Burlesque Hall of Fame Exhibit Celebrates Historic Black Entertainers – Brown Skin Showgirls: Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana Revue (1930s–1960s)

Exhibit
Burlesque Hall of Fame
Creator Leslie Cunningham
Sponsor: New York School of Burlesque
Sponsor: House of Bellaraci
Aquarius Moon

A new exhibition at the Burlesque Hall of Fame, Brown Skin Showgirls: Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana Revue (1930s–1960s), will explore the mesmerizing world of Harlem in Havana, a long-running show that blended Afro-Cuban music with electrifying burlesque performance from the 1930s through the 1960s. Created in partnership with Durham-based artist and documentarian Leslie Cunningham, the exhibition will feature photographs, video footage, and costumed dolls from Cunningham’s personal collection to tell the story of this groundbreaking show.

From 1935 to 1967, Harlem in Havana captured audiences across North America with its singular display of Black excellence, becoming a symbol of pride and resilience for African American and Latino communities and reshaping entertainment during the Jim Crow era. Among these trailblazing performers were Cunningham’s foremothers, The Bates Sisters, and her grandfather, Leon Claxton, one of Tampa, Florida’s beloved showmen and first Black millionaires. Claxton transformed entertainment by promoting diversity and celebrating the intersections of Black and Cuban culture.

“Harlem in Havana is a story of resilience, cultural pride, and the power of performance to challenge societal barriers,” says Leslie Cunningham. “This exhibit is a tribute to the Black and Cuban artists who shaped American culture and whose contributions continue to inspire.”

The exhibit is also proudly supported by the New York School of Burlesque. “I have spent decades researching the marginalized histories of theater, burlesque, and women’s history, and I have yet to encounter a project as unique as Harlem in Havana,” said Jo Weldon, Headmistress of the New York School of Burlesque. “Leslie Cunningham’s groundbreaking multi-media documentary work brings forward a story that has remained largely untold.”

To help bring the Brown Skin Showgirls exhibit to life, doll collector and fashion artist Traci Cunningham, founder of House of Bellaraci, has recreated iconic show images in 17-inch doll form. Each costume is drafted and hand-beaded, staying true to the craftsmanship of the era’s designers. “Black children and collectors deserve dolls that represent them. I love bringing these little treasures back to life for all to enjoy,” she says.

Brown Skin Showgirls opens at the Burlesque Hall of Fame on April 18, 2025, and will run through November, 2025. A special presentation will take place on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. during the annual Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekender, featuring a conversation with Leslie Cunningham plus a special performance from brown skin showgirl Aquarius Moon. The exhibition and the special event will be included with the price of admission.

Visit burlesquehall.com for more information about the exhibition. For more information about Leslie Cunningham, visit brownskinshowgirls.com.

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About the Harlem in Havana Project

The Harlem in Havana Project is a multimedia documentary initiative celebrating the history and cultural impact of Harlem in Havana, a groundbreaking traveling revue that broke racial barriers from the 1930s to the 1960s. Created by artist and filmmaker Leslie Cunningham, the project explores the legacy of Leon Claxton, the African American showman who pioneered this influential fusion of Black and Cuban entertainment. The project includes a documentary film, photography exhibitions, live events, and educational materials. Visit harleminhavana.com for more.

About Artist Leslie Cunningham

Leslie Cunningham is a Durham-based filmmaker, artist, and founder of TRIBES Entertainment. A graduate of Duke University’s Center for Documentary Studies, her documentary work amplifies diverse voices and spotlights underrepresented narratives through compelling stories that highlight cultural history and social impact. Visit lesliecunninghamfilms.com.

About the Burlesque Hall of Fame Museum

The Burlesque Hall of Fame is the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving, sharing, celebrating, and inspiring the art of burlesque. The museum is located at 1027 S Main St, #110, Las Vegas, NV 89101, and is currently open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 11am-5pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm. Admission $18 ($15 with Nevada ID; $12 for students, military, and seniors). More information about The Burlesque Hall of Fame can be found at burlesquehall.com.