Waaaay before Madonna titillated and Britney did it again (and again), before Shakira bellydanced her way into mainstream households, there was burlesque.

In Seattle, we're no strangers to it.

Sinner Saint Burlesque (clockwise from the upper left) Evilyn Sin Claire, Georgia Myles, Dane Ballard, Ember Divine, Flora Felice, Valerie Veils and Inga Ingenue (photo credit: Damien Jones)

At the upcoming 18th annual Miss Exotic World Burlesque Pageant, dubbed "The Superbowl of Striptease," Seattleites are suggestively shimmying and dancing all over this Las Vegas event, which is the "main event" of the All-Star Burlesque Weekend at the Palms Casino Resort. Two returning champs from last year -- The Von Foxies (Best Troupe) and The Heavenly Spies (Best Duo) are from here. Having seen The Heavenly Spies at The Bedroom Club a little while ago, I can say that title is well earned. The show's producer, Pa-Ooh-La the Swedish Housewife, also hails from the Emerald City.

Sinner Saint Burlesque is competing for Best Troupe (one of only FIVE worldwide selected to compete) and it's this Seattle group that needs to raise money to send its eight members to the Miss Exotic World competition. (The only dancer not pictured, Angel Alabaster, is also competing.) For that reason, go check them out at a fundraiser they're holding Friday, May 23 at Club Noc Noc (1516 Second Ave.), the venue they regularly perform at on Thursdays. On Friday, they'll perform at 9:30. It'll be $15 at the door, $10 in advance.

One of their dancers, co-founder Inga Ingenue, is competing for the Miss Exotic World title -- one of only 15 performers in the world who'll be competing for that honor. Not bad for a first-timer.

Other Seattleites who will bump and grind with the best of them are Ravenna Black (Miss Exotic World) and Indigo Blue & Lily Verlaine (Best Duo). Saint Sinner dancers are all graduates of Indigo Blue's classes and Ravenna Black used to be with the troupe.

The All-Star Burlesque Weekend is organized by The Burlesque Hall of Fame.