Got a few questions that would greatly appreciate a few answers...
Oh boy... Ok. So I'm seriously considering stripping soon but I have a few questions first. And I'm so so sorry if these questions have already been asked! (And/or if they're stupid).
1. I was wondering if it's been at all difficult for you girls to rent apartments with your job title. Have you ever gotten turned down after applying for an apartment (even if you've got the money for it) because you're a stripper?
2. I've read threads about this, but I'd like to know specifically if you have a routine when giving a dance or do you just wing it? How close do you stand to the customer? Do you have to touch them in any way? how does this work?
3. When dancing on stage, do you wait until the song is finished to collect money from customers? Do they just throw it on stage? How does this work?
4. When and if you decide to get a breast augmenation, how much time will you need to take off from work? Is it ok to take off as much time as you need or will you get fired after a certain point?
5. What do you do when you're on your period and you have to be fully nude?
6. Do you usually get paid more at fully nude clubs or topless clubs?
7. Would it be more beneficial to take lessons/classes on using a stripper pole or does it not matter? Would you be likely to get paid more if you could do flashy tricks?
8. On a more personal note... do any of you lie about what you do to your family and friends? If so, is it hard to keep that up? Does it cause problems?
9. How much makeup and grooming is typically required? I don't like to pack on the makeup or wear fake nails or anything. Is it preferred? Can you have a natural look?
10. Has stripping affected your relationships with men?
11. Do you get paid minimum wage or is there no pay at all aside from tips? In which case, do you still pay taxes?
12. How flexible can your schedule be? Can you take a vacation for a while and come back?
13. Do you get to choose what songs you want to dance to or does the DJ always choose for you?
I know I'm forgetting a bunch but my list is pretty long as it is. I'm sorry about all the questions. I just want to be fully prepared. Thanks so much!
Re: Got a few questions that would greatly appreciate a few answers...
Most of your questions can be answered by doing some searches for older posts on this forum.
Some of the contact and money questions depend on where you live, what laws there are in your area, and customary practices at each club.
99 out of 100 clubs will not pay you a daily wage to work. You get paid for each dance you do and by tips and you need to pay taxes on all of it.
Dances? Wing it, but use some sense. Take a class or learn from the other dancers. Flashy shit will help you get hired but it usually doesn't help get dances.
Good luck!
Re: Got a few questions that would greatly appreciate a few answers...
1. I was wondering if it's been at all difficult for you girls to rent apartments with your job title. Have you ever gotten turned down after applying for an apartment (even if you've got the money for it) because you're a stripper?
I never put that I am a "stripper", I am an independent contractor. I have only had one person ask me about it and that was only because they thought I meant I was a labor contractor and they wanted to hire me for their apt complex. As for money, it walks and BS talks.
2. I've read threads about this, but I'd like to know specifically if you have a routine when giving a dance or do you just wing it? How close do you stand to the customer? Do you have to touch them in any way? how does this work?
I do not have a routine per se but I do have moves that I always do and I just switch it up as I feel fit. If I am giving alot of dances to the same person i might throw it some rarely to never used ones just so they dont get bored. My club is pretty high mileage so we dont "stand" (air dances), we pretty much grind and yes its two way contact at my club.
3. When dancing on stage, do you wait until the song is finished to collect money from customers? Do they just throw it on stage? How does this work?
At my club there is no rack, the custies come to the stage to tip you and leave the dollars when they leave the stage. When I am done giving each guy their mini show, I toss the dollar toward the back of the stage so they dont get in the way and collect them upon leaving.
4. When and if you decide to get a breast augmenation, how much time will you need to take off from work? Is it ok to take off as much time as you need or will you get fired after a certain point?
No clue my bewbs are real but I assume you need about 3 weeks off to properly heal after any surgery. Obviously you would let your club know this in advance and take some sort of "vacation" until the bewbs are healed.
5. What do you do when you're on your period and you have to be fully nude?
Either wear a tampon and cut or tuck the string or wear a sponge/instead cup, either way it isnt visible.
6. Do you usually get paid more at fully nude clubs or topless clubs?
IMO you make more in nude clubs than topless ones, but I dont have much expereince in the topless only arena.
