Understand that this job has a timeline
A decade more of stripping would make me very happy. In reality, I’ve witnessed young performers being forced to retire due to spinal problems or meniscus tears. Be sure to save money for when you can no longer dance for money because your health and mind will be better off if you take care of them both.
How To Be A Stripper? – The Definitive Guide
Understanding the Demands
1/ Understand you will need to be physically fit.
You don’t need to have a “perfect” body in order to work as a stripper. Strippers, on the other hand, come in all shapes, sizes, and sizes. As a result, you’ll need to be physically fit in order to perform the duties of the position. Physical exertion is a part of the challenge of dancing. Add a pair of high heels to the mix, and things get even trickier! Determine whether or not you have the stamina to do stripteases.
There is no prerequisite for getting started, other than a desire to have fun. Do some research into the best routines by looking at what other girls are doing.
2/ Realize the time you will need to put in.
For the first few months, you may be required to work nights and weekends in order to get your business off the ground and recoup any initial investments. Because of the late hours required for stripping, keeping a day job may become a difficult task if you decide to do it full time.
When it comes to being at ease on stage and in private dances, nothing happens overnight. You’ll have to give it some time to see if it’s the correct career for you and how well you do in it before you can make a decision.
3/ Remember that staying sober will be important.
Drinking and drug use is common in strip clubs, and many dancers end up blowing their money on these substances. Being inebriated at work has its own set of risks. If you want to stay safe and get compensated for things like private dances, you’ll need to have your wits about you.
A few beers on the job, or occasional use of narcotics, can go a long way to keeping a stripper from becoming a drug addict. Keep in mind that this is still a risky activity, and you may be more susceptible to alcoholism or drug addiction if you have a personality that is more prone to addiction.
4/ Decide if you can handle potential rejection.
The life of a stripper isn’t always filled with patrons eager to part with their hard-earned cash. It’s possible that some clients won’t think you’re attractive, or that they’ll flat-out refuse your advances if you make any. In order to succeed as a stripper, you will need to work like a salesperson, and salesmen need to be resilient in the face of criticism and rejection.
Some customers may also be rude. Even as a stripper, you’ll have to interact with people who aren’t always friendly or upbeat, but you’ll be doing it in a more vulnerable and personal context. Prepare yourself for that possibility.
5/ Remember you may face issues with co-workers.
Competing with your coworkers for the attention of club guests in order to earn tips and gain requests for private dances is a part of the dancer’s job description. Keep in mind the likelihood that your co-workers may treat you poorly, so don’t hold your breath for intimate connections.
If one of your coworkers is ready to allow more physical contact during private dances, this could bring her more business than other dancers, so keep this in mind. Things like this might lead to a rift in the workplace.
Preparing for the Initial Investment
1/ Acquire a license.
As an adult performer or exotic dancer, there may be state or local licensing requirements that must be met. The application and licensing fees for this license vary widely. Getting a business license costs roughly $175 in total in Denver, Colorado, where exotic dancers must also submit to a criminal background check.
Licensing requirements differ from city to city and state to state, so check to see whether there are any in your hometown or state before applying.
2/ Buy outfits.
You’ll want to get dressed up and ready to go before your first audition. To begin with, it might be a good idea to acquire one, as long as you have a steady source of income. There are a plethora of internet stores selling complete outfits, individual pieces, and bikinis. Make a choice based on your personal style. A more edgy style may be more appropriate if your dance party will feature more lively music such as hip-hop or pop. Bright colors, rhinestones, and sultry silhouettes are all you need. Go for a more edgy style with dark colors and chrome or metal embellishments if you’re going to be dancing to a rock song.
- For the most part, these clothes cost between $30 and $100 for the whole set, though there are some cheaper and more expensive options. Select a look that is within your price range. Until you’re making a stable income, don’t spend a lot of money on nice clothes.
- Dressing for a night out at a nightclub can have a significant impact on how much skin is exposed. If you’re going to a club where dancing in full or topless nudity, or merely bikinis, you’ll want to dress accordingly.
3/ Purchase shoes.
You won’t be seen on stage in sneakers as a stripper. Wearing high heels is a must for strippers, so get yourself some. Don’t wear your usual black pumps, either. Heels of least four inches in height are required. Invest on a pair of dance shoes. Look at dancers in movies who wear see-through platform shoes like this. These shoes are frequently available in the same store where you bought your clothing. Take advantage of sales on whole outfits, such as free or discounted delivery, by purchasing everything in one spot.
High heels can cost anywhere from $60 to $200, which is a lot more than your attire. Invest your first money on a lower-priced pair of shoes, and don’t buy any more until you have a regular income. Wearing the same shoes with various outfits can save you money in the long run.
4/ Pay the club fees.
Dancing at many clubs is really paid for by the night. Since most dancers operate as “independent contractors,” you’ll have to pay a stipend to get a job. Based on the club you work at and the night you work, club house costs will vary. Weekend rates, for example, may be greater than weekday rates. Depending on the aforementioned variables, prices could range anywhere from $10 to $200 or more every night.
