Webster defines burlesque as a literary or dramatic work that seeks to ridicule by means of grotesque exaggeration or comic imitation, mockery usually by caricature or theatrical entertainment of a broadly humorous often earthy character consisting of short comic skits, and sometimes striptease acts. Burlesque's import to the United States came from the French cabarets and the English music halls. The woman everyone credits with the establishment of burlesque as an American institution, was Lydia Thompson and her Blonde Troupe. Miss Lydia performed the first stage play in New York City in the 1868, scantily clad in corsets and tights. Their debut was a scandal and a sold out sensation. Burlesque evolved from more of a play or theater show, to little one act stage show with girls and comedians. Gradually, it turned into a leg show. Minsky is credited with creating the first striptease show.

In 1937 Mayor LaGuardia took Burlesque to court, put it on trial and won. He single-handedly closed all the great burlesque theaters. Burlesque moved to theaters across the Hudson River to New Jersey. In New York City it moved underground to the nightclubs and redefined its format to a smaller to fit the cabaret format. It lost the theatrical skits, and become solely a strip show.

Blues and Burlesque is dedicated to the traditions and history of burlesque, but also to the wide spread resurgence of the new burlesque movement currently popular from New York City to Japan to Australia. The new burlesque includes groups or solo dancers, comedy, circus acts, vaudeville, singers and live music. The neo-burlesque show can includes the classic burlesque tribute or the modern rock renditions. Today's burlesque performer is a celebration of the female form; all forms. Burlesque performers are all body sizes. Most shows and troupes are female created and run. Each performer has a strong stage persona and identity.

My Blues and Burlesque site brings to you the elements of burlesque. You can be a burlesque star on stage or in your own private home!