L is for Lili St. Cyr

Lili St. Cyr was another standout star of burlesque’s golden age in the 40s and 50s. She was known for the graceful class and creativity she brought to her acts as well as for her stunning beauty and statuesque figure. Her performances would tell a story and she would often base her characters on historical female icons. Some of her most memorable acts included the “Flying G” in which her g-string (attached by a fishing line) would fly off her body into the balcony at the end of her act while the lights dimmed. She was also well known for her bubble bath act in which she would simulate taking a bath onstage.

Found the picture of Lili here

K is for Knicker Picker Upper

Because one of the most integral rules in burlesque is to NEVER EVER PICK UP YOUR OWN CLOTHES, this creates a large demand for Knicker Picker Uppers. A good way for new performers to get their start, a Knicker Picker Upper’s job consists of picking up knickers as well as anything else that may have been discarded by the performers during their act. A KPU may also act as stage manager and is usually responsible for the placing and removing of any props the performer may need for her act. A KPU does not remove any clothing herself but is usually dressed in lingerie or other scandalous costume. Knicker Picker Uppers can be male or female and may have establish a character or identity of their own Other names for Knicker Picker Upper include Maid, Stage Kitty, Sweeper or Stage Bunny.

The photo above is of Miss Fitt, a regular stage kitty at the Vancouver Weekly Burlesque Show Kitty Nights getting some sound advice from the host of Kitty Nights, the Purrfessor. Miss Fitt is an excellent example of a new performer who got their start in Burlesque as a knicker picker upper who is now enjoying a successful transition into the burlesque community as a full fledged Burlesque performer.

For more info on the Purrfessor and Kitty Nights click here
Photographer unknown but I would love to credit you!

J is for Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker was an extremely multi-talented African American performer who first achieved extreme success in Paris in the 1920s as burlesque performer. Known for her signature number, the banana skirt dance, Josephine was at one time the highest paid entertainer in Europe. Josephine lead an extraordinary life; She was known for her many exotic pets including a Cheetah that she was known to walk down the streets of Paris. She also helped to assist the French Resistance during the Second World War by carrying top secret information hidden in her music notes. In the 50s and 60s Josephine returned to the States to fight for African American civil rights. She refused to play in any establishment that was not integrated. It was also at this time that she also began to adopt over 12 children from all over the world as part of her “rainbow tribe.” In 1975, Baker starred in her last revue, which opened to much acclaim. Four days later she was found in a coma in her bed surrounded by all of the shows succesful reviews; she died shortly thereafter.

I is for Ixion

Ixion is the name of the burlesque play brought to New York by Lydia Thompson and her British Blondes. This was one of the first instances of burlesque brought to North America and with women in tights playing men’s roles, the troupe and its mythical spoof became a theatrical sensation, eventually performing their play at Niblo’s Garden on BROADWAY!

Photo of Lydia Thompson in her costume for Ixion found here