Bettie Page is one of the reasons I can wear bikinis, short skirts and freely discuss my female orgasm.
Bettie Page (she died Thursday) was a pioneer of America's sexual revolution. In the 50's, Bettie subverted many sexual taboos. She brought what had been 'fringe' to the mainstream by posing as both wholesome and sensual.
Embodying many disparate feminist ideals, she also courted controversy with her willingness to exploit her body for money and power. Bettie's image ran the spectrum. In bikinis, in bondage or simply nude, her work changed the way society perceived women.
She shaped what sexy meant to males across generations. From the clothing she wore to the poses she choreographed, Bettie Page was and will continue to be...sexy. The following video is a studied tutorial from the UK's Ministry of Burlesque on the art of Bettie's Pin-up Pose. Photos by Bunny Yeager, courtesy of Los Angeles Times via CMG Worldwide.
