 19th century, and many elements of the minstrel show became part of burlesque’s “bag of tricks”. Understanding this difficult history is essential
#MuseumAtHome: Burlesque Legend Lilly Christine (VIDEO)
Lilly Christine, “The Cat Girl”, burst on the scene in the late 1940s and quickly leaped to the top, headlining Leon Prima’s New Orleans hotspot the 500 Club and eventually strutting her stuff on Broadway. Her belly dance-inspired moves fascinated audiences up until her tragically early death. Learn more about
#MuseumAtHome: Burlesque Legend and BHoF Founder Jennie Lee (VIDEO and COLORING PAGES)
Jennie Lee, “Miss 44 and Plenty More!” was plenty more than a popular burlesque dancer of the 1950s and ’60s. In 1955, she founded the Exotic Dancers League to fight for the rights of her fellow exotic dancers, an effort htat eventually won her a place on the Executive Council
#MuseumAtHome: Burlesque Legend Lili St. Cyr (VIDEO)
Lili St Cyr was one of the 20th century’s most celebrated burlesque stars. Beautiful, elegant, and eternally unattainable, Lili’s “Ice Queen” persona shocked audiences in her bases in Los Angeles and Montreal, as well as on the stage of the El Rancho on the newly-founded Las Vegas Strip. Learn more
#MuseumAtHome: Burlesque Legend La Savona (VIDEO)
La Savona was a mid-20th century burlesque performer from Prague who became famous in the U.S. for her belly-dance inspired acts. She was awarded our Living Legend Award in 2012, the highest honor BHoF has to offer performers of burlesque’s classic era. Learn more about her life and performance style in
Just for Fun: A Jennie Lee puzzle for you!
With people having a little (or a lot of) extra time on their hands, we thought you might enjoy playing with this online puzzle featuring BHoF founder Jennie Lee (and a friend) frolicking on the world-famous Hollywood sign.