Top 10 Strippers in History Who Made Waves

### Top 10 Strippers in History Who Made Waves Stripping and exotic dancing have long been a part of the entertainment landscape, and several strippers throughout history have made an indelible mark on the world. Whether through breaking social taboos, pioneering new styles of performance, or transforming the perception of erotic art, these influential figures have redefined what it means to be a stripper. Below are the top 10 strippers in history who made waves and left their imprint on entertainment and culture. strippers #### **1. Gypsy Rose Lee (1911–1970)** Gypsy Rose Lee is arguably the most iconic stripper in history. A legend in the world of burlesque, she brought sophistication, humor, and grace to the striptease. Her performances were known for their slow, deliberate removal of clothing, which became an art form in itself. Lee became an international sensation and helped elevate the status of striptease as a legitimate form of entertainment. She was also an actress, author, and Broadway performer, with her memoir "Gypsy" being turned into a popular musical. #### **2. Sally Rand (1904–1979)** Sally Rand was another groundbreaking figure in the world of striptease, known for her unique "fan dance" which involved using large ostrich feathers to cover her body while sensually moving to music. Her performances at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair earned her fame and made her an overnight sensation. Rand’s style was more artistic and theatrical compared to her contemporaries, and she helped elevate burlesque into a form of highbrow entertainment. #### **3. Lili St. Cyr (1918–1999)** Lili St. Cyr was a burlesque star in the 1940s and 1950s who became famous for her sensuality, elegance, and innovative striptease performances. Known for her exquisite beauty and glamorous costumes, she made a name for herself by blending the art of striptease with sophisticated choreography and set design. St. Cyr's performances were often performed in a cabaret style, focusing on seduction and style, rather than raw sexuality. #### **4. Tempest Storm (1928–2021)** One of the most famous burlesque performers of the 1950s and 1960s, Tempest Storm was known for her voluptuous figure and fiery red hair. She became a regular feature in Hollywood's burlesque scene, and her reputation as a striptease artist earned her a loyal fan base, including high-profile celebrities like Elvis Presley. Storm's influence helped shape the modern idea of the stripper as both a performer and an entertainer. #### **5. Blaze Starr (1932–2015)** Blaze Starr was a famous burlesque dancer who became an icon in the 1950s and 1960s. Known for her large, voluptuous figure and her magnetic stage presence, Starr became a household name in the world of adult entertainment. Her most famous act included a playful and suggestive dance with a burning flame, earning her the moniker "Blaze." Starr’s popularity led to television appearances and even a movie about her life. #### **6. Dita Von Teese (1972–Present)** Dita Von Teese is a modern burlesque star who helped bring the art form back into the mainstream in the early 2000s. Known for her retro pin-up girl aesthetic and elaborate costumes, Von Teese’s performances combine elements of striptease with sophisticated art and fashion. She has successfully redefined burlesque as a high-culture, glamorous, and sensual performance, gaining a massive following and appearing in mainstream media, including films and magazines. #### **7. Ann Corio (1909–1999)** Ann Corio was a pioneering figure in the world of burlesque, known for her skillful comedic timing, elaborate costumes, and sultry dance routines. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Corio brought a level of sophistication and class to the burlesque stage that earned her widespread respect. She is also notable for her advocacy in making burlesque a respected form of entertainment, promoting it as a legitimate theatrical art form. #### **8. Kitty West (1937–2010)** Kitty West, a prominent stripper in the 1960s and 1970s, became one of the first major sex-positive icons, known for her embrace of her sexuality and her performances that blurred the lines between eroticism and artistry. West worked at the famous "Moulin Rouge" in Los Angeles and made headlines with her unique performances that defied traditional standards of what was considered "acceptable" or "respectable" in the adult entertainment industry. #### **9. Josephine Baker (1906–1975)** Although not traditionally a stripper in the sense of modern-day exotic dancers, **Josephine Baker** deserves a spot on this list due to her provocative and sensual performances that challenged social norms in the 1920s and 1930s. As an African American dancer, singer, and actress, Baker was one of the first black women to achieve international fame and notoriety. Her performances often included partial nudity and suggestive dances, especially in her famous act where she danced wearing only a skirt made of bananas. #### **10. Xaviera Hollander (1943–Present)** Xaviera Hollander is not only famous for her work as a stripper, but she also made a name for herself as a prostitute and author. Her autobiography, **"The Happy Hooker"**, became a best-seller, and she became a global sensation in the 1970s. Known for her openness about her work and her defiance of societal norms, Hollander is often considered a trailblazer in terms of advocating for the rights of sex workers and challenging the stigma surrounding the adult entertainment industry. --- ### Conclusion These 10 strippers are more than just icons of the stage; they have shaped the trajectory of entertainment and cultural perceptions of sensuality, sexuality, and art. Whether they used humor, elegance, or sheer physicality, their contributions helped transform stripping from a taboo act to an accepted and celebrated form of performance. Today, these women continue to inspire future generations of dancers and performers in the world of burlesque and beyond.