Meet 10 of the Most Influential Showgirls of All Time

Gia Coppola's The Last Showgirl not only marked the return of the pop culture icon Pamela Anderson on screen, the film shed light on showgirls and their careers. Their determination and passion for their craft is inspiring as they strive to meet the demands of the job and pursue their dreams of performing on a stage that evokes emotions from the audience members. What is a showgirl? A showgirl is an artform that encompasses several different creative outlets such as singers, dancers, and actors.

With French origins, this lifestyle blends sophistication and sensuality into every performance. There's an alluring essence to every woman that graces the stage. It's a glamorous and sultry experience that made its way to Las Vegas in the 20th century and became a symbol of sexual freedom. Showgirls come from different backgrounds, creating performances that embrace individuality oftentimes drawing inspiration from the Old Hollywood aesthetic to bring glamour and glitz to every show. 

Anderson's stunning performance in the film celebrates showgirls as she captured the spirit of the art and women who've defined this industry. Keep scrolling to learn more about the extraordinary women that revolutionized this artistic medium. 

Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker is the most renowned showgirl from the 1920s. Her influence on the craft earned her recognition as a sensational performer, and she was respected in the industry for her contribution. She was invited to give a special performance at La Revue Nègre in Paris and Folies Bergère. Baker was a pioneer in dance for challenging societal conceptions involving race, sexuality, and gender. A surprising fact is that she was a French resistance spy during World War II and used her craft as a means to pass intelligence information to the Allied forces. The entertainer has made an impact on the fashion industry, specifically during a performance where she danced in a rubber banana skirt, which then inspired the Christian Louboutin shoes. 

Dita Von Teese

Dita Von Teese has created a legend of herself in the modern world of showgirls and Burlesque. Known as the "Queen of Burlesque", Von Teese is synonymous with the Golden Age Hollywood glamour and vintage aesthetic that has set her apart from other performers. She's credited with bringing Burlesque to the mainstream, and her performances are avant-garde yet sophisticated. She's most renowned for her signature act that involves bathing in a giant martini glass and is often wearing Swarovski crystal-embellished corsets. Von Teese has worked with luxury designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Louboutin, as well as Elie Saab to create her iconic hourglass silhouettes. She was even featured in Taylor Swift's "Bejeweled" music video, so her impact has reached pop culture at an unprecedented level. 

Marlene Dietrich

The cultural icon Marlene Dietrich cemented her name as one of the most influential showgirls for redefining what it means to perform with her androgynous style and seductive stage presence. The German-born Hollywood legend was the embodiment of Old Hollywood glamour and commanded every performance from the cabarets of Berlin to the grandiose stages of Las Vegas. She challenged gender norms by becoming the first female performer to feature menswear in her performances, including men's suits, top hats, and tuxedos. Despite challenging the norms, her performances were regarded as sultry and elegant, all while questioning sexuality. Her influence on pop culture is seen in modern times through icons like Madonna, David Bowie, and Lady Gaga. 

Zizi Jeanmaire

Zizi Jeanmaire was a multi-hyphenate performer who blended classical dance with theatrical performances, revolutionizing the art. She was a classical ballet dancer, musical theater star, and cabaret icon with a stage presence that allowed her to command the stage. 1949 was the year Jeanmaire earned her big break as the lead in Carmen, in which her technique redefined ballet dancing and the incorporation of sensuality and drama in the art form. She was a longtime muse for Yves Saint Laurent and has influenced modern performers like Liza Minnelli. This showgirl danced to the beat of her own drum in all sultry goodness. 

Laurie Cathrell

It would be a disservice for Laurie Cathrell to go un-commemorated for her extraordinary performances. Active between the 1930s and 1940s, Cathrell brought African American culture to the forefront of the entertainment industry, highlighting its beautifully rich history. She performed at Café St. Michel in Montreal, Canada and her hometown St. Louis, Missouri at the Missouri Theatre with the Eight Plantation Dollies. She was a magnificent performer with a passion for dancing and entertaining. 

Sally Rand

Sally Rand's well-known large ostrich fan dance captivated audiences during a tragic time in American history, the Great Depression. She was a burlesque star and silent film actor who brought a touch of sophistication to striptease entertainment. Her movie roles saw her star alongside the great Charlie Chaplin. Her nude performances were mysterious and tasteful that burlesque was seen as an artful craft as opposed to being regarded as a shameful stage act. Rand continued to perform burlesque shows into her '70s and her boundary-pushing passion for her craft is why she's considered one of the most influential showgirls of all time. 

Lola Falana

Lola Falana is a trailblazing showgirl for being one of the first Black women to conquer the Las Vegas entertainment scene in the '70s and was given the title of "The First Lady of Las Vegas." This dazzling showgirl did it all, sing, dance, and act becoming a magnetic force as a showgirl. She was the highest-paid female performer at the time and was the first Black woman to headline a Las Vegas residency. Her sold-out shows were a harmonious blend of jazz, soul, pop, and cabaret and featured glamorous makeup, feathered hairstyles (a signature piece for showgirls), and ostentatious costumes. To this day, Falana remains a trailblazing performer and pop culture icon. 

Ann Miller

The tap dancing queen Ann Miller defined the Golden Age of Hollywood with her unparalleled talent that solidified her as one of the most iconic musical performers of the 20th century. The legendary performer was also an actor who starred in films like Easter Parade (1948) and Kiss Me Kate (1953) before making her way to Las Vegas. She brought the Old Hollywood spirit to the stages in Vegas and was known for her extravagant style which consisted of sparkly leotards, flowing capes, and feathered head pieces. Her immense talent is the reason she's still revered as a pioneer in the industry and is considered to be one the fastest tap dancers in history. 

Tempest Storm

Tempest Storm, born Annie Blanche Banks, was the ultimate showgirl with a career that spanned over 60 years becoming a symbol of burlesque. She was known for her physical appearance of fiery red hair and an hourglass silhouette, but her provocative stage presence made her a sought-after performer. Her teasing nature made her shows stand out and created a sensual ambiance like no other. The cultural icon became a timeless figure among showgirls, inspiring modern performers like Dita Von Teese, and pursued her passion for this artform into her '80s. She was inducted into the Burlesque Hall of Fame in 2010 and is recognized by the community as the greatest performer of all time. 

Bambi Jones

Doris Kotzan left her hometown of Holyoke, Massachusetts to become Bambi Jones, a renowned burlesque performer who would be honored by the Burlesque Hall of Fame with the Living Legend Award in 2021. At 17-years-old, this showgirl gave powerful performances and demonstrated immense dedication for her craft. She went on to perform on global stages from the United States, South America, Mexico, and Canada. Jones was one of a few showgirls that continued performing into her '80s. She also made it a mission to teach the next generation of dancers and prepare them for the demands of burlesque performances.