7. Would it be more beneficial to take lessons/classes on using a stripper pole or does it not matter? Would you be likely to get paid more if you could do flashy tricks?
I think taking pole classes would be a waste of your time unless you want to learn for you (like to get in shape). You will not make any more money by doing flashy pole tricks, sure they look cool and they get ppls attention but as far as overall profit...doesnt make a lick of a difference.
8. On a more personal note... do any of you lie about what you do to your family and friends? If so, is it hard to keep that up? Does it cause problems?
I dont lie, I never have. Lying to your friends and family will only cause problems because lying in general only causes problems. I say, if you wanna dance - be proud and dont lie. The ppl who wont accept you for it arent worth it in the long run anyway.
9. How much makeup and grooming is typically required? I don't like to pack on the makeup or wear fake nails or anything. Is it preferred? Can you have a natural look?
General maintanence on your appearance is required. If you dye your hair, dont have crazy roots. If you have real nails, keep them pretty/polished or get acrylic and keep them up. No matter how you choose to do your makeup just make it look nice and take the time. About the natural look, of course you can, do whatever youre comfy with but do know that clubs are dark so minimal makeup may make you look washed out. You want to POP not blend in....in saying this, you make money with your looks so look good.
10. Has stripping affected your relationships with men?
No.
11. Do you get paid minimum wage or is there no pay at all aside from tips? In which case, do you still pay taxes?
Most SC do not pay you anything, in fact YOU have to pay to work - its called housefee. There are some rare places that pay you but not minimum wage, unless of course you are talking about booking through an agency as a feature and thats diff or so I am told. Yes you are supposed to pay taxes, so keep record of everything!
12. How flexible can your schedule be? Can you take a vacation for a while and come back?
Most clubs are very flexible. I can take vacation whenever I want for as long as I want as long as I give them my vacation fee upfront.
13. Do you get to choose what songs you want to dance to or does the DJ always choose for you?
Typically you choose....and its up to YOU! Dance to whatever you want, anything that makes you FEEL it and get into it. I like slow, hard rock personally like Orgy, Tool, A Perfect circle, and some emo/screamo.
Re: Got a few questions that would greatly appreciate a few answers...
echomadison, what is an independent contractor, I was reading this b/c i also was thinking about getting a new place.
Re: Got a few questions that would greatly appreciate a few answers...
Independent contractors are what we, as strippers, are. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_contractor
Re: Got a few questions that would greatly appreciate a few answers...
I'd say echomadison provides some very useful information up there...as good of answers as you'll get considering we know nothing about where you want to work and whatnot. A lot of the answers to your questions completely depend on the club you're working in.
Additionally, you should definitely, definitely figure out what you want to do with the money you'll earn before you start working. If you want to invest it, then it is absolutely imperative that you claim money on taxes as an independent contractor. If you're claiming as a dependent (i.e. your parents support you), then this introduces a plethora of new problems into the situation. Do some serious advanced searches in Dollar Den for information about all of this.
I started working at my first club with absolutely NO clue of what stripping involved. The people w/ whom you work will be able to answer a hell of a lot of the club-specific questions you have. Obviously, this depends on your region--polished Vegas clubs aren't interested in hiring the no-experience amateur, whereas many dives absolutely relilsh new girls who look like they have no idea what they're doing. The best thing to do is to just take a deep breath and get on out there!
Re: Got a few questions that would greatly appreciate a few answers...
1. I was wondering if it's been at all difficult for you girls to rent apartments with your job title. Have you ever gotten turned down after applying for an apartment (even if you've got the money for it) because you're a stripper?
No. Call yourself an "entertainer".
2. I've read threads about this, but I'd like to know specifically if you have a routine when giving a dance or do you just wing it? How close do you stand to the customer? Do you have to touch them in any way? how does this work?
I don't have a routine but I have a few tricks that I learned. I have to feel the song while I'm dancing. Take a pole dancing class to feel more comfortbale. I stand very close to customers, making body contact either touching their arm with my hand or putting my arm around them. You don't have to touch them. In the champagne room, every club has different "norms"- unspoken rules. You'll get to realize what they are very quickly.
3. When dancing on stage, do you wait until the song is finished to collect money from customers? Do they just throw it on stage? How does this work?
