Dita Von Teese brings “Burlesque: Strip Strip Hooray!” to House of Blues

An exciting combination of strip tease and comedic entertainment, burlesque became incredibly popular in the 1860s due to its risqué and elegant nature. Star burlesque performers of the 1930s include the infamous Tempest Storm, Sally Rand, Gypsy Rose Lee, and even Mae West, who performed in burlesque acts early in her career. While the uninhibited atmosphere of burlesque dropped in popularity by the 1940s, there has been a resurgence that has brought burlesque back into relevancy. While many women have contributed to burlesque’s reawakening, no one has done more for the art form than the iconic Dita Von Teese.

Born in Rochester, Michigan as Heather Renée Sweet, Von Teese is considered by many to be the Queen of burlesque. She grew up on classic films, finding role models in the pinup goddesses of the Golden Age of Hollywood. After spending much of her youth in ballet classes, she got her real start in the fetish world as a tightlacer, squeezing her body into corsets to reduce her waistline, an act that helped shape her body into the classic pinup ideal that she reflects now. Having appeared on the cover of many fetish magazines, including “Bizarre” and “Marquis,” it wasn’t until 1992 that Von Teese began performing burlesque. With the sophistication and glamour she represented, it didn’t take Von Teese long to thrust burlesque back into the spotlight.

By beautifully blending the modern with the classic burlesque, Von Teese has become a feminine icon, showing strength through sexuality. Always inspired by the art of glamour and through her use of incredibly beautiful sets and detailed costumes, Von Teese gives the grandest of shows worldwide. Some of her most famous dances feature a carousel horse, a claw-foot bathtub, a giant powder compact, and her take on Sally Rand’s popular feather dance.  Undoubtedly her most famous act though is her cocktail glass show, where she performs a classic striptease that culminates in her bathing in the glass.

Not just a dancer, Von Teese in involved in every aspect of her shows, from light design to music to costuming. She’s appeared as a guest on television shows, has a vintage-inspired lingerie line called Von Follies, a clothing line called Muse, a perfume, and is a best-selling author who is currently working on her third book, a guide to eccentric glamour. As a style icon who continually reigns supreme on best dressed lists around the world and who has worked with designers such as Marc Jacobs, Christian Louboutin, Louis Vuitton, and Chopard, Von Teese continually advocates the beauty of curvaceous women, firmly believing that classic glamour is created through an inner light and passion, and is not dictated by size or age.

Spanning two nights, May 14 and 15, Dita Von Teese will finally be bringing her “Burlesque: Strip Strip Horray!” variety show to the House of Blues. Don’t miss out on your chance to see the legendary burlesque dancer in person, especially when general admission tickets cost only $35! A 90-minute revue, “Strip Strip Hooray!” will feature MC Murray Hill, as well as Von Teese’s favorite burlesque acts, such as Dirty Martini, Selene Luna, Monsieur Romeo, Cathrine D’Lish, and Perle Noire. In bringing back the allure of Old Hollywood, Dita Von Teese is sure to mesmerize you with her scintillating performances and make it a night you will never forget.

For more information about tickets and the show, check out the official site for House of Blues!