Jo Weldon

Jo Weldon is an American author, educator, and performer. She is known as the "Queen of Burlesque" and is one of the key figures in the revival of burlesque performance. Weldon is the founder of the New York School of Burlesque and has written several books on the subject.

The New York School of Burlesque is an institution founded by Jo Weldon in 2003. It offers classes and workshops on the art of burlesque performance, teaching everything from the history of burlesque to the techniques of striptease. The school has played a key role in the burlesque revival and has trained numerous performers.

Jo Weldon has written several books on burlesque and related subjects. Her notable works include "The Burlesque Handbook," which is a comprehensive guide to the art of burlesque performance, and "Fierce: The History of Leopard Print," which explores the cultural significance of leopard print in fashion and popular culture.

Jo Weldon first became interested in burlesque while studying fashion design in the late 1990s. She was drawn to the glamorous and artistic aspects of the art form and decided to explore it further. Weldon began performing burlesque in New York City and soon became one of the key figures in the revival of the art form.

Jo Weldon has made significant contributions to the revival of burlesque performance. Through her work as a performer, educator, and author, she has helped to bring burlesque back into the mainstream and has inspired a new generation of performers. Weldon's efforts have played a key role in preserving and celebrating the art form's history while also pushing it forward into new and exciting directions.