Your bouncers/security guards, bartenders/servers, and even the DJ who played music for your set will definitely need to be tipped as well.
Living With Potential Consequences
1/ Understand that people may judge you negatively.
Some people may view your decision to enter the world of stripping or exotic dancing with suspicion. It doesn’t matter how good your intentions are if you want to make money through stripping. In addition, many people have preconceived notions about strippers that they will apply to you, even if you don’t meet any of those stereotypes or beliefs in any way. Your reputation and even your personal connections may suffer if you don’t plan ahead for the impact your employment will have on them.
It could be tough to find a partner that is comfortable with you being nude in front of others or providing lap dances, as a stripper, to form long-term relationships. If you’re already dating someone, it’s a good idea to check in with them to see if your job will have an impact on your relationship.
2/ Recognize the potential negative psychological effects.
Because your salary is based on how appealing you are to others, you may end up valuing yourself depending on how attractive you are to yourself. It can be difficult and exhausting for some strippers to overcome their poor self-images or to be critical of their looks. You should think about whether or not you’d be able to handle a situation like this if you decided to become a professional stripper.
There are a number of reasons for this, but one of the most common is that several strippers find stripping extremely freeing and empowering. It’s all up to you and how open you are to all kinds of emotions.
3/ Realize that you may not make the money you expect.
For the first few evenings or even weeks, you may only be able to break even because you’ll have to pay for license, club fees, costumes, and shoes. It’s possible to leave a nightclub with nothing except a few bucks in your wallet after tipping and paying nightly club fees. Because you’ll be making most of your money from tips and clients who pay for private dances, your earnings will be spotty at best.
The more successful you are as a salesperson, the more money you may expect to make. If you’re not comfortable with private dances, then stripping may not be the best career path for you.
Considering Safety
1/ Consider that you may have aggressive clients.
People who frequent strip clubs may mistakenly believe that strippers are available for any type of transaction. During private dances, you may encounter clients that are extremely touchy or even hostile. When it comes to private services, you will need to be ready to stand up for yourself and set boundaries that you will adhere to. The only thing you have to do is to do what you’re willing to do. Tip your bouncers well and keep one around at all times when dancing or giving private dances.
If being a stripper gives you the creeps for any reason, you might want to reconsider this as a career option. Don’t put yourself in a scenario where you’re afraid to say no because you don’t know how.
2/ Remember that there may be drugs present.
Customers or coworkers may be drug users or dealers. Although this isn’t a certainty, you should be prepared for the chance of this happening. Avoid becoming a stripper if you are prone to drug usage. The temptation to do so will be greater. If you use or buy drugs at work, you face the risk of getting involved in illicit activities as well.
Working as a stripper while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can put you at risk for sexual assault or theft from private services. You may want to avoid stripping if you aren’t sure you can maintain your sobriety and alertness while at work.
3/ Remember that leaving the club at night can be dangerous.
Leaving a bar or nightclub full of intoxicated patrons can be perilous at any time of the night. You’re at risk of getting abused, assaulted, or robbed since others near the club are likely to presume that you’re carrying money on you. You should always ask a bouncer or a coworker to escort you out to your car if possible to safeguard your safety.
Don’t provide any personal information with potential clients. Included in this are your primary residences, any secondary jobs you may hold, and, if applicable, any educational institutions you may attend. They don’t need to know that you have children or are in a committed relationship. Maintain a light and airy tone in your talks.
FAQs
I used to self-harm and have a lot of scars. Would this be an issue?
You can conceal them with makeup, but you should be prepared to take your clothes off during an interview so the hiring manager can see what you look like.
If you give a private show, will the people touch me?
Generally, no. If the club doesn’t, you get to make the regulations in this area. No one can touch you unless you give them the go-ahead.
Is it okay to have tattoos and piercings?
For those who don’t mind their daily activities being disrupted, piercings are acceptable (snagging on clothing, etc.).
Do I have to shave in order to be a stripper?
Even though it is not required, certain places may prefer that you do so (or even require it).
I’m thinking of doing this to help with my college tuition, but I don’t want the entire earth to know I’m a stripper. Is there any way of preventing this?
Only members of the club where you work will be aware of this. A stage name can also be used.
Do I have to have sex with people to be a stripper?
No, there isn’t. Prostitution is what you’d call that. To have sex with a client outside of your stripping time, meet up with the person beforehand.
Do you have to be flexible to be a stripper?
The answer is no. When it comes to stripping, it can be as simple as moving and touching your body to the beat of the music.
What would I have to do in an audition?
It varies from club to club, but in general, they’ll ask you to perform for them in order to determine whether or not you’re up to the task of dancing there.
Do I need to show ID and give my social security number?
Your employer may ask for your social security number to do a background check or to file tax returns, so you should be prepared to present proof of your age.
What is the difference between a go go dancer and a topless dancer?
They are recruited by clubs to dance and appear like they are having a good time so that the establishment can attract more customers. Dancers that perform in only their underwear are known as “topless dancers.”
