Famous burlesque Dancers in a different shade.
“It’s not what you do. It’s the way you do it-stripping, or writing, or talking . . . or just breathing. Do it with an air, and never admit you’re scared.” – Gypsy Rose Lee
When we think of the pin up and burlesque era, we think about the famous burlesque dancers such as Bettie Page, Tempest Storm and Marilyn Monroe of the Golden Era. They are all stunning women who earned their title. But black burlesque dancers were frequently overlooked due to racism. Let’s bring brown booties to the spot light with some black burlesque dancers!
Table of Contents
Brief History Of Burlesque
So where did it all begin in the first place?
The term “burlesque” came from the Italian word “burla” which means “a joke.” Originally, a burlesque show was a comedic variety show that mocked serious literature, the upper class and sexuality. Burlesque can be traced back as far as the 16th century. This included dancing, music, satire and bold fashion.
Europeans are the ones who introduced the world to this form of entertainment. You can find this historical work of art in places like Greece and Italy. It began as a form of entertainment for a mostly male audience and slowly but surely became more sexualized.
It wasn’t until the 1800s where these shows were performed by underdressed women mocking the upper class. They needed to keep their mostly male audience interested somehow. In 1866, a show named “The Black Crook” was introduced to Americans. The performance featured female dancers in flesh colored tights. It was then and there that the burlesque world noticed how much Americans were willing to pay for performances that sexually aroused them.
Then came Lydia Thompson. Born in the UK, Lydia was a producer, dancer and comedian who formed a sexy troupe named “The British Blondes.” They arrived in NYC in 1868 where they started a years-long tour all around the country. The sexy variety show performers were a total hit.
It was this time in history where sexuality overshadowed every other element of a burlesque show and it became what it’s known today. It began with mainly white women. Naturally, women of other races decided to step into the spot light.
The first ever black burlesque dancer was a woman named Jean Idelle.
Jean Idelle– The First Black Burlesque Dancer
Jean is from Brooklyn, NY. She was discovered at the age of 20 and became the first black exotic fan dancer. She is also known as “the Sepia Sally Rand.” Sally Rand was a white dancer.
Jean was active in the 50s and 60s. She danced in white clubs and her performance were so loved that it helped break racial barriers! She even said: “After I was finished dancing they forgot all about my race and just appreciated a good performance by an elegant and skillful burlesque dancer. Talent is the greatest equalizer. If you got it, you got it.”
I agree with her.
She was well paid and was featured in many magazines. At age 82, after many years of being absent from the scene, Jean Idelle performed a routine at Titans of Tease showcase. You go lady!!
Toni Elling aka Satin Doll
Toni is from Detroit. She worked for a phone company for many years before considering Burlesque. She was soooo tired of being overlooked for promotions because of the color of her skin. Her good friend Rita Revere, a stripper, gave her the idea of getting into stripping!
Toni entered the industry pretty late at age 32. She was known for never taking off her panties. She had famous friends such as Sammy Davis Jr. She is still alive at age 94 and makes frequent appearances at burlesque events.
Update: Toni Elling passed away April 2, 2023. She was blessed to have lived that long. Toni is proof that a joyful life is one of the fountains of youth and longevity. She is a reminder to chase your passions.
Lottie the Body
What a name! Born in Syracuse, New York, Lottie the Body was a trained dancer since she was a teen. Because of her extensive dancing experience, she stood out from many Burlesque dancers. She lived in her own world and was daring enough to dance at white only clubs. She also was paid the same amount as the white dancers!
Lottie was tall and STACKED hence her stage name. Before dying in February 2020 at the age of 90 in Detroit, she expressed that she truly lived her life to the fullest, no regrets. Maybe that’s why she lived so long!
‘Miss Topsy
Miss Topsy is from Missouri. In her early 20s, she decided to move to Hollywood where she worked as a hospital worker. (I always felt nurses are very naughty).
Topsy met a booking agent named Cora Lee Jr who got her into show business. She started out with modeling then was hired as a shake dancer. As she grew as a performer, her routines became more and more exotic. She traveled the world and loved her art.
She worked as a dancer for almost three decades. Topsy made so much money that she was able to invest in real estate and take care of her whole family proving her warm heart.
Madeleine Sahji Jackson
There’s not much information about when and where Madeleine was born but she had to be included in this list.
Madeleine was one of the top sexy dancers in her time. She performed at the famous Cotton Club in NYC in the 1930. She appeared on cover of the well known black magazine Jet in the 1950s.
Maddy was thin but she shook and moved every part of her body. They described her as “poetry in motion.” She made her own clothes which were super revealing.
Burlesque Today
You can still find many burlesque shows today. The beauty of the modern times is that we can find women of all sorts of colors and sizes dressing up in the most glamorous sexy clothing. There’s still an element of comedy and satire in many of these shows.
Learn more about our naughty icons back then with these dirty songs.
