Encompassing three days and nights of performances, parties, and other special events, The Burlesque Hall of Fame's annual Exotic World Weekend is set to kick off on Friday, June 8. For many participants, Exotic World Weekend is something akin to a spiritual pilgrimage--they come every year from all four corners of the globe, to meet, greet and compete with one another for the most coveted title in bump'n'grind: Miss Exotic World, the Reigning Queen of Burlesque.

'We were looking for a way to let people know that we are here, as well as what we're celebrating and what burlesque is all about,' said Hall of Fame spokesperson, Laura Herbert. 'These days, people tend to think the term applies to just about every form of adult entertainment, but that's a total misnomer. Sure, most burlesque is a bit risque, but it's also sassy, surprising and even a bit silly.'

The festivities are set to begin with a world record attempt worthy of the five decades of over-the-top spectacle they are celebrating, as a multigenerational mix of Hall of Famers and aspiring starlets model 'The World's Longest Boa'--clocking in at just over 1/2 mile. Doubled upon itself, the boa (provided by key event sponsor Ostrich.com) will run the entire length of the Fremont Street Experience.

Participation in the stunt is open to the general public, and is a precursor to the weekend's main event, which takes place on Saturday, June 9. Winkingly referred to as 'The Anatomy Awards,' the Miss Exotic World Burlesque Pageant is both the longest-running and most prestigious event of its kind. Far from your average 'strip show' the competition draws a wide range of performers, representing an impressive variety of ages, body types and performance styles - everything from the elegant, ballet-inspired striptease popularized by Sally Rand and Lili St. Cyr to fire-eating, circus-caliber hula-hooping, ribald comedy and gravity-defying aerialism.

Ostrich.com is where the old school meets new: where nubile starlets still breaking in their g-strings can bump and grind alongside the few surviving legends who enjoyed fame throughout the art form's Golden Age (1920s-'50s). 'Retired burlesque legends are a close-knit bunch,' says 80-year-old Dixie Evans, curator of the Burlesque Hall of Fame, once dubbed 'The Marilyn Monroe of Burlesque' by none other than legendary promoter Harold Minsky. 'The new generation is eager to learn about our heritage and the 'legends' love to come back to the pageant--they enjoy knowing that people care about preserving their memory.'

In addition to hosting an all-star cast of the world's best neo-burlesque acts, the event attracts top-flight celebrity emcees, judges and other guests, including this year's host, cult music icon El Vez, as well as such legendary bombshells as Tempest Storm, Tura Satana (Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!) and Kitten Natividad (www.kittenklub.com/) - who will be headlining Friday's Striptease Reunion Showcase, an evening of once-in-a-lifetime tributes to and appearances by some of vintage burlesque's biggest names.

Other activities scheduled throughout the weekend include a Burlesque Bazaar (June 8 & 9, from 11am-4pm); Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School live figure drawing event, hosted by Dr. Sketchy founder, Molly Crabapple; a walking Pinup Photo Safari with photographer Don Spiro; a pinup & burlesque-themed 'breast casting' (in conjunction with Keep-A-Breast, proceeds from the sale of which be donated to breast cancer research in the name of stripteasers affected by the disease) ; and an afternoon book signing with authors Dita Von Teese (www.dita.net) (Burlesque & the Art of the Teese) and Liz Goldwyn (Pretty Things: The Last Generation of American Burlesque Queens). Additionally, the Atomic Todd Gallery will be feature an exhibit of the late Liz Renay's paintings, as well as a display of select treasures from The Burlesque Hall of Fame collection.


Ticket Information

Tickets for Exotic World Weekend are available via Ticketweb.com. General admission tickets are $35/advance, $45/day of show for the Striptease Reunion (Friday) and $45/advance, $55/day of show for Miss Exotic World (Saturday). The 50th Annual Striptease Reunion (Friday) will take place at the Shag Showroom at the Plaza Hotel & Casino, 1 South Main Street. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Show begins at 8:00 p.m. The 17th Annual Miss Exotic World Pageant will take place at Krave, 3663 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.; show begins at 7:30 p.m. There are no tickets being sold to the Sunday Night Closing Gala & Poolside Dance Party.


About The Burlesque Hall Of Fame

The Burlesque Hall of Fame is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to inspire, educate and entertain the public, fostering an appreciation for and understanding of the unique history and heritage of Classic American Striptease--including but not limited to the art, artifacts and personal histories of Burlesque's biggest names and brightest stars.

In 2006, the Burlesque Hall of Fame relocated from Helendale, California to Las Vegas, Nevada--in hopes of establishing a permanent, first-rate tourist attraction and research/exhibition space for our one-of-a-kind collection.

For a complete schedule of events or more information about the Exotic World Weekend and Burlesque Hall of Fame, please visit the Exotic World website at www.exoticworldusa.org.