Every(body) Wants to Be a Showgirl

The Largest Global Celebration of Black Burlesque Artists

An exhibition of burlesque history, global culture and performance art

A black-and-white photo of a woman with curly hair, wearing rings and bracelets, posing with her head tilted back and one leg forward. The background has red lips and eyes graphics, along with repeated hashtag text saying #EVERYBODYWANTSTOBESHOWGIRL, with some parts in black and others in red.

Every(body) Wants To Be A Showgirl

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Every(body) Wants To Be A Showgirl 〰️

Every(body) Wants to Be a Showgirl is a traveling exhibition celebrating the artistry, cultural impact, and living legacy of Black burlesque performers. Featuring over 100 Black performers from around the world, the exhibition centers living artists while honoring the lineage of Black performance traditions — and is now on the road.

Black burlesque has long been a site of innovation, resistance, and economic impact, yet its contributions remain under-documented and underfunded. This exhibition is a corrective initiative—creating visibility, care, and historical context while supporting artists who are actively sustaining the art form.

The project is Black-led, community-informed, and ethically curated, prioritizing dignity, authorship, and legacy over extraction. This exhibit is 100% self funded and independently produced. We welcome sponsors, cultural partners, and patrons interested in supporting Black art preservation.

PRESS

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A framed picture of a woman with dark wavy hair, green makeup, and a green outfit, surrounded by green peacock feathers, sitting on a silver table beside a pair of beige high-heeled shoes and a disco ball.

MN Shortlist June 19-25: Juneteenth events, a burlesque exhibit, jazz fest, river bluff Shakespeare and more

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People shopping at an indoor market display with clothing, art, and accessories, illuminated by colorful lighting.

Exhibit dedicated to Black burlesque is open in DC

WTOP News

Pop Up Tour Dates

  • Decorative display with various objects including figurines, photographs, candles, and a colorful background with a red and turquoise mural, on a blue fabric surface surrounded by artificial white flowers.

    Indianapolis, Indiana

    AUGUST 8-31

  • Two framed posters for burlesque shows on a wall, one titled "Strip City" with a woman in burlesque costume, and the other titled "Lottie the Body" with a woman pointing with her arm extended.

    Davenport, Iowa

    SEPTEMBER 11-13

  • A woman with dark hair wearing a black t-shirt and purple skirt stands inside a room, looking at a mannequin decorated with feathers and jewelry. The room has pink curtains, a bookshelf, and a poster that reads 'Foxy Tann presents.' There are other mannequins with costumes or accessories, and books and framed pictures on the shelves.

    Minneapolis, Minnesota

    JUNE 19-21

  • A colorful graffiti mural with abstract shapes and patterns in the background. In front of the mural, a poster features a vintage black-and-white photograph of five women dressed as showgirls in matching costumes. The words "Brazil Show" are written in pink cursive, and

    Washington DC

    FEBRUARY 6-28

Man with a black and white hat smiling, standing next to a colorful dress with silver embellishments on a mannequin, purple curtain backdrop.

SUPPORT THE EXHIBIT

Contribute to this project to help keep Everybody Wants to Be a Showgirl traveling — every contribution directly supports artifact preservation, curator travel, and community programming that bring this history to new cities.

DONATE

VOLUNTEER WITH US

If you are interested in any of the volunteer opportunities we have please fill out our volunteer form and you will hear from us soon!

SIGN UP
Display of colorful beaded jewelry, a lit candle, and a photograph of a woman dressed in gold, all arranged on a table with a handwritten note in Spanish in the background.

SPONSOR THE EXHIBIT

Partner with Everybody Wants to Be a Showgirl as a sponsor and align your brand with a groundbreaking celebration of Black burlesque history reaching audiences across the country.

SPONSOR