Alexandra the Great 48, born Geri Weise, was one of the most prominent burlesque performers in America for a career that spanned three decades. Alexandra The Great 48 bore a striking resemblance to Sophia Loren, even winning a lookalike contest in her teens. At the age of 25, Rose La Rose introduced her to the world of burlesque and she was a headliner within two weeks of getting her start in the business.
In addition to Alexandra The Great 48, two other names have made a mark in the world of burlesque. Annie Blanche Banks, better known as Tempest Storm, was another of the top performers during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. She was a performer for over 60 years, which is an incredible feat in the business of burlesque. Her career started when she was 17, and she eventually became a regular performer at the El Rey burlesque theater in Oakland, California.
Dita Von Teese is one of the most successful burlesque stars of all time. She is often credited with bringing burlesque back in the spotlight. A fan of the classic vintage style from an early age, Dita Von Teese trained as a ballet dancer and began performing burlesque in 1992. She is a prominent example of what some have come to call Neo-Burlesque and is often called the “Queen of Burlesque.”
