Josephine Baker:
The iconic image of Josephine Baker lighting Paris afire in a banana skirt is the first image that comes to mind when we think of the word
"burlesque." Following "La Baker" in the 1940s and 50s was an era of stunning nightclub floorshows that featured African-American women who traveled coast-to-coast and around the world. Yet, the books that claim to detail the history of burlesque say little about women of color and their unique struggles and triumphs.
African-American women have been performing burlesque in its various incarnations since at least the late 19th century. Early performances could best
be described as R-rated variety shows, blending satire and politically commentary with musical numbers and a bit of raciness. In 1890,The Creole Show debuted featuring sisters draped in lavish costumes, showing off their legs, and even cross-dressing in skits that provided smart social commentary on American culture. Stars of the show not only included Josephine Baker but: Ada Overton Walker, Stella Wiley, Dora Dean and Belle Davis who would go on to star in Oriental America, a dazzling spectacle mocking the exotification of African-American and Asian women, illustrating the hypocrisy of America’s policies in the Far East, and the enforcement of Jim Crow laws statewide. And still looked gorgeous doing it.
"burlesque." Following "La Baker" in the 1940s and 50s was an era of stunning nightclub floorshows that featured African-American women who traveled coast-to-coast and around the world. Yet, the books that claim to detail the history of burlesque say little about women of color and their unique struggles and triumphs.
African-American women have been performing burlesque in its various incarnations since at least the late 19th century. Early performances could best
be described as R-rated variety shows, blending satire and politically commentary with musical numbers and a bit of raciness. In 1890,The Creole Show debuted featuring sisters draped in lavish costumes, showing off their legs, and even cross-dressing in skits that provided smart social commentary on American culture. Stars of the show not only included Josephine Baker but: Ada Overton Walker, Stella Wiley, Dora Dean and Belle Davis who would go on to star in Oriental America, a dazzling spectacle mocking the exotification of African-American and Asian women, illustrating the hypocrisy of America’s policies in the Far East, and the enforcement of Jim Crow laws statewide. And still looked gorgeous doing it.