Striptease

Abstract

Striptease is an erotic dance in which a clothed performer gradually disrobes until partially or totally nude. It is a powerful aphrodisiac, revealing the natural mysteries of the body in a suspenseful and viscerally exciting way. This entry considers the psychology, art, and mythology of striptease. It also examines its history, which includes erotic dance in prehistoric times, Salome's Dance of the Seven Veils, the ancient Athenian aulētrides , the Roman feast of Floralia, and the early Catholic church's vigorous, sometimes hypocritical condemnations. Public erotic dance made a comeback with the French can‐can and the burlesque, becoming modern striptease in the twentieth century. Prominent practitioners included Josephine Baker, Gypsy Rose Lee, Bettie Page, and Tempest Storm. The sexual revolution of the 1960s brought “go‐go dancing,” Carol Doda being the first topless—then bottomless—go‐go girl. As go‐go began to “take it all off,” modern stripping was born.