Legend: Madame E

Madame E: Featured Legend of Red Hots Burlesque

We’re so honored at Red Hots Burlesque that living legend Madame E took the time to chat with us! She’s such an eloquent beauty, and we want to wish her a happy birthday.

MADAME E

b. May 1

Performing under the name Pearl Divine in the early 1970s, local Bay Area burlesque legend Madame E spent the decade working in the seedier parts of cities like Honolulu, Los Angeles, Guam, and Las Vegas. “My family was horrified that was even driving in those areas, let alone working there until 4 a.m. several nights a week,” Madame E told us via e-mail. Tattoo parlors and live sex show clubs were popping up in the same districts as burlesque clubs. “I ran those streets when I was 17, thinking I was some kind of big shot and all grown up. Most of our customers were soldiers and sailors on leave during Vietnam, and our roles as dancers were to show the boys the best times possible, because the next time their ships docked they might not be on them.” She encourages new performers to take their craft seriously and take any dance classes: “Standing on stage and taking your clothes off is not performing, as far as I’m concerned, no matter how cute your act is, or how hot your body is.” We are so proud to see Madame E walking the Burlesque Hall of Fame stage this year in the Walk of Fame. “Be kind to your sister performers, there’s no room in this business for jealousy or catfighting. It’s a sisterhood. I am so proud of the young women who are keeping the art of striptease alive.”