Shimmy Around The World

This week in history offers a compelling window into the rich and resilient world of burlesque touring—a form of theatrical entertainment that has evolved over more than a century. Born in the late 19th century, burlesque began as a cheeky parody of more "serious" theatre, blending comedy, dance, and music with a daring flair that both shocked and delighted audiences. As the form grew in popularity, the early 1900s saw the rise of touring burlesque circuits across the United States, most notably the Columbia Wheel and the Mutual Wheel. These organized circuits turned burlesque into a massive industry, with troupes traveling city to city, playing grand vaudeville-style houses and establishing a system of seasonal tours that would become the backbone of the industry.