April March (dancer)

April March
Born
Velma Fern Worden

(1935-06-18)June 18, 1935
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
DiedSeptember 15, 2025(2025-09-15) (aged 90)
Other namesFirst Lady of Burlesque
OccupationBurlesque performer
Years active1952–1978
Parents
  • Clarence "Buddy" Worden (father)
  • Fern Gragg (mother)

Velma Fern Worden (June 18, 1935 – September 15, 2025), better known by the stage name April March, was an American exotic dancer and prominent star of burlesque. Billed as April March, The First Lady of Burlesque, she was a headline act in burlesque from 1952 to 1978. During her more than thirty-year career, she gained popularity throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe for her classy and sophisticated striptease. March was one of the innovators of the elegant strip tease.