All The News That's Fit To Strip

Model and former Baywatch babe Carmen Electra bared all for Crazy Horse in Las Vegas last weekend. This is Electra's first stint as a Vegas showgirl, but perhaps not the last. She said:

"I have so much respect for the beauty and history of Crazy Horse. I am honored to be able to do this. So much of it is based on classical ballet. I hope I can come back to Vegas. For this show, I want to come early to rehearsal and stay late and perform longer. I love doing this and I love live audiences. I really want to perform in Vegas more permanently.”

In other news...

This year the Old Pasadena Film Festival in California is presenting a free screening of Gypsy.

Australian singer Paul Caspis is getting in touch with his saucier side by joining the cast of Moira Finucane's The Burlesque Hour.

The Boston Babydolls premiere a new show tonight. The Wrathskellar, set in the dark underworld of 19th century London, presents a bit of a departure from the usual glitz and glam world of burlesque.

BlackBook chats with Scrappy.

Valen-Tease

Apparently, nothing says "I love you" like a burlesque show. Here are a few that will add a little sass to the holiday. Know of others? Add 'em into the comments or send them to kellydinardo AT gmail DOT com.

The Pontani Sisters team up with hula-hoop whiz Miss Saturn, hostess Dulche de Leche and others for Burlesque-A-Pades at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Va. I'll be there before the show signing copies of Gilded Lili.

The Boston Babydolls prove love is a carnival at T.T. the Bear's in Boston.

Blue Light Burlesque presents La Fête de l'amour at La Tulipe in Montreal. The show features both male and female performers, live 1950s-style Chicago and Arkansas blues music and audience members are encouraged to dress up.

photo by Ted D'Octavio

All The News That's Fit To Strip

Boston Babydoll member and former America's Next Top Model Sarah Hartshorne told Bostonist how the burlesque troupe gave her a boost:

Being a Boston Babydoll certainly boosted my confidence and made me aware of my body, which helped at photo shoots. I was also very comfortable changing in front of people or wearing skimpy outfits, which helped at challenges. Also, dancing of any kind is very similar to modeling, and knowing how to move my body helped in taking good pictures.

After Sarah got bumped from the show, the Boston Babydolls put the smackdown on Tyra.

In other news ...

The Vixen chats with Miss Seska Lee and Miss Sugarpuss.

Burlesque is all the rage on Gossip Girl. And Jo has the pictures.

The Crazy Girls joined Kylie Minogue for her TV comeback.

Irving Klaw, who filmed movies with Lili St. Cyr, Tempest Storm and others, would have celebrated his 97th birthday on Friday.

The Fashion Police at OSU don't know burlesque. For real burlesque-inspired fashions try this, this or this.

Burly Queens Rule Reality TV

First Michelle L'Amour got sassy with the Hoff on America's Got Talent. Then the Glamazons made it to the top ten on the same show. Now, Sarah Hartshorne, who performs as Vita Lightly with the Boston Babydolls, takes on Tyra in America's Next Top Model. Watch out Kelly Clarkson. You might just get bumped by the old bump 'n' grind.

All the News That's Fit To Strip

Sherry Britton once donned a "Let's Go Mets" T-shirt, but the burlesque dancer is really a Chicago Cubs fan. And reminiscing about Sherry, columnist Bill Gallo confirms something we always suspected:

"The older fellows said they went to burlesque for the comics, funny men such as Red Buttons and Phil Silvers and Jackie Gleason ... After seeing our very first burlesque, we were certain, the older guys didn't come to see the comics."

In other news ...

Dita is naturally a freckle-faced blonde.


Kellita of Hot Pink Feathers explains how she found herself "bumping and grinding, shimmying and shaking."

It's ok Britney, pole dancing is hard.

Woody shares photos from Miss Exotic World.

How do you know the "stripperization" of America is complete? When the word is used to describe New Gingrich's potential presidential run.

Bostonians who are ready to take their hip swiveling professional might want to head to Rock City Body on August 26. The Boston Babydolls are holding auditions for new troupe members.

The latest issue of Shimmy Magazine is now on sale. Purchase your copy online or, if you happen to be in New York, here, here or here.

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