Dita Von Teese sends pulses racing at Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery – exclusive pictures

Burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese was riding high in these saucy pictures as she sits astride a merry-go-round pony in a shimmering pink corset.

The American celebrity stripper, 37, performed a 10-minute routine at the Bristol Art Gallery and Museum which ended with her wearing nipple tassels and a thong.

Voluptuous Dita, rocker Marilyn Manson’s former wife, left onlookers stunned at the private show to mark the launch of new exhibition Art from the New World with the risque set.

Local feminist groups had criticised the performance and Von Teese for reinforcing negative stereotypes of women.

But Bristol designer Gill Cockwell, whose company Gilly Woo produces burlesque clothing, defended Von Teese, describing her as “an amazing champion for women”.

She said: ”I’ve seen some really shy women try burlesque and then get up on stage and be full of confidence. And 90 per cent of the audience at burlesque shows are women and gay men.”