“Attractive undressing technique is here being demonstrated by June St.

“Attractive undressing technique is here being demonstrated by June St. Clair, of the Allen Gilbert School of Undressing”

From the LIFE archives, burlesque dancers demonstrate “How a Wife Should Undress,” doing their civic duty to address rising rates of divorce in America. The current editors conclude that the 1937 article was nothing more than friendly, old-fashioned trolling; “like the LIFE magazine editors before us, we conclude that the entire phenomenon is an elaborate — and, from a marketing standpoint — quite brilliant joke.” Text from the original article:

Frankly as a social measure Allen Gilbert, who puts on shows for such topnotch burlesque houses as Manhattan’s Apollo and Philadelphia’s Schubert, is starting a School of Undressing in Manhattan this month. There wives, anxious to improve their marital manners, will learn the correct way to take off their clothes. Mr. Gilbert feels that many a marriage ends in divorce court because the wife grows sloppy and careless in the bedroom. “I am dedicating my school to the sanctity of the American home,” he says. The Gilbert faculty is recruited from the ranks of burlesque performers from all over. Already 48 wives who suspect there is something wrong with their disrobing methodology have signed up for the $30 Gilbert course of six lessons. From these they will learn how to make going to bed appear a thing of charm and pleasure rather than a routine chore.

Don’t miss the counterpoint “How a Wife Should Not Undress” spread, which I found to be very relatable.