April 2001- For me, "stripping" is something one does to painted woodwork. I was too young for the heyday of burlesque, and now I'm too old to stay out past 9. But there's still hope.

For reasons largely unexplained, the art of peeling is making a comeback. I have proof. The first National Burlesque Convention Tease-o-Rama takes place in New Orleans (natch) May 18-20. And, I'm proud to report, Denver will be represented.

Fanny Fitztightlee, Vivienne Vavoom, Misty Reign and other mistresses of the dance will be taking part. They are members of Burlesque As It Was, a Denver-based dance troupe that has slaved three years to revive the art of taking it off a little a time. The company stages "Bon Voyage Burlesque" at the Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St., Saturday to raise funds for the strip trip to the Big Easy.

Tease-o-Rama has attracted similar groups from San Francisco, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Memphis, New York, Seattle and the United Kingdom.

"It's sort of amazing," says Michelle Baldwin, who heads BAIW. "It's an unconscious, collective thing." She thinks it goes along with the revival of swing dance, pinup girls and old movie stars - nostalgia.

Saturday's show includes an auction and "Kiss a Stripper" booth. Burlesque As It Was also performs at the Merc on May 26 and June 2.