Category: History of Burlesque

Burlesque at the Nebraska State Fair & County Fairs

Nebraska State Fairs The Nebraska State Fair goer was no stranger to the bump ‘n’ grind of the stripteaser. In… Read more.
Lincoln’s Nude Dance Scandal of 1935

One of the most notable instances of burlesque that caused political turmoil in Nebraska occurred in Lincoln during the ‘Golden… Read more.
The Cases of Robin S. Hood

On the night of February 11, 1963 members of the Aviation Post 1729, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), gathered at… Read more.
Thida Loy

Thida Loy was a San Franciscan-born Chinese performer began dancing as a burlesque fan dancer in the 1930s. The earliest… Read more.
Neryda

“The Snake Dancer” Neryda was an exotic dancer who performed with a 6-foot python named “Allah.” She danced in night… Read more.
Fay Baker

Marie Amelia Nebel was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 10, 1910. Though she went by Mary, her stage name… Read more.
Vampira

Michelle Devereaux Michele Devereaux was born around 1941 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She was an exotic dancer who, like many others,… Read more.
Burlesque Venues & Orgs. in NE & IA

*Please note: the years listed are the years I found instances of burlesque, exotic dancers, or go-go dancers (etc.) not… Read more.
Burlesque at 2410 Lake Street, North Omaha, Nebraska

Early Beginnings – Club Harlem | 1933 Although the entertainment history of 2410 Lake Street did not begin with Club… Read more.
Sally Rand in Nebraska

(Nebraska Daily News Press. “Now Argue.” Page 11. February 8, 1925) [Caption reads: “If you think that Sally Rand isn’t… Read more.
Roxanne Carmine

Roxanne Carmine was born as Golda (or Goldie) Glickman in Chicago to the “Maxwell Street Glickmans”, a Jewish family, around… Read more.
Tarza

Tarza was a Black burlesque dancer from the 1940s through the 1960s. She was born Pauline Young in Detroit, Michigan,… Read more.
Sammy Kaye’s “Swing & Sway Revue” | Omaha, Nebraska

In 1944 the Sammy Kaye stage show named “Swing & Sway Revue” came to Orpheum Theater in Omaha, Nebraska. Sammy… Read more.
Drag Queens & ‘Girlie Shows’ in Omaha, Nebraska

Burlesque, at its core, deals with gender and ultimately the presentation of gender as entertainment. It should be no surprise… Read more.
Burlesque at the Carnation Ballroom | North Omaha, Nebraska

Before the Carnation Ballroom (Mildred Brown with her three carnation corsage pinned to her coat. c. 1960. Omaha World Herald)… Read more.
Amusements Along the Midway | Trans-Mississippi & International Exposition | 1898

From June to November of 1898 visitors from all over the country came to visit the “Trans-Mississippi & International Exposition… Read more.
“Little Egypt” in Nebraska

This article explores the popular “Little Egypt” dancers in burlesque history. There were several performers at the turn of the… Read more.
Princess Lahoma

Princess LaHoma was born Oteka Lahoma Willingham on October 5, 1931 in Gregg, Texas. Her father, Richard, was 26, and… Read more.
History of Burlesque in Lancaster County, Nebraska

Burlesque permeated not only the stages of the big metropolis, like New York City, but also graced the stages of… Read more.
Rosita Royce “The Dove Dancer”

Lotus Marjorie Corrington (1913-1954) Rosita Royce was born Lotus Marjorie Corrington in Tecumseh, Nebraska on August 9, 1913.* She went… Read more.