Strippers need more than pole-dancing lessons and locker-room selfies to succeed.
Stripping is a competitive sales job in a highly stigmatized environment, where you must hustle to sell your time and company.
As a seven-year stripper, I am well aware that my line of work is not for everyone. The retail and healthcare industries are among of the most exploitative and unpleasant ways to earn minimum wage, and I am well aware of this. In other words, when circumstances are tough, the tough get ripped off. There is nothing wrong with supporting adult entertainment in a responsible and informed way.
Everything You Need to Know About Working as a Stripper
Learn how to dance
In order to get a job in the industry of striptease, you’ll need to know at least a few basic stage moves. If you type “starting pole dance moves” into YouTube, you’ll find a plethora of videos. Cirque du Soleil’s back-breaking stunts aren’t going to cut it at first, at least not in the beginning.
To avoid seeming like a nude adult trampling on a playground, always point your toes as you dance. Furthermore, you are not permitted to perform the Showgirls-style lick of the pole.
Find a club you feel comfortable in
Go to the internet and check out user reviews. If you’re looking for a full list of options, check out TUSCL.net. The reviews on Yelp can be useful, but they should be taken with a grain of salt, as they are generally written by irate ex-customers who were kicked out for bad behavior.
You can get a sense of the atmosphere and attendance by going to clubs at different times of the day. The moods of both employees and customers might shift dramatically over the course of a single day. Friday nights will be filled with millennials shooting Jell-O shots while the daytime audience is likely to be blue-collar workers on their lunch break.
What are the regulations of the house/club? Do you agree with what they’re saying or not? Assuming that $10 is too low for a full-contact nude dance, you should keep looking for a place that promotes workers to be financially independent. Isn’t that what we’re all here for?
Is the club’s dancers’ safety guaranteed? Is a bouncer there to help them get to their cars after their shifts? Is it against the law to use drugs or be touched? What’s that? Investigate how employees are selected.
To get into a club, you’ll usually have to fill out paperwork, provide a copy of your ID, and perform at least one song on stage during your audition. Yes, your audition will require you to strip down to your underwear. If you’re employed, you’ll be doing this a lot, so you should be able to walk a few steps without tripping.
Figure out your brand
Congratulations, you’ve landed a new job! This is your chance to figure out how you want to be perceived so that you can make the maximum money.
What kind of fantasy are you trying to offer to your customers? Nerdy video game gals, are you out there? There’s no such thing as a punk-rock Barbie. Is that a burlesque siren calling? Is this a model for the runway? Is she the next-door neighbor? The way you dress and carry yourself will have a significant impact on your customer base.
To attract men who expect you to act like a pro dominatrix, dress like one. If you don’t use much makeup, don’t have many tattoos, and don’t change your hair color, you’ll appear less confident to a wider audience.
The club’s dress code should be known ahead of time. How often do you have to change your clothes for work? Is it possible to wear the same clothes for a long time before it breaks down? How high should your heels be? Among the most popular shoe brands among strippers are Ellie and Pleasers.
Regardless of what you wear, be sure it’s stain-resistant and easy to remove Jack Daniel’s stains. Pentagram harnesses take a lot of time to untangle, and I’d rather be doing lap dances than wasting my time with complicated strappy contraptions. Find out what works best for you.
Become a good talker
This may be the most difficult element of the job for many. A lot of the same questions will be asked. How would you like to be known? Why do you do what you’re doing right now? If so, can I see them? What are the opinions of your parents? Is there a man in your life? Was there any kind of abuse that you had to deal with?
Sapphire, but you can call me Diamond when I meet your mother, is my real name. As a result of my strong work ethic. Is that a legitimate concern? It doesn’t matter to me because my parents know that I’m an adult. Quite a few, to be precise. Only as a result of this exchange.
Don’t allow somebody to coerce you into talking about anything that is your own business. You’ll be able to pick out potential customers who are more bother than they’re worth if you can confront passive aggression with polite firmness.
Simple questions like, “Have you been here before?” or “What did you do today?” can make a big difference. When it comes to a stripper’s job, it’s like speed-dating: You have a limited amount of time to learn about and get to know a complete stranger. Depending on who you meet, they’ll either want to chat to you or listen to what you have to say.
Avoid the soap opera
Avoid the bourgeoisie’s snub. There are scheming coworkers in every sector. Keep your belongings locked up, be nice to everyone, and avoid spreading rumors. Everywhere you look, there are crooks lurking!
Also, please avoid dating your coworkers or supervisors. However, this is quite rare.
Because that’s how transactions function, your time and effort have a monetary value attached to them. Learn to say, “No thanks. I’m not going to do that,” over and over again. Customers will try to bargain with you on rates, touch you inappropriately, or refuse to pay you at all.
Be mindful of the value of your time! You have the right to deny service if a customer violates the house rules or your personal boundaries in any way. Try to get the money as soon as possible. That’s when you grin and bat your eyelids twice when the guy asks, “You don’t trust me? “. He said, “Silly you, I don’t trust anyone.”
Practice good hustle habits
Keep your phone away from your body. It’s just lousy business practice. Wouldn’t you think the headliner was half-assed if you could see him checking his Instagram feed while he waited to be called on stage? Having a waitress who is texting while taking your coffee order and a vehicle salesperson who is yelling at their partner in the finance office are both examples of impolite behavior. Put your phone away for the duration of the shift.
Also, don’t take it personally if you’re rejected. People aren’t always going to be nice to you on some evenings. Their bad behavior is a manifestation of their insecurity or internalized concerns.
Value your money
The situation is really delicate! I was able to make $200 in only a few minutes after working a six-hour shift for $30. Strippers don’t get paid an hourly rate!! I advise new strippers to save at least 10% of their gratuities in a savings account that is not linked to a credit or debit card because their revenue is so unpredictable. Purchase a fireproof safe and keep the combination to yourself. Ask your bank or credit union about an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or another savings vehicle that might help you build and protect your nest egg.
In addition, keep all of your receipts. If you’re preparing to file your taxes, you can write off all purchases linked to your job. That includes things like personal hygiene products, clothing, makeup, and fitness and health purchases that are directly related to your profession or career path.
Also, do not bring up the subject of money. Ever. Nobody has a right to know how much money you make. No matter how old you are or how much money you make, people will always find a way to encourage your spending, especially if it benefits them.
Practice good health habits
Do not overindulge in alcohol or harsh drugs. It’s not a long-term option. To be honest, I’ve had a few too many. The coolness of a hangover diminishes when it becomes a part of your regular life.
If you’re in a bar or restaurant that serves alcoholic beverages, it’s easy to overindulge. You may lose money, get into fights, or find yourself in an abusive position as a result of doing so.
Additionally, people who are high on cocaine are obnoxious to say the least.
You need a new job if you’re using drugs to deal with the stress of work.
Be safe
You should be extremely cautious about who you share your personal details with. I’ve dealt with stalkers and privacy issues in the past. In my opinion, it’s best not to give out your phone number to anyone. For a few dollars, criminals may decode a cell phone number and obtain your personal information. Fan mail from a correctional facility reminds me of how important my privacy is to me. Create a stripper-specific email address and use it to keep in touch with folks who want to attend the club.
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.”
