Jo Weldon

Jo Weldon, commonly known as Jo Boobs or Jo Boobs Weldon, is a performer, photographer, author, activist, educator, and essayist based in New York City. Weldon’s body of work centers around stripping and striptease. She established and runs the New York School of Burlesque and wrote The Burlesque Handbook, the first manual ever published on how to create classical and neo-burlesque routines. Weldon is active in the burlesque community, contributing her knowledge and experience to projects and collaborations. Though she now works in the theatrical world of burlesque Weldon has never lost the influence of, and inspiration from lap dancing and strip clubs. She continues to work as an advocate for sex worker rights and freedom of sexual expression.

Satan's Angel, by John Paul Bichard

Fire and Grit: The life of Satan’s Angel

Beloved burlesque legend Satan’s Angel has passed away after receiving critical care in hospital. To celebrate her life and contribution to burlesque, I am proud to re-publish this fascinating interview by Jo…

Burlesque dancer Perle Noire with her new troupe, House of Noire. Photo by David L. Byrd

Perle Noire Builds Her House

To see Perle Noire is to be instantly dazzled. You can tell she’s a rock star simply by the way she enters the stage. She combines her natural talent with relentless hard…

12 Tips on Supporting Friends in Burlesque Competitions

12 Tips on Supporting Friends in Burlesque Competitions

12 Tips on Supporting Friends in Burlesque Competitions, by Jo Weldon. In the world of burlesque, ballyhoo is part of the fun. Taglines and titles pique the audience’s curiousity and make for…

Interview: Christina Manuge of Manuge Et Toi (Burlesque Costume)

Interview: Christina Manuge of Manuge Et Toi (Burlesque Costume)

Opening a series on burlesque costume, legendary performer, author and instructor Jo Weldon interviews noted burlesque costumier Christina Manuge of Manuge Et Toi. I worked as a costumer for feature dancers in…

A Brief History of the Exotic World Pageant

A Brief History of the Miss Exotic World Pageant

Jo Weldon describes the history and judging process of the Miss Exotic World Pageant at the Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend… Jennie Lee, a burlesque star of the 1950s, conceived the Burlesque…

Jo Weldon: BurlyCon 2013

Jo Weldon’s BurlyCon 2013 Diary.

A fantastic report from BurlyCon 2013, by BurlyCon Board Member and Vice President Jo ‘Boobs’ Weldon. Prepare for a lot of mushiness, gratitude, and self-congratulation. I had a great BurlyCon 2013 weekend.…

Gowning Around with Catherine D'Lish

Gowning Around with Catherine D’Lish

Interview with Catherine D’Lish by Jo Weldon. Catherine D’Lish is known for inventive, hyperglam, spectacular costuming. Her standard-setting work with Dita Von Teese is best known to many, but Catherine is constantly…

Jo Weldon Interviews Dixie Evans

Jo Weldon Interviews Dixie Evans

I visited with Dixie Evans in June of this year. It was the first time I’d gotten to see her since her stroke. She was in a very comfortable recovery center, in…

New York Burlesque, by Jo Weldon

Burlesque in New York: A Brief Overview of Our Scene By Jo Weldon If you’re looking for a burlesque vacation, you can come to New York and know that every night you’ll…