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Exxotica
09-05-2015, 07:00 AM
So as an American, would I be able to acquire a temporary license? Or probably not unless I am in the country for XXX amount of time..

shanna dior
09-05-2015, 09:10 AM
No, because (a) you aren't legally allowed to work in Canada just because you're an American and (b) even if you did happen to have a work visa, it won't permit you to work in the sex industry because of other legislation aimed at protecting foreign workers from sexual exploitation. That's not to say you can't get away with working in the sex industry under the radar (though I would certainly be careful about who you tell that you're American only, maybe pretend to be a dual citizen), but you won't be able to get a license in any city.

Raven88
01-03-2016, 05:57 AM
I live/dance in Vancouver and have been doing so for almost 7 years (not continuously )
I found it EASY (most times) to make 1K in 3 days, maybe 4 if they were slow days. I just wanted to warn every now that Vancouver is DEAD when it comes to dancing. There just isn't money in it anymore. My friends also feel the same way and nearly everyone is getting day jobs or quitting altogether. Most nights girls are only making $50-$100 in most clubs. WTF is going on?! It's been this way for months.

How is Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton doing lately ?

SuperJa
01-04-2016, 04:19 PM
I live/dance in Vancouver and have been doing so for almost 7 years (not continuously )
I found it EASY (most times) to make 1K in 3 days, maybe 4 if they were slow days. I just wanted to warn every now that Vancouver is DEAD when it comes to dancing. There just isn't money in it anymore. My friends also feel the same way and nearly everyone is getting day jobs or quitting altogether. Most nights girls are only making $50-$100 in most clubs. WTF is going on?! It's been this way for months.

How is Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton doing lately ?

Edmonton is basically the same as it's always been. Fewer freelancers and clubs getting pickier is helping to make up for things being a little slower. Rest of northern Alberta is fairly random- a gig will be kickass one week and terrible the next, but they all even out to being decent. They're obviously short girls as it is very easy to get bookings right now.

Calgary is fantastic or terrible depending on who you talk to- I don't personally dance there and hear mixed things from girls. Part of it has to do with whether they like the Calgary system too.

Brandi_Lynn
01-04-2016, 04:39 PM
I'm an American girl currently working in Detroit right now, but I don't like it. So I was interested in attempting Windsor since it is so nearby. Is there special licensing required or are they even American girl friendly? Can anyone give any good club suggestions?

Raven88
01-04-2016, 05:56 PM
Edmonton is basically the same as it's always been. Fewer freelancers and clubs getting pickier is helping to make up for things being a little slower. Rest of northern Alberta is fairly random- a gig will be kickass one week and terrible the next, but they all even out to being decent. They're obviously short girls as it is very easy to get bookings right now.

Calgary is fantastic or terrible depending on who you talk to- I don't personally dance there and hear mixed things from girls. Part of it has to do with whether they like the Calgary system too.


Yayy short on girls makes it easier for the rest of us. I was going to message you on fb about this btw lol . Why so few freelancers? It's the same in Vancouver I'm guessing because selling dances is more difficult.

SuperJa
01-04-2016, 08:24 PM
Yayy short on girls makes it easier for the rest of us. I was going to message you on fb about this btw lol . Why so few freelancers? It's the same in Vancouver I'm guessing because selling dances is more difficult.

Yeah, bookings have been wide open currently, way different than last year. I basically got every one I wanted every week I wanted- that's unusual. Normally most places have a wait time. There's also fewer rules about turn around- like technically a lot of the clubs you can only work every 2-3months, but if they're short you get to back to back a lot if you want to. Turnaround for most bookings used to be six months, now the only one with that rule still is Yellowknife, which is also the only booking I asked for that I had to wait (it's full till june somehow?)

Yup, you hit it on the head right there... fewer dances to go around cleaned out a lot of the "bottom feeders" so to speak- if you can't count on your hustle or regs, there is no consistent money in freelancing. A lot of clubs have been pickier about which freelancers they allow to work too because the lineup will complain if they don't get a decent dance total, and if word gets around that your club is financially garbage, good luck pulling any talent on stage.

Odette
01-19-2016, 04:31 PM
I'm an American girl currently working in Detroit right now, but I don't like it. So I was interested in attempting Windsor since it is so nearby. Is there special licensing required or are they even American girl friendly? Can anyone give any good club suggestions?

