Friday, January 24, 2025

Marinka at the Lobster Trap in Halifax, NS. Photographer Unknown

 Welcome to Our Corner of the Internet: Exploring the History of Burlesque and Exotic Dance in Halifax, Nova Scotia

We’re thrilled to welcome you to this blog, the starting point of an exciting project dedicated to uncovering and preserving the history of burlesque and exotic dance in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Our mission is to create an accessible online archive for public research and education, celebrating the vibrant legacy of this art form in our region. 

So far, we’ve delved into archives, combed through newspapers, and scoured online resources, uncovering fascinating photographs, articles, and stories. However, there are still many gaps in this history that we’re eager to fill—and that’s where you come in! 

If you or someone you know has information, materials, or stories to share, we’d love to hear from you. Simply use the contact form in the sidebar or email us halifaxburlesquehistory "@" gmail.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. 


What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking any materials related to the history of burlesque and exotic dance in Halifax and across Nova Scotia. These include: 

  • Photographs 
  • Souvenirs such as postcards or matchbooks 
  • Posters, flyers, and promotional materials 
  • Newspaper articles and advertisements 
  • Magazine articles and books 
  • Links to archives 
  • Radio interviews or links 
  • Video footage or links to footage 
  • Website links related to shows and performers 

We don’t need physical copies—scans or digital versions are perfect. Most importantly, we respect performers’ rights to privacy. If someone wishes to have their name or image removed from our blog or the eventual archive, we will honor their request. 


Venues and Productions We’d Love to Learn More About

We’re especially looking for information on these iconic venues and productions: 

  • The Lobster Trap 
  • The Peppermint Lounge 
  • Cousin Brucie’s 
  • Lighthouse Beverage Room 
  • Load of Mischief 
  • Sternwheelers 
  • Portland Landing/The Landing 
  • Bill Lynch Midway Girly/Burlesque Shows 
  • Sensations 
  • Jigglers 
  • The Garrett Theatre 
  • Capitol Theatre 
  • Ackers Theatre in Dartmouth 
  • Marcus Burlesque Show 

Special Thanks

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us on this journey so far. A special shoutout goes to Jelena Vermillion from SWAP Hamilton for helping us uncover materials through online archives. Your contributions are invaluable! 

Join Us in Preserving History

This is just the beginning of what we hope will be an extensive and inspiring archive. Together, we can ensure that the history of burlesque and exotic dance in Halifax is preserved and celebrated for generations to come. 

If you have anything to share, no matter how small, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We can’t wait to hear from you! 

Marinka at the Lobster Trap in Halifax, NS. Photographer Unknown  Welcome to Our Corner of the Internet: Exploring the History of Burlesque ...