It depends where the stage is. In my club, the stage is in the center of the floor an customers walk over to you to slip money into your hand/outfit/on the floor, etc. I will stop dancing and walk over to them all sexy. It gives me a few seconds to take a break and strike up a conversation- maybe it will turn into a lap dance.
4. When and if you decide to get a breast augmenation, how much time will you need to take off from work? Is it ok to take off as much time as you need or will you get fired after a certain point?
I am natural.
5. What do you do when you're on your period and you have to be fully nude?
Put in a tampon. Cut the string.
6. Do you usually get paid more at fully nude clubs or topless clubs?
Fully nude.
7. Would it be more beneficial to take lessons/classes on using a stripper pole or does it not matter? Would you be likely to get paid more if you could do flashy tricks?
Yes. Taking a pole dancing class will help you to be a lot more comfortable and avoid embarrassing falls on stage.
8. On a more personal note... do any of you lie about what you do to your family and friends? If so, is it hard to keep that up? Does it cause problems?
Yes. It can be difficult to keep up sometimes. You will always have the other girls at work to BS with. THey'll understand.
9. How much makeup and grooming is typically required? I don't like to pack on the makeup or wear fake nails or anything. Is it preferred? Can you have a natural look?
You can have a natural look if you are natually pretty. TOo much makeup is not preferred.
10. Has stripping affected your relationships with men?
Lol. I don't trust them.
11. Do you get paid minimum wage or is there no pay at all aside from tips? In which case, do you still pay taxes?
You do not make minium wage, just tips and your cut from the lap dance and champagne room. You get a 1099 instead of a w2 for tax purposes.
12. How flexible can your schedule be? Can you take a vacation for a while and come back?
Yes. I work at my lesiure.
13. Do you get to choose what songs you want to dance to or does the DJ always choose for you?
You can choose groups of songs.
I know I'm forgetting a bunch but my list is pretty long as it is. I'm sorry about all the questions. I just want to be fully prepared. Thanks so much!
Re: Got a few questions that would greatly appreciate a few answers...
^^ Also a good response, but remember, OP, that the vast majority of your questions are highly club specific. You won't know the answers until you pick a club. Even things like schedules can be extremely variable: some clubs require you to work a certain number of days (I know contract clubs that'll make you work 5 days a week), and others let you show up whenever you want to work with no prior arrangement. It's like how restaurants are--they all serve food, but each one is completely unique in how it conducts business, the type of food it serves, etc.
Re: Got a few questions that would greatly appreciate a few answers...
I live in Los Angeles and I'd like to work in an upscale club downtown.
Can you deduct payments for things like makeup, shoes, and the outfits you wear when paying taxes? Would they count as work related expenses?
Re: Got a few questions that would greatly appreciate a few answers...
1. I was wondering if it's been at all difficult for you girls to rent apartments with your job title. Have you ever gotten turned down after applying for an apartment (even if you've got the money for it) because you're a stripper?
I am a self-employed entertainer. I haven't ever had anyone ask for more than that, as long as I had the money they were looking for.
2. I've read threads about this, but I'd like to know specifically if you have a routine when giving a dance or do you just wing it? How close do you stand to the customer? Do you have to touch them in any way? how does this work?
It's different at every club because contact rules are different. At the club Im at right now we can only give air dances on the floor, but in private dances or vip we can sit/grind on the guy. The dances are clothed, not even topless or anything but the custies can never touch you. At a diff club in my area though they have no vip or private dances and the girls can only give air dances.
3. When dancing on stage, do you wait until the song is finished to collect money from customers? Do they just throw it on stage? How does this work?
Again, can be diff depending on the club you're at. My club has a tip rail that goes 3/4 around the stage. Part of my stage set is to work the rail when there are people there.
4. When and if you decide to get a breast augmenation, how much time will you need to take off from work? Is it ok to take off as much time as you need or will you get fired after a certain point?
This I can't answer because I wasn't dancing when I had my BA. However, I will say that I wouldn't have been comfortable until I was about 6 wks out from my surgery.
5. What do you do when you're on your period and you have to be fully nude?
Put in a tampon and cut the string, though I've never had to do this bc I work topless only.