I really wouldn't recommend it right now with how shit the currency exchange is...your earned CAD will only buy you .69 American $ back home...seems like the club would have to be super awesome to make it worth losing 30% of your income to exchange rates. And then there are all the legal issues, but I know those can be worked around. I'm actually seriously debating travelling to the states to dance in the next little while because jan-march is always super slow and with how much food costs now (went and spent half of my slow nights earnings on groceries after work last night--what would usually have run me $75-$80 was a $100 bill. Celery is $5 and Cucumbers $3. Tomatoes, Broccoli, herbs, everything has doubled in price overnight it seems like...it's really not looking good up here, and I'm bracing for a terrible winter when the latest recession really starts being felt accross the country and accross all industries...it's already starting, this christmas season was the worst I experienced since I started dancing. Really not a good time to venture up here girl :(

Layla.00
01-28-2016, 05:38 AM
I really wouldn't recommend it right now with how shit the currency exchange is...your earned CAD will only buy you .69 American $ back home...seems like the club would have to be super awesome to make it worth losing 30% of your income to exchange rates. And then there are all the legal issues, but I know those can be worked around. I'm actually seriously debating travelling to the states to dance in the next little while because jan-march is always super slow and with how much food costs now (went and spent half of my slow nights earnings on groceries after work last night--what would usually have run me $75-$80 was a $100 bill. Celery is $5 and Cucumbers $3. Tomatoes, Broccoli, herbs, everything has doubled in price overnight it seems like...it's really not looking good up here, and I'm bracing for a terrible winter when the latest recession really starts being felt accross the country and accross all industries...it's already starting, this christmas season was the worst I experienced since I started dancing. Really not a good time to venture up here girl :(

I agree with this 100%.

I'm dancing in the UK at the moment and even though the earning potential is way less than what I am used to back home, with the exchange rate, it's still worth it.

AmyLynnn
03-08-2016, 02:22 AM
Hey! I'm from Toronto and am trying to read through this thread to understand what I need to dance here. I read about some type of license for like, 400$ or so, but only on that one document and no where else on the internet. Agh I'm so confused. To dance in Toronto, what exactly do I need?

SuperJa
03-08-2016, 05:55 AM
Hey! I'm from Toronto and am trying to read through this thread to understand what I need to dance here. I read about some type of license for like, 400$ or so, but only on that one document and no where else on the internet. Agh I'm so confused. To dance in Toronto, what exactly do I need?

http://maggiestoronto.ca/uploads/File/The-Rules-Maggies-practical-guide-to-licensing.pdf

Basically two steps:
1) Get a police check
2) take police check to Municipal Licensing and Standards, get stripper license.

cassie22
03-28-2016, 12:25 PM
No, because (a) you aren't legally allowed to work in Canada just because you're an American and (b) even if you did happen to have a work visa, it won't permit you to work in the sex industry because of other legislation aimed at protecting foreign workers from sexual exploitation. That's not to say you can't get away with working in the sex industry under the radar (though I would certainly be careful about who you tell that you're American only, maybe pretend to be a dual citizen), but you won't be able to get a license in any city.

Fairbanks/Backstage allows you to work without a licence, but it's shady and they take 60% of your pay. Typically you'd take home $200-350 a night, after they take the 60%. It's very very easy to make over $800 here because the dances are cheap and it is busy, but the club takes a huuuuuuuuge cut.

the girls dont have licences/some dont have work permits because its technically not a strip club, its a gentlemans club that isn't fully nude (topless club).

cassie22
03-28-2016, 12:28 PM
In Toronto, some girls still make $1000 a night. 1K in 3 days doesn't sound so good to me...that's what i made at fairbanks when they took 60% of my pay lol. I work at Zanzibar/Paradise, making typically $500-700 a night, but I'm aiming for higher. But then again I have regulars, idk.

WWBD
05-24-2016, 11:56 PM
If you wanna travel around to different small towns say in Ontario, how does the scheduling work? Or is there just no schedule, you're free to come and go as you please, just gotta fill out your paper work once kinnda thing. Cause i'm thinking of trying out different clubs, so say if I work for a week, then leave for a month and then come back, how does that work?

Odette
05-26-2016, 12:05 PM
Some clubs are more friendly to out of towners than others. First call and ask if they let girls work from out of town, be honest, tell them how long you'll be around. Most are fine, but if a club has a lot of house girls at the moment they might not be as open to travellers. Some clubs prefer for you to book them in advance, but that's mostly if you're featuring. Most you can just show up when you want to work and fill out the paperwork as needed, maybe tell them when you expect to be back at the end of your trip if you know. I suggest calling a club to ask about their policies first because if they say they don't take travellers then if you still really want to try out the club you know to lie about your situation when you go in.

