A School Where Women Were Taught How To Undress? Seriously?!

Back in the 1300’s, otherwise known as the Great Depression era, the gender roles men and women play seemed to be very…specific. Men were expected to be the breadwinners- the sole provider for the family, while married women care for their husbands and children.

Back then, the wives were not allowed to work outside of their homes and only single women were employed to perform jobs that were considered ‘a woman’s work’. That was what they thought was acceptable during those times.

A married woman’s job was confined within the four corners of the home to ensure that she fulfilled the needs of her husband. A man named Allen Gilbert took this rather quite wrong.

Gilbert founded the “School of Undressing” in New York, 1937. In a course worth $30 dollars, women, particularly wives were taught how to take their clothes off seductively for their husbands to stay ‘interested’. It consisted of six lessons, wherein ex-burlesque dancers (who were also the faculty members) demonstrated “the right way of undressing”. Amazingly, 48 wives enrolled to the course.

If the thought is not appalling enough, Gilbert said bedroom manners are essential to maintain a happy marriage when the honeymoon phase is over. He also felt that “marriages ended in divorce because the wife grows sloppy and careless in the bedroom.”

Take a look at the ‘Do’s’ of taking your clothes off as demonstrated by ex-burlesque strippers Ms. June St. Clair (right), and the ‘Don’ts’ as presented by Connie Fonzlau (left).

The right way to undress, as taught by the “Gilbert School of Undressing “.

Ms. Fonzlau seemed to be struggling to get out of that dress

The “worst possible way” of undressing…

Ms. Fonzlau was finally able the take the wrinkled dress off

The wrong way of removing your stockings in front of your husband…?

The “Unpardonable Sin” of working two sides of the lingerie at once.

Ex-burlesque stripper and now professor June St. Clair demonstrated how to seductively undress during a class.

A seductive way of removing stockings as presented by Ms. St. Clair

One at a time using both hands…

Note how Ms. St. Clair positioned herself (side view with one knee slightly bent) to appear more seductive

…and the right way of removing a nightgown.

Founder Allen Gilbert giving Ms. St. Clair tips about taking off a nightgown

Although I agree that women should make some effort in spicing up their marriage, divorce doesn’t occur because women get careless inside the bedroom. Shouldn’t the men also take responsibilities for their shortcomings?