6. Do you usually get paid more at fully nude clubs or topless clubs?
In my area, the girls that work the fully nude clubs do not make anymore than the girls working topless, but I think that's really a location thing.
7. Would it be more beneficial to take lessons/classes on using a stripper pole or does it not matter? Would you be likely to get paid more if you could do flashy tricks?
Pole tricks are awesome to look at, they def get a lot of attention, but I haven't found that doing any increases my money to a noticeable degree. I honestly do very few pole tricks and started out never doing any at all. For me, it's more about working the crowd. One of the top earners at my club once told me that floor work is key because no one is ever thinking about fucking you while you're on the pole. ;)
8. On a more personal note... do any of you lie about what you do to your family and friends? If so, is it hard to keep that up? Does it cause problems?
Most people don't know I dance. I don't want to deal with the judgement or change how people view me as a person. Right or wrong I know it would happen and while I don't really care what most people think I just don't need the aggravation. It makes life hard mostly bc I'm not a natural liar and I don't like it, and I don't like lying to people I truly care about because I know how much it would hurt them to know I lied. I went with the lesser evil though, and decided it would be best not to hurt them by telling them I dance.
9. How much makeup and grooming is typically required? I don't like to pack on the makeup or wear fake nails or anything. Is it preferred? Can you have a natural look?
If you can rock your look, than you can go with any look you like. Everyone has their own style. As long as your confident and sexy you shouldnt have a problem. Just make sure you look nice all the time.
10. Has stripping affected your relationships with men?
No. Bad relationships have effected my relationships with men.
11. Do you get paid minimum wage or is there no pay at all aside from tips? In which case, do you still pay taxes?
Most likely you'll pay the club a fee to work there. As an independant contractor you pay the club to "rent" space. And yes yes yes, pay your taxes!
12. How flexible can your schedule be? Can you take a vacation for a while and come back?
Management at my club is pretty cool. I can pretty much work whatever I want as long as long as I show up to the shifts I say I will be there for. I've also taken a few vacations and it hasn't been an issue, but it could just depend on who you're working for.
13. Do you get to choose what songs you want to dance to or does the DJ always choose for you?
Yes I pick my music before every set, but once again, that depends on the club.
Re: Got a few questions that would greatly appreciate a few answers...
ok, so ill answer your questions the best i can, but a lot of them depend on the area. you remind me of me a year ago, my mind was just reelin on what i needed to know to be prepared. i really reccommend doing a search on the forums, especially the newbie board, because these questions come up alot in different ways. but good luck, and dont stress it too much.
1. I was wondering if it's been at all difficult for you girls to rent apartments with your job title. Have you ever gotten turned down after applying for an apartment (even if you've got the money for it) because you're a stripper?
my landlord doesnt know what i do, neither do my neighbours, except for one.i pay the rent on time, thats what matters.
2. I've read threads about this, but I'd like to know specifically if you have a routine when giving a dance or do you just wing it? How close do you stand to the customer? Do you have to touch them in any way? how does this work?
i just wing it, there are a few things ill do the same, and if i notice they like one particular thing, ill just make sure to do it more often. the dances around here are one way contact. and then i have my own boundaries too.they can touch my legs r my waist or whatever, but my butt and boobs, no. i touch them, they dont touch me...
3. When dancing on stage, do you wait until the song is finished to collect money from customers? Do they just throw it on stage? How does this work?
there isnt a whole lot of stage tipping in my club, but ill just put it to the side and get it when i get off stage.
4. When and if you decide to get a breast augmenation, how much time will you need to take off from work? Is it ok to take off as much time as you need or will you get fired after a certain point?
im sure you would need to take atleast a month. but i wouldnt suggest doing pole work for atleast two. i havent gotten mine yet, but thats the advice ive been given...
5. What do you do when you're on your period and you have to be fully nude?
my first shift i was on the rag lol. i just use o.b. tampons. and i leave the string tucked in. just make sure you check it more often.
6. Do you usually get paid more at fully nude clubs or topless clubs?
i have no idea...
7. Would it be more beneficial to take lessons/classes on using a stripper pole or does it not matter? Would you be likely to get paid more if you could do flashy tricks?
im not so sure. i bought a pole a few months ago, and ive learned more just playing around on it than i would have in lessons. but i can tell you that in my area, there arent many girls who use the pole, at all. im sure youd be fine just picking some up as you go along. if you do get a hme pole, i reccommend you search youtube for vids.
