The Velvet Hammer Burlesque has put the “tease” back into striptease. Based in Los Angeles and founded by Michelle Carr, the world famous troupe kick-started the current era of Neo-Burlesque and has caused a furore on stages worldwide. The Velvet Hammer’s shows are a potent cocktail that mixes elements from classical American revues with a post-feminist punk rock attitude. Their intricately choreographed and lovingly costumed performances have much more in common with the tradition of Vaudeville than with the sleazy table dancing of today.

The book The Velvet Hammer Burlesque presents photographs of the group’s voluptuous ensemble of dancers and performers – from their savvy on-stage acts to a glimpse behind the curtain. Beautiful women of all shapes and sizes, most of them don’t correspond to today’s generally accepted, often surgically enhanced ideal. But they all radiate an authentic, raw energy in their routines that mesmerizes the audience until (almost) the last shred of clothing is stripped away.

Every page of The Velvet Hammer Burlesque serves up true American beauty consisting of shapely curves, tattoos, tassels and lace, and fuelled by booze, smoke, rock ‘n’ roll and the desire to live life on the wild side.