Velma Fern Worden (born June 18, 1935), better known by the stage name April March, is an exotic dancer and prominent star of American burlesque.
[2] During her more than thirty-year career, she gained popularity throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe[2][3] for her classy and sophisticated striptease.
March began dance, skating and acrobatic lessons at an early age and aspired to be a movie actress.
[6] It was while working there that she was discovered by Barney Weinstein, a renowned Dallas club owner, who offered her a chance to be in burlesque.
[8] March became an instant favorite with audiences who were intrigued by the mix of sensuality and innocence from the raven haired beauty and taken in by her warmth and charm.
By the time she was eighteen years old, April March was touring, playing clubs and theaters across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
[7] While touring the club and theater circuits, March refined her act, playing on her image of the sophisticated debutante type and became known for her elegant, well choreographed striptease that put the emphasis on teasing.
Shortly after her meeting with the Saudi King, April March was involved in a fatal shoot out in another Miami club, The Place Pigalle.
After a dispute over a bill on which he was charged for March's drinks while she sat at his table, a drunken customer began shooting randomly through the club.
March also turned an offer to pose in Playboy Magazine, for a fee in excess of ten thousand dollars, citing the fact that she would never appear fully nude in public.
[5] She was romantically involved with an infamous Mafia boss in Chicago, Oklahoma oil tycoon, Keene Burwell, numerous entertainers such as actors Dale Robertson, Ray Shaw, Charles Braswell and Monty Hale, baseball legend, Joe DiMaggio and singers Hank Thompson and Mel Torme.
In 2006, April March was invited to appear as one of the Legends of Burlesque at the annual Miss Exotic World in Las Vegas.
[1][11] April March currently resides in upstate New York with her eighth husband and continues to make frequent appearances across the United States and Canada, passing on her knowledge and skill to new and upcoming burlesque stars.