Black Burlesque Performers, FTW!

These modern Black & African American burlesque performers are shake-shake-shaking up the scene in cities across the globe!

What is Burlesque?

Burlesque is an entertainment art, based around dance, music and the art of the tease. Burlesque began in the 1840's and was used by working-class performers as a way to mock other parts of society. It's important to note that burlesque is not actually stripping, and the goal is not complete nudity.

Today burlesque is about empowering and encouraging women to embrace their sexuality and femininity. This art form allows women of ALL shapes, sizes, and color, to express themselves any way they dang-well please! To embrace burlesque you must embrace the performer, the skill, and the art -- no matter the package. This list is just a small sample of many of the black and African American burlesque performers across the globe.

Curated by TokenBlackGirls.com (now called BLACKX.CO): a community for black women living alternative lifestyles, and International Black Burlesque Performers

Now for the fun part....

Here you'll find just a small sampling of modern-day Black & African American burlesque performers that are shake-shake-shaking up the burlesque scene in cities across the globe!

Jeez Loueez

TokenBlackGirls.com / Via thejeezloueez.com

Jeez Loueez, based in Saint Louis, is often called “The Powerhouse of Midwest Burlesque”! She's a lethal combination of drama, hilarity, and killer kinetics. Jeez Loueez creates memorable acts that leave you (and her) breathless. In 2012 Jeez Loueez was named Miss Viva Las Vegas 2012 at the Viva Las Vegas Burlesque Competition and made history as the first African-American Miss VLV winner. Join her Facebook fan page, here.

VIDEO of one of her performances below...

Perle Noire

TokenBlackGirls.com / Via perlenoireburlesque.biz

New Orleans based, Perle Noire, has been described as the reincarnation of Josephine Baker , tearing up the stage in an onslaught of shimmies, high kicks, and splits. 21st Century Burlesque Magazine called her a bold, beautiful burlesque firecracker with a unique talent and fearless dedication. Her style has earned her awards such as the Top 20 Burlesque Performer Worldwide and Queen of Burlesque. Join her Facebook fan page, here.

VIDEO of one of her performances below...

Coco Deville

TokenBlackGirls.com / Via coco-deville.com

Critically acclaimed, Brighton, UK based, award winning international burlesque and cabaret artiste Coco Deville has been gracing the stage since 2006. Her performances range from opulent speak-easy shows, to quirky comedy skits. Join her Facebook fan page, here.

VIDEO of one of her performances below...

Delysia La Chatte

TokenBlackGirls.com / Via delysialachatte.com

Delysia La Chatte "The Dark Heroine of Burlesque" is a New York based performer and is the founder and creator of The Witching Hour Burlesque. This magical maven also writes, produces, and choreographs theatrical burlesque shows around NYC.Join her Facebook fan page, here.

VIDEO of one of her performances below...

Coco Framboise

TokenBlackGirls.com / Via cocoframboise.com

Toronto based Burlesque performer, Coco Framboise is pint-sized dynamo with an out-sized stage presence. She takes audiences on a thrill ride from the saucy to the surreal. You can join her Facebook fan page, here.

VIDEO of one of her performances below...

Alotta Boutté

TokenBlackGirls.com / Via tangerinejones.com

Alotta Boutté is a San Francisco based burlesque performer - and so much more! She's an order of triple threat with a side of "have mercy!" She can tap dance (over 15 years experience), she can sing, and she can perform with the best of them. Alotta was also one of the founding members of Harlem Shake Burlesque, the nations's first African-American neo-burlesque troupe. Join her Facebook fan page, here.

VIDEO of one of her performances below...

Jessabelle Thunder

TokenBlackGirls.com / Via Facebook: jessabelle.thunder

Los Angeles based performer, Jessabelle Thunder, has a background in various types of dance and has studied with multiple top burlesque performers to learn the art of the tease. In her performances she brings a style of classic burlesque mixed with neo-burlesque, and character themes. She's fun, flirtatious, and is well versed in the art of the tease. Join her Facebook fan page, here.

VIDEO of one of her performances below...

Honey Cocoa Bordeauxx

TokenBlackGirls.com / Via thehoneycocoa.com

Honey Cocoa Bordeauxx is a Burlesque performer (and Burlesque Instructor) in the Dallas area. Her diverse shows range from 1950’s old Hollywood glamour to 60’s sci-fi and 70’s glitz. She has been blowing audiences away with her alluring stage presence and fiery dance moves. Honey has over 15 years of dance experience ranging from tap and jazz to middle eastern dance. Join her Facebook fan page, here.

VIDEO of one of her performances below...

Vagina Jenkins

TokenBlackGirls.com / Via vaginajenkins.com

Vagina Jenkins has been gracing stages worldwide with her classic, breathtaking striptease for over 9 years. Based in Oakland, Vagina Jenkins has a style that puts a modern spin on classic burlesque, hoochie-coochie & shake dancer traditions. The Lady Ms. Vagina Jenkins uses African American vernacular dance, the conventions of vaudeville and low brow theatre Join her Facebook fan page, here.

VIDEO of one of her performances below...

Ashleeta Beauchamp

TokenBlackGirls.com / Via Facebook: ashleetabeauchamp

Ashleeta Beauchamp is a Los Angeles based performer who considers herself a "burlesque newbie" in a Vaudeville World. However those who have seen her perform say that she is anything but a newbie. Ashleeta has honed her classic style to perfection. Her playful sensuality is non-stop; venues have had to sweep many dropped jaws off the floor. You can find Ashleeta performing with the troupe Brazen Booties Burlesque, and follow her to see her in upcoming shows by joining her Facebook fan page, here.

VIDEO of one of her performances below...

Brown Girls Burlesque

TokenBlackGirls.com / Via browngirlsburlesque.com

Brown Girls Burlesque is a burlesque troupe of women of color dedicated to creating their own reflection in the art form of burlesque using whimsy and the theatrical depth. BGB stands out in the crowded space of the neo-burlesque movement by circumventing the classical and new school interpretations of burlesque by blending cultural traditions, experiences, and a distinctive artistic aesthetic. Join their Facebook fan page, here.

VIDEO of one of their performances below...

Curated by TokenBlackGirls (now BLACKX.CO): a community for black women living alternative lifestyles, and International Black Burlesque Performers