WWBD
05-30-2016, 05:14 PM
Good to know, thanks for the response! :)

Candycups
06-30-2016, 02:04 PM
Regarding eastern Canada, specifically the Ottowa area, is the op still up to date with regards to what you need to do to actually get started? Asking on behalf of a Canadian friend who's looking at getting started.

Do you need a resume, special shoes, documents/papers, is there a standard audition length...? Can you just walk up to the door and ask if they're hiring for dancers, or do you need to set up an appointment? Do you actually dance during your audition?

shanna dior
07-01-2016, 11:24 AM
In Ottawa, you just show up, ask if they're hiring dancers, and then work if they take you. There's no need for a resume (I've never heard of any club requesting this, though some ask if you've ever danced before, not that they won't let you if you never have), special shoes (I've seen girls dance in regular heels or even barefoot), or appointments. Document-wise, all you need is ID to show that you're 19+.

Odette
07-10-2016, 04:13 PM
^This. But I seriously recommend wearing dancer shoes. I've danced in civie heels once and never again for a very good reason. Feet were bleeding after my first stage, 1 hour into the shift...Also most bars have a policy that you must wear shoes on the stage and the floor, exception areas being lapdance booths. It's for your own safety there's lots of broken glass happening, just like in any other bar, and you could step on a stray shard and injure yourself and possibly get an infection!

MadelineRose
07-27-2016, 03:15 PM
Re: Ottawa

Here are a couple of tips: Decent places to work are Nuden and Barbarella's. Both can be very slow but the key is to find the right clientele. A lot of the older, especially out of town, guys appreciate good conversation along with their dance and stay with a dancer for longer. Barefax has more traffic but there are also more girls doing extras, especially during the day. Night time can be ok but some weeks are awful.

Places to stay away from: Playmate and Silver Dollar in Ottawa, Taboo in Gatineau. All three are awful and sleazy and attract the worst of the worst from the area.

Pigale can be great sometimes, but it's up and down and there are extras happening there quite often.

There are 5-hour minimum shifts in all of the clubs in the area and you can't leave early if it's slow. Management can be brutal - the only place I've seen good management is Barbarella's but I don't know what it's like now.

Also, make EVERY effort to stay away from the local young guys who aren't buying dances. Many are pimps and are a waste of time. Even if they're not pimps, lots of them like to sit around and try to pick up girls - stay away. Lots of them think they have "game" and will try to manipulate the girls. Lots of the girls will fall for this so even if you see the other girls hanging out with them, don't bother, just keep moving and focus on your money. Focus on the older business-types, or if they're younger, the ones that pay will usually go for dances right away.

I'm happy to give more feedback - you can PM me.

All the best!

Odette
07-31-2016, 12:10 AM
^I second all of the above info and I have been working in the area for years. I will add that there are minimum 3-day per week schedules (you chose your own shifts) that are mandatory at most clubs. Maybe someone can give some updated info on Tease but I feel like it is a similar environment to the Playmate...very divey. Note that the Silver Dollar is now closed and has been for a year, as is Pinks in Alymer, I don't think the review section has been updated in a while. Number one thing to take away from madeline's post is the importance of regulars, if you work in the city for any length of time, putting in the effort to develop a few is key.

MadelineRose
08-02-2016, 02:54 AM
Hi Odette - thanks for sharing so much helpful info about Ottawa. I haven't worked there since 2010. NuDen was great for me when I had regulars - but then the club slowed down and there were nights when absolutely no one would show up. I don't know if things have gotten better since - but from what I remember the clean clubs got slower and the busy clubs got dirtier. Congrats to you for being able to do well in Ottawa - and yes your advice about regulars is crucial. With them it can be great, without them it's miserable.

How are you finding Barbarella's and Barefax these days? Is it the same as it was before or have they gotten any busier?

JaneDoexo
11-09-2016, 12:53 PM
Looking to work in toronto maybe, but im on a WH visa, which states im not to work in sex work blah blah, but i saw before some clubs dont need a licence to work? Does anyone have experience with this? thanks guys

cassie22
11-09-2016, 01:24 PM
Looking to work in toronto maybe, but im on a WH visa, which states im not to work in sex work blah blah, but i saw before some clubs dont need a licence to work? Does anyone have experience with this? thanks guys

You need a licence to work in a toronto. The only club that's an exception is Fairbanks/Backstage which takes 60 percent of your pay. You don't need a working visa in other places such as Pickering's 905 and cities near Toronto.

