Raleigh Burlesque Secures First Fridays at Legends Nightclub for 2025

Raleigh Burlesque is thrilled to announce its 2025 residency at Legends Nightclub Complex, located at 330 W Hargett St, with shows now set to light up First Fridays throughout the year. This exciting development marks a new chapter for the burlesque community, solidifying Legends as the heart of its performances and expanding its reach to even more fans.

The 2025 season kicks off on Friday, January 3rd, with "Cover Girls: A Burlesque Tribute to Cover Songs." Legends, a trailblazer for burlesque in Raleigh since 2007, continues its legacy by hosting this monthly spectacle. While Raleigh Burlesque has previously performed at Legends on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays, this is its first time securing a prime Friday night slot.

“A lot of people still don't realize Raleigh even has burlesque,” says Rachel Riot, producer and performer since 2007, known as the Burly Mama of the Triangle. “I think our First Friday shows will be a wonderful way to reach a wider audience. Legends is our original home, and it feels very full circle to host monthly Friday night shows there.” “We love Legends,” adds performer Dahlia Vee. “It’s our home venue.”

Burlesque in Raleigh: A Thriving Community

Burlesque, an art form blending dance, theatricality, and striptease, celebrates sensuality, creativity, and self-expression. Raleigh's burlesque scene began modestly with a small, four-person community in 2007. Since then, it has flourished to include over 100 local performers and a dedicated following.

Over the years, burlesque has found stages at venues such as Lincoln Theatre, Kings, Ruby Deluxe, and more. However, Legends remains the city’s original home for the art form, making its First Friday shows a symbolic return to roots.

Raleigh Burlesque is not a troupe but a community initiative aiming to foster awareness and appreciation for the art form. In addition to producing over 100 shows, Rachel Riot founded the Raleigh School of Burlesque in May 2024, where inclusivity, body positivity, and lifelong learning take center stage. The school offers diverse classes taught by eight instructors, including Mona Loverly, Cherry Cha Cha, and Cherry von Bomb, among others.

“Burlesque is for everyone,” says Riot. “Our school and performances are designed to provide a safe, welcoming space for anyone to explore their creative potential, whether for the stage or for personal growth.”

A Permanent Home for Raleigh Burlesque

Raleigh Burlesque’s monthly shows have sold out venues, including the 200+ capacity Imurj, until COVID-19 disrupted its Friday night tradition. With the closure of Imurj and a lack of a permanent home venue, the group relied on pop-up events until this exciting new residency at Legends.

Join Us!

Mark your calendars for Friday, January 3, 2025, and join Raleigh Burlesque at Legends Nightclub for the 2025 season premiere of "Cover Girls."

Enjoy a night of dazzling performances, vibrant energy, and the celebration of a beloved art form in its rightful home.