So You Think You Can Strip?

Roxy (Kate Gardiner/Chicagoist)

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[Ed.'s Note: The above pictures are technically SFW but proceed at your own peril if you work in an office. Or with young children nearby.]

Do you think you can strip? Forty girls at the Admiral Theater in Albany Park thought they could. While SYTYCS is stashed somewhere to the left of traditional reality shows, it does have its appeal - the judges offer seemingly valuable criticism on routine, technique, song choice and costuming - and the girls really seem to want to win.

They've been having behind-the-scenes workshops on technique and, as judge and Chicago burlesque star Angela Eve said before the competition last week, "We've come a long way, from just girls ripping off their clothes to real strippers." This Thursday the finalists compete for the grand prize of $5,000 and a trip to Las Vegas. Unfortunately crowd favorite, and little person, Cupcake was voted off last week - as were three other girls. Contestants Channel ("Chanel") and Euphoria photographed the best for Chicagoist.

Ultimately, though, we favor Roxy, the bleached blonde Asian girl whose air stewardess routine incorporates manga-style modeling ... and, well... like the best of high school politicians, she throws candy to the crowd. It's the judges (the other three are: Kenny Webster, of the Mancow Show; 1993 Showgirl of the Year Sabrina Saxx; and former Miss Nude Universe, Exotica) that matter...