Considering a career as a dancer in the adult entertainment industry? As someone with firsthand experience in exotic dancing, I want to offer some candid insights. If you’re contemplating this path or find yourself already taking the first steps, there’s one crucial piece of advice to start with: reconsider using the term “stripper” to describe yourself. While the word itself isn’t inherently negative, societal connotations have unfortunately tainted it. Using it can feel self-degrading, and surprisingly, even club managers often cringe at its use by dancers or customers. But let’s get to the heart of why you might be reading this.
Based on what you’ve shared, it sounds like the reality of club dancing might not align with your expectations. For starters, be aware that almost all clubs—think 99%—have a non-negotiable rule: topless is mandatory. No exceptions. If you’re not comfortable with that, it’s a deal-breaker. Forget about wearing panties too. Life in the club means embracing thong underwear, often requiring constant adjustments for comfort and appearance under stage lights. And those beloved heels you use for pole dancing? Prepare for a love-hate relationship. They’ll become instruments of torture until your feet and ankles adapt to the grueling hours of walking and dancing in them, night after night. Trust me, the relief when you finally take them off at the end of a shift is pure bliss.
Then there’s the issue of shyness. In this industry, being reserved simply won’t cut it if you want to earn a decent income. You’re expected to be proactive, approaching customers, initiating flirtatious conversations, and creating a connection that encourages them to spend money on dances. It’s about selling an experience and your time.
Furthermore, you’ll need to develop a thick skin and a firm voice to handle unwanted advances from customers, which are unfortunately part of the job. You’ll need to learn to set boundaries without causing a scene, all while maintaining a professional demeanor and quickly moving on to the next potential client with a smile.
Let’s be clear about where the money is made: it’s not on stage. Stage performances are essentially advertisements, showcasing your appeal and dance skills to attract attention and potential customers. Think of it as saying, “Look at me, look what I can do!” to entice customers to request private dances.
Keep in mind that most clubs operate on a tip-out system. This means a portion of your earnings is typically distributed to other staff, like DJs and bartenders. The amount and how it’s calculated can vary from club to club, often depending on your arrival time – generally, the earlier in your shift, the better the tip-out arrangement for you.
Yes, the earning potential can be significant, but if you’re drawn to this work solely for the love of pole dancing, I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s genuinely demanding work, both physically and emotionally. I often go home completely drained after a night of work. It requires a level of patience akin to dealing with toddlers in the “terrible twos,” constantly navigating different personalities and expectations.
I’m not trying to discourage you, just offering a straightforward and honest perspective. One more crucial point to consider: if you enjoy drinking alcohol, be extremely cautious in this environment. I’ve witnessed many dancers drink excessively, which invariably leads to lost earnings, compromised boundaries with customers, and poor decision-making. If you choose to drink, do so sparingly and with strict moderation.
