Pole Tricks + Tip-Out Questions
I am so happy to have discovered this forum. I was off today and literally spent hours combing over the threads!
One thing I was slightly disappointed to learn is that pole tricks seem to be an afterthought or not important to most. I get that, definitely makes sense that hustling dances is the real way to make money.
I just wanted to ask, is there any money to be made in pole tricks? I am interested in dancing as a 2nd income (already have a full time day job) and I've been taking pole classes for fun and fitness for 6 months, so I'm particularly excited about showing off my skills. Also, I tend to be a shy girl (I will open up once I get used to my surroundings) so I thought focusing on pole in the beginning might be a good way to ease in as I learn the lay of the land. Of course, I will have to do something in between pole sets... I am nervous about that part. Definitely don't want to be the girl sitting alone in the corner!
Also - this seems like a dumb question but I haven't seen it explicitly answered in any of the threads I've read. How do you figure out who all you are supposed to tip out? It sounds like most clubs don't bother with any sort of orientation process, and I'm nervous I'll forget to tip someone and get black-listed. Also don't want to get taken advantage of though. And how does that process work? Do you literally walk around to each person and hand them money at the end of the night?
Thanks ya'll
Re: Pole Tricks + Tip-Out Questions
First, pole tricks: they tend to only consistently be important in stage-centric clubs. King of Diamonds in Miami is like the Hollywood equivalent of stage-centric clubs, but in many urban clubs & in places that are strictly no-contact like Washington DC they can also come in handy. I always focused on the pole bc I am also shy, dislike the raunchier stageside antics, & found upside down leg-hangs easier than walking in those monster heels when I started. They are certainly attention-getters, but in general not big $$-makers. If you are really good you can use your pole skills as an ice-breaker when sitting w/ an impressed customer.
Tipping policies will depend on the culture of a particular club. Sm places require that you tip all the staff a minimum, others just certain staff, etc. This is smtg to specifically ask a mgr tho, not one of the other dancers, since if she has a beef w/ a particular staff member & tells you not to tip them, you can get drawn into their individual mess.
I have found it can also depend on the individual you're trying to tip. For example, I got in the habit of bringing bagels or cookies for the bouncers, for nites when I did so poorly I couldn't tip them. At one club where I did this, tipping them was not required so most girls didn't, even tho these guys actually did their jobs. One of those bouncers became a good (work) friend & he would adamantly refuse my $$ at the end of the nite, all he wanted was his cookies! Guys like him are rare in this industry, tho.
Re: Pole Tricks + Tip-Out Questions
I can vouch for DC. They are well versed in pole dancing. One girl even climbed so far up that she was hanging from the rafters dancing.
Re: Pole Tricks + Tip-Out Questions
Short answer on pole tricks is no, there isn't money to be made in them. Aniela highlighted the fact that they're only necessary in urban or otherwise stage-centric clubs, but in your run of the mill strip club, no, they will not make you money. Sure, you might get a tip here and there, but the vast majority of your earnings come from dances/VIP/CR.
In fact, they may take AWAY from your money if you're focusing so much on doing your tricks on stage that you're not paying attention to who is watching you or otherwise trying to build rapport from the stage. I mean, go ahead and "show off" your tricks on stage, but the bread and butter of stripping is really in what happens "between pole sets."
In many cases, it's in your best interest to NOT go on stage if you have the option, since the money you make in stage tips is negligible compared to what you could make on the floor. I just really want to get in your head that stripping =/= money from pole tricks. Your pole tricks will not make for a second income, so if that is your main interest in stripping, don't bother wasting your money on house fees and just buy a pole for your home instead.
As for tips outs.. Although there is rarely, if ever, a formal "orientation," management still walks you through what's expected when they hire you -- including tip outs. Everyone wants their cut, so I assure you that if you are supposed to be giving someone money, you will know! Not all clubs require tip outs either, or at least not to everyone, just as a heads up. Sometimes you pay your fee and just tip as you wish -- so, if someone helps you make money, give them a cut. Even if there is a mandatory tip out, if someone helps you make money, make sure they get a piece to encourage them to help you out in the future!
Re: Pole Tricks + Tip-Out Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
willow99
I just wanted to ask, is there any money to be made in pole tricks? I am interested in dancing as a 2nd income (already have a full time day job) and I've been taking pole classes for fun and fitness for 6 months, so I'm particularly excited about showing off my skills.
Contrary to what a lot may say, I think pole skills are great to have. I have made money off of knowing pole tricks (getting rained on) and it also helps draw attention to me on stage if I work in clubs where most girls don't know them. It's also a great exercise.
It's not necessary in certain clubs, like big upscale chain clubs where you can pay extra to get off stage and some of those clubs don't even have poles on their main stages to begin with. But in other clubs I'd say it's a great skill to have. It also helps to know them if you ever feel like working in more urban or mixed clubs where many girls have skills.
My only issue is that when I see girls do pole tricks many of them stop making eye contact from customers or don't smile, or they don't point their toes (my pet peeve) or their transitions are choppy. It's a learning process and is for me as well, I'm always up for learning new moves but if you learn how to have fluid in your movements, look and smile at customers, and look like you're having fun on the stage, it will help you.
Re: Pole Tricks + Tip-Out Questions
Kinda like being able to tie a cherry stem with your tongue: impressive but not very useful for day to day club activity. If you're doing it for your own sake have at it. Just don't rely solely on pole tricks for survival.
Re: Pole Tricks + Tip-Out Questions
I've found that customers generally aren't motivated to tip for pole tricks *unless* you are putting on a freaking circus-worthy performance.
Re: Pole Tricks + Tip-Out Questions
I agree that pole tricks don't make much money unless the club you're at is all about stage shows. As for the tip out, if you don't get a clear cut answer from management, you can always ask one of the other ladies. I'm a veteran dancer and will help new girls when I can.
Re: Pole Tricks + Tip-Out Questions
I'm *in love* with pole tricks and it is the best work out I've ever had. It's so much fun and it can draw attention to you, however, like the others said it's not the money maker. A lot of people have this misconception that strippers make all their money from $1's being thrown on the stage. In fact (depending on how many girls there are at your club) you will only go on stage maybe once an hour or so, for maybe 2 songs. So even if you get rained on, it's not much. The most I've ever made from a single stage set was about $60-which barely covers my house fee. You should definitely do pole tricks if you enjoy it, but don't expect to make money from it lol
As far as tip outs, they will let you know. Trust me. Every club I've worked at required a minimum tip out to the DJ and house mom (if there is one.) After that usually floor hosts or bouncers that helped you out will expect a tip. Valet (if you club has them) expects a tip. Some clubs just take a % of your earnings for the night for a general "staff tip." They'll tell you about it when they hire you.
Re: Pole Tricks + Tip-Out Questions
Pole tricks don't directly make you money, but they certainly don't hurt your money, either. Your stage show is like your advertizement for private dances. If you can get the attention of the customers while you are on stage, it is easier to close the sale when you are at their table.
Don't worry about tip out. Trust me when I say, those who are working for your tips will inform you that they