In the early nineteenth century, striptease artists would tour burlesque circuits or "wheels"- These circuits were orchestrated by burlesque producers who owned or controlled theatres in multiple cities. Popular acts would be combined to form large troupes to rotate around the cicuit. This was a popular form of employment in the burlesque world as it meant stable employment for up to 40 weeks at a time. (Wish we had a couple of those around now..) The two largest wheels were the Columbia (Eastern) Wheel and the Empire (Western) Wheel. Popular performers who perfected their art performing burlesque circuits include Mae West, Al Jolson, Fanny Brice, Gypsy Rose Lee, Sophie Tucker, W.C. Fields, Burt Lahr, and Bob Hope.
i found the neato pic of mae west here
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