8. On a more personal note... do any of you lie about what you do to your family and friends? If so, is it hard to keep that up? Does it cause problems?
they have no idea i do this, except for my mom and a few freinds. no its not hard. they think i work at a call centre for CT. that explains the odd hours.
9. How much makeup and grooming is typically required? I don't like to pack on the makeup or wear fake nails or anything. Is it preferred? Can you have a natural look?
i shave my legs every day, and i get waxed every three weeks. i go bare, but im sure its not required. i dont wear concealer, but i do wear pretty heavy eye make-up, and i wear blush and lip gloss. i wear fake nails. i but the glue on ones from shoppers (10$ for 3 sets) and i just put them on and take them off for wrk. it hepls keep the job on the dl.
10. Has stripping affected your relationships with men?
not yet...
11. Do you get paid minimum wage or is there no pay at all aside from tips? In which case, do you still pay taxes?
some clubs in the area you pay to work at...$75 if you just do lap dances, $45 if you get on the stage roster. at my club we get paid 60$ per shift and tip out 10$. the club doesnt take a cut otherwise. i pay my taxes.
12. How flexible can your schedule be? Can you take a vacation for a while and come back?
its a little more flexible than other jobs. but in mine we have a schedule, im not sure how it is at other clubs. but i know that theres one about a half hour away from here, where you just call in the day you want to work.
13. Do you get to choose what songs you want to dance to or does the DJ always choose for you?
i just burnt a few cd's with my sets on them, i just go and tel the dj, which one to put on. not sure how it is at other clubs.
Re: Got a few questions that would greatly appreciate a few answers...
1. I was wondering if it's been at all difficult for you girls to rent apartments with your job title. Have you ever gotten turned down after applying for an apartment (even if you've got the money for it) because you're a stripper?
I have been unfortunate and have encountered some prejudice. Now I just say I am self-employed and bring bank statements.
2. I've read threads about this, but I'd like to know specifically if you have a routine when giving a dance or do you just wing it? How close do you stand to the customer? Do you have to touch them in any way? how does this work?
Every area is different. My club is light to medium contact, depending on the girl. I do have sort of a routine-ish, I do generally the same thing with every dance. Oh, and my club is ne way contact only. They dont touch me.
3. When dancing on stage, do you wait until the song is finished to collect money from customers? Do they just throw it on stage? How does this work?
I always come down their level and take it my hand, smile and say thank you.
4. When and if you decide to get a breast augmenation, how much time will you need to take off from work? Is it ok to take off as much time as you need or will you get fired after a certain point?
I'm natural.
5. What do you do when you're on your period and you have to be fully nude?
Tuck your tampon string up or cut it very short. Always check in the mirror.
6. Do you usually get paid more at fully nude clubs or topless clubs?
In Vegas, it's the topless places that make the most money. But when I was everywere else, defintely nude.
7. Would it be more beneficial to take lessons/classes on using a stripper pole or does it not matter? Would you be likely to get paid more if you could do flashy tricks?
I did them for years and now I don't. Doesn't make an ounce of difference.
8. On a more personal note... do any of you lie about what you do to your family and friends? If so, is it hard to keep that up? Does it cause problems?
The only person I have to lie to is my best friend from HS, and that sucks. But I tell everyone else.
9. How much makeup and grooming is typically required? I don't like to pack on the makeup or wear fake nails or anything. Is it preferred? Can you have a natural look?
What is "natural" to you? I wouldnt advise going "face-less".
10. Has stripping affected your relationships with men?
Not a bit.
11. Do you get paid minimum wage or is there no pay at all aside from tips? In which case, do you still pay taxes?
No pay aside from tips. You pay a house fee which is totally variant from one club to another. I have paid as much as 30%, and as low as $20.
12. How flexible can your schedule be? Can you take a vacation for a while and come back?
In Vegas they generally dont give a crap when or if you work. Many clubs ask for 3days a week shift.
13. Do you get to choose what songs you want to dance to or does the DJ always choose for you?
I choose my genre, and occasionally request songs.