Layla.00
11-09-2016, 04:16 PM
Looking to work in toronto maybe, but im on a WH visa, which states im not to work in sex work blah blah, but i saw before some clubs dont need a licence to work? Does anyone have experience with this? thanks guys

You need a liscence for Toronto, Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara, St Catherine's, Brantford, Barrie, Belleville (?) ... Everywhere else you'll have no problems dancing.

Jhane
11-11-2016, 11:39 AM
Who wants to be with the girl who walks like a model: strong, confident, with a good swagger and with excellent posture.
Guys always tell me I'm different to the other girls Because I'm usually in a confident mood and not really thinking about the money, or the boys but just about having a good time. I’d like to sympatize with you and make you feel like a king, feel free to contact me at and i will be there anytime you need me.

Janbee
08-07-2017, 07:29 PM
There is Western Union and Money Gram everywhere in Canada.
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MurphieMayhem
10-23-2017, 12:05 PM
does anyone know how to deal with Amazon gift cards? do I declare these as income for tax purposes or??

SuperJa
10-24-2017, 08:39 AM
Winnipeg update- independent artists now books body shop, lipstixx, and also brandon Manitoba. They are in talks to pick up more clubs there which means jamming won't be a thing there anymore and they'll just book like any other western Canadian club.

Natashaepetrov
11-09-2017, 03:13 PM
Hey just wondering, do you guys know of any clubs in Mississauga that have a clean reputation? I just started at Cafe and it didn't take me long, within my first shift, to realize that EVERYONE is looking for extras... Definitely would like to know what my options are in Mississauga as I do not have a license yet.

Layla.00
11-09-2017, 09:11 PM
Hey just wondering, do you guys know of any clubs in Mississauga that have a clean reputation? I just started at Cafe and it didn't take me long, within my first shift, to realize that EVERYONE is looking for extras... Definitely would like to know what my options are in Mississauga as I do not have a license yet.

Pure Gold?

Try Solid Gold in Burlington too. It's decent Fri-Sat nights and no licence. $45 bucks before 9 and $65 before 10. There's money to be made with low contact dances, no nipple sucking, crotch grabbing or "extras". I don't know what other girls do but my dances are pretty PG.

Goldenx.Chiquis
11-16-2017, 08:30 PM
Ooooh! This is exactly the thread I need right now :)

skittle
07-22-2020, 05:08 PM
How much is a license in Vaughan?

minniesoporno
07-23-2020, 11:50 AM
does anyone know how to deal with Amazon gift cards? do I declare these as income for tax purposes or??

Cash, Bank deposits, foreign income

gifts are exempt. There is no gift tax in Canada and gifts can be cash.

What gets tricky is getting your email money transfer because that could be considered a gift.

So you end up keeping track of your self employed income in a bookkeeping software I use www.waveapps.com

Belong
09-10-2020, 06:37 AM
Can American girls work through IA?

tiffany_twisted
12-10-2020, 03:56 AM
As far as I know you would need a work visa, which the govt doesn't give out for dancing anymore. If you were here on a student visa you miiiight be able to get away with it. It's different in BC and AB because you get paid for stage shows through your agency so it's all on paper.

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Monica111
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bellabellaince
08-20-2021, 08:44 AM
I'd love to go over there for a few wks but have no idea whatsoever when it is good/bad there (I know you can make money anytime, I'm just wondering whether summer is busier than winter or vice versa..).

lunaoona
09-20-2021, 09:00 AM
Does anyone have any up-to-date info on Ontario/Quebec clubs post covid? I haven't worked in a strip club in 3 years so I'm a little behind. How have the rules changed? Is there still a decent customer base? I'm particularly interested in MTL clubs as that's where I used to work. I was previously employed at Sex Appeal, Gentleman's Choice, and Cleo's, and I'm curious to hear how those clubs (and any others in mtl) are doing! Thanks.

SnuffleUffleGrass
08-27-2022, 07:30 AM
Just want to say something positive here- the agents and club managers in Canada I spoke to were 100% forthright with me when I enquired about working there. WISH I could say the same about club managers in the United States.

Kleria01
01-14-2023, 12:28 PM
Any updates on how things are going post covid in Ontario and British Columbia?
Thinking of spending a month up here.