The Ancient Art Of Striptease

The art of striptease, often misunderstood and frequently misrepresented, is steeped in a surprisingly ancient and multifaceted history that spans cultures, continents, and centuries. While the term itself is relatively modern, the act of sensually undressing as a form of performance has roots that reach back thousands of years.

An Ancient And Enduring Art Form

In ancient Mesopotamia, around 2000 BCE, one of the earliest echoes of striptease appears in myth. The Sumerian goddess Inanna, in the Descent of Inanna, removes a piece of clothing or jewellery at each of the seven gates to the underworld, a symbolic act interpreted by some scholars as a spiritual or ritualised precursor to erotic performance. Meanwhile, in ancient Greece and Rome, public and private entertainment frequently included sensual dances. Roman courtesans and performers were known to use movement, gesture, and stages of undress to tantalise and amuse wealthy guests. Such acts were not considered vulgar, but rather part of a broader cultural appreciation of the human form and sensuality.

Through the Middle Ages in Europe, however, public displays of sexuality became increasingly suppressed due to the influence of the Church. Erotic performance didn’t vanish entirely, but it retreated into private circles and travelling troupes. It wasn’t until the 19th century that a more recognisable version of striptease began to re-emerge. Paris, in particular, became a vibrant centre for this new wave of sensual entertainment. Lavish venues like the Moulin Rouge and the Folies Bergère featured performers who teased and teased again, often combining exotic costume, playful dance, and slowly revealed nudity to great theatrical effect. Though still risqué, such performances were also celebrated for their artistry, wit, and opulence.

The Modern Form Of Striptease

The true birth of what we now call striptease occurred in the early 20th century. In the United States, burlesque theatre became a popular form of adult entertainment, blending comedy, satire, and provocative dance. Striptease became a central feature of these shows, but it was rarely crude. Stars such as Gypsy Rose Lee elevated the form with intelligence and charm, developing routines that were as much about personality and timing as they were about nudity. Her style was clever and coquettish, often leaving more to the imagination than it revealed, which only heightened its appeal.

By the mid-20th century, particularly in the post-war years, striptease took on a more commercial edge. With the decline of classic burlesque, strip clubs began to take its place, focusing more on nudity and less on theatrical performance. During this period, attitudes towards striptease grew more divided. While some saw it as mere titillation or even exploitation, others — particularly during the rise of second-wave feminism — began to debate its deeper implications. For some, it symbolised the objectification of women; for others, it represented bodily autonomy and a legitimate form of self-expression.

In more recent decades, there’s been something of a renaissance. Neo-burlesque, emerging in the 1990s and 2000s, brought glamour, creativity, and irony back to the stage. Figures like Dita Von Teese reintroduced the elegance of vintage striptease, blending it with fashion, theatricality, and a strong sense of empowerment. Today, striptease appears in a variety of forms — from cabaret-style stage shows to pole-dancing classes and performance art — and is increasingly embraced as both entertainment and personal liberation.


Far from being a simple act of disrobing, striptease has always reflected the cultural currents of its time — sometimes scandalous, often misunderstood, but at its best, a celebration of confidence, allure, and the timeless interplay between mystery and revelation and unsurprisingly one of the most sought after services by punters. It's no wonder that most independent escorts and escort agency girls offer this service and often take great pleasure in the performance!


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