​Burlesque has a rich history in Raleigh, dating back to its golden age. Traveling shows frequently made stops in the state capital, including the "hoochie coochie girls," who famously performed at the North Carolina State Fair until the early 1970s. Despite this vibrant past, there’s no record of a dedicated burlesque theater or local troupe based in Raleigh—though it’s possible such history simply wasn’t preserved.

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In 2007, Rachel Riot and Porcelain set out to change Raleigh’s burlesque landscape. Inspired by their experiences performing in and attending out-of-town shows, they approached Legends Nightclub about hosting a burlesque show. Out of roughly a dozen venues they contacted, Legends was the only one willing to give the idea a shot. The early shows were grassroots efforts: tickets cost $5, set lists were scribbled backstage, and music was played from burned CDs with tracks often downloaded from LimeWire.

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By 2009, the Legends burlesque shows had grown into a monthly staple with a loyal following and improved pay for performers. Over time, Raleigh’s burlesque scene flourished. Today, the city boasts multiple troupes, producers, and more than 100 local performers. A collaborative network of artists, venues, and audiences has transformed the area into a hub for unique entertainment.

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To nurture this growing community, Rachel Riot and Cherry Cha Cha launched the Shimmy Seminar in 2011, a four-week intensive workshop designed to teach the art of burlesque. In 2024, Rachel took this dedication to the next level by founding the Raleigh School of Burlesque, which now has a team of ten instructors committed to mentoring the next generation of performers.

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What began as a dream to revive Raleigh’s burlesque tradition has blossomed into a thriving, supportive community, ensuring this dynamic art form continues to captivate audiences for years to come.