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The History of Cleveland Burlesque

Adult

Cleveland has a rich history of many forms of performance art including Burlesque! Enjoy a presentation that explores this lesser-known style of entertainment and the fascinating history behind it. 

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Step into the dazzling world of Cleveland's rich burlesque history! Join us for an immersive presentation that delves deep into the captivating evolution of burlesque in the heart of Ohio. From its clandestine origins to its glamorous heyday, discover how this art form has woven its way through the cultural fabric of Cleveland.

Through vibrant storytelling and archival imagery, this presentation traces the milestones and key personalities that shaped the city's burlesque scene the biggest burlesque circuit of it's heyday. This program contains adult content.

About the presenter

Bella Sin has been researching the history of burlesque for the past 15years. Some of their areas of specialization include Latin burlesque throughout the Americas, LGTBQ+ burlesque, as well as the history of performers and venues in Cleveland.

In their search for evidence of the lives of vedettes, rumberas, ficheras and burlesque exotics, Sin has worked closely with the researchers and archivists of Ohio State’s special collections and assisted in the expansion of the Charles H. McCaghy Collection of Exotic Dance. Sin also shares their knowledge and methods in an effort to decolonize burlesque, both historically and currently. Their class on Latin burlesque emphasizes the often-overlooked contributions of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ to this art’s history.

Sin currently serves as the historian of the Comite Mexicano and the archivist for Mexican American Historical Association of Cleveland. They also publish their burlesque research on LatinBurlesqueHistory.com and through their social media.