Striptease Today: A Cultural and Home Phenomenon

As we enter the contemporary landscape of striptease, it’s clear that the art has not only persisted but thrived, evolving into a diverse tapestry of cultural impact and personal expression. Today, striptease is celebrated both as a form of mainstream entertainment and a private expression of intimacy, reflecting broader shifts in societal attitudes towards sexuality and performance art.

The Mainstreaming of Striptease

The late 20th and early 21st centuries witnessed striptease moving firmly into the mainstream, partly thanks to its portrayal in popular media. Films like “Striptease” and “Magic Mike” and shows such as “The Sopranos” have portrayed aspects of the stripping industry, sometimes with a touch of glamour, sometimes with a dose of reality. This exposure has helped demystify and destigmatize the profession, highlighting the skill and athleticism involved in pole dancing and striptease.

Moreover, the rise of pole dancing as a form of fitness further illustrates how the general public has embraced elements of striptease. Pole fitness classes, offered in gyms across the world, celebrate the physical prowess required in pole performance, distancing the activity from its erotic roots while acknowledging its origins.

Stripping as Empowerment

Modern striptease, particularly in burlesque, has been reclaimed by many performers as a form of empowerment and artistic expression. Burlesque has seen a resurgence, with performers using the platform to explore themes of body positivity, gender identity, and sexual empowerment. This neo-burlesque wave is characterized by its diverse and inclusive nature, welcoming performers of all body types, backgrounds, and orientations, making it a powerful form of personal and political expression.

Striptease in the Home

On a more personal level, the art of striptease has found a place in many people’s private lives. Couples may incorporate striptease into their intimate moments, using it as a tool to enhance connection and explore their sexuality in a safe, consensual environment. Striptease at home is often about fun, playfulness, and vulnerability, allowing individuals to express different facets of their personalities in a supportive setting.

Ethical Considerations and Digital Expansion

As striptease has expanded, so too have the platforms for its performance. The digital age has brought opportunities for performers to reach global audiences through online platforms. While this has opened new revenue streams and creative outlets, it also raises ethical considerations regarding privacy and consent.

Famous strippers from the post-vaudeville era, including the transition into early film and video:

1. Gypsy Rose Lee (1911–1970)

Gypsy Rose Lee became a burlesque icon in the 1930s, known for her witty and sophisticated striptease performances. She brought a unique blend of charm, intelligence, and humor to the stage, making her an enduring American burlesque figure. Lee’s memoirs inspired the famous Broadway musical Gypsy.

2. Lili St. Cyr (1918–1999)

One of the most glamorous striptease artists of her time, Lili St. Cyr was known for her elaborate routines and elegant presence on stage. She performed in some of the most prestigious clubs in the 1940s and 1950s and became one of the top attractions in burlesque. She also appeared in several films, cementing her legacy as an iconic striptease performer.

3. Blaze Starr (1932–2015)

Blaze Starr, a prominent burlesque star of the 1950s and 60s, was known for her fiery personality and voluptuous figure. Her act, which often involved humorous skits and provocative costumes, was famous for its mix of sensuality and showmanship. Starr’s affair with Louisiana Governor Earl Long further catapulted her to public attention, and her life was the subject of the film Blaze.

4. Ann Corio (1909–1999)

A famous burlesque performer of the 1930s and 40s, Ann Corio became one of the last big stars of burlesque before it was largely shut down due to legal pressure. She later transitioned to acting and worked to preserve the legacy of burlesque with her book and stage show This Was Burlesque.

5. Tempest Storm (1928–2021)

Known as the “Queen of Exotic Dancers,” Tempest Storm’s career spanned more than 60 years. She was one of the biggest stars in burlesque during the 1950s and 60s, known for her fiery red hair and voluptuous figure. Storm also appeared in several burlesque films, including Teaserama alongside Bettie Page.

6. Bettie Page (1923–2008)

Though best known for her pin-up work, Bettie Page also performed in burlesque and striptease acts during the 1950s. Her playful performances and signature jet-black bangs made her a pop culture icon. Page’s influence went far beyond burlesque, as she symbolized sexual freedom and rebellion in the post-war era.

7. Dixie Evans (1926–2013)

Dubbed the “Marilyn Monroe of Burlesque,” Dixie Evans was known for her clever and humorous striptease acts that parodied the Hollywood starlet. She began her career in the 1950s and became a central figure in the burlesque revival movement in the 1990s. Evans also founded the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas.

8. Jennie Lee (1928–1990)

Jennie Lee, also known as “The Bazoom Girl,” was a prominent burlesque performer in the 1950s and 60s known for her busty figure and playful acts. She later became an advocate for burlesque performers and co-founded the Exotic Dancers League. Jennie Lee also helped establish the Burlesque Hall of Fame.

9. Sally Rand (1904–1979)

Famous for her fan dance and bubble dance, Sally Rand became an iconic figure in the 1930s and 40s. Her elegant routines, where she strategically used giant feathered fans or bubbles to hide her body, captivated audiences across the United States. Rand’s performances were more artistic than provocative, and she continued performing well into her later years.

10. Candy Barr (1935–2005)

Candy Barr became famous as a stripper in the 1950s and 60s for her Texas charm and risqué performances. She gained notoriety when she was linked to several scandals, including a brief stint in prison, which only heightened her celebrity status. Barr’s life was a mix of glamour and controversy, cementing her place as one of the most famous figures in striptease history.

These post-vaudeville strippers not only pushed the boundaries of entertainment but also contributed to the cultural evolution of burlesque and striptease, paving the way for future generations of performers. Their acts blended glamour, humor, and sensuality, creating a legacy that continues to influence modern performances.