Every(body) Wants to Be a Showgirl

Set inside the historic Dupont Underground, this series brings together some of the top Black burlesque artists from across the United States for storytelling, sensuality, and cultural reflection.

See below and get tickets here for the opening performance February 6, an artist talk on February 8, and the general exhibition on view at Dupont Underground Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from11-5 running February 6-March 1.

Find more Black History Month & Exhibition Programming at partner locations the week of Febuary 2 on the .

Date: February 6, 2026
Show Time: 8:00 PM
Door Time: 6:00 PM
Feburary 6 Peformance Age Info: 18+

The signature evening also marks the official unveiling of the exhibition Every(body) Wants to Be a Showgirl, inviting audiences to engage with Black showgirl history, influence, and futurism before transitioning into a professionally produced stage performance. Join us for a post show artist talk to learn more about how Black burlesque is shaping American culture and DC nightlife.

Show Cast

• Academixxx (Omaha, NB)
• Aquarius Moon (Washington DC)
• Elyse Elaine (Las Vegas, NV)
• Nami Flare (Miami, FL)
• Nirvana Noire (Philadelphia, PA)
• Twirlisha Devine (Indianapolis, IN)

Dates: February 6-March 1, 2026
EXHIBITION VIEWING HOURS: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 11:00 AM-5:00 PM

is a Black History Month exhibition celebrating the artistry, cultural impact, and living legacy of Black burlesque performers. Featuring over 100 Black performers from around the world, the exhibition highlights how Black burlesque artists have shaped American performance, fashion, and commercial entertainment—often without institutional recognition.

Through costumes, archival materials, immersive installations, and live programming, the exhibition centers on living artists while honoring the lineage of Black performance traditions that continue to influence culture today.
This exhibition includes mature themes and may not be appropriate for all ages. Parental and viewer discretion is advised for guests under 18.

Dates: February 8, 2026
EXHIBITION: 11:00 AM-5:00 (FREE ENTRY ALL DAY)
ARTIST TALK TIME: 3:00-4:00 PM

Join us for an intimate Artist Talk bringing together featured artists from Everybody Wants to Be a Showgirl for a conversation on Black burlesque across generations.

This discussion centers lived experience, creative lineage, and the evolving realities of performing, producing, and preserving Black burlesque and cabaret. Artists will reflect on their journeys, influences, and the ways community, ritual, and resistance shape their work—past, present, and future.

Set within the exhibition space at Dupont Underground, the evening offers audiences a deeper opportunity to engage directly with the artists whose stories, costumes, and artifacts anchor the exhibition.

This is a donation-based event and open to the public.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early to view the exhibition before the talk begins.
This exhibition includes mature themes and may not be appropriate for all ages. Parental and viewer discretion is advised for guests under 18.

Parking: Limited street parking available. We recommend taking the metro.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Dupont Underground, 19 Dupont Circle Northwest, Washington, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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