Stripping History: Tongolele
Added 2021-10-07 18:50:30 +0000 UTCHispanic Heritage Month ends on October 15th, so I'm moving right along and talking today about Tongolele. She was born Yolanda Montes on January 3rd, 1932 in Spokane, WA. Her father was Spanish and her mother was Swedish. Her maternal grandmother was Tahitian. This earned her the nickname, "The Queen of the Tahitian Dances." She moved to Mexico in 1947 and began her dancing career. While not technically a "burlesque" dancer, because she didn't do striptease, she was a vedette.
She's still alive at 89 years old. I found this AMAZING interview with her about her life and career. It's in Spanish but is subtitled in English. Enjoy!
https://pstlala.oscars.org/interview/yolanda-tongolele-montes/
Comments
It’s my pleasure. There is no stripping history without inclusivity and representation. Learning from other has been the most helpful too. Bella Sin is a great performer, historian and resource. Check them out on Instagram if you ever get a chance.
Danielle Colby Striptease Historian
2021-10-10 17:22:42 +0000 UTCThanks for honoring our culture
Jose Rivera
2021-10-10 17:02:13 +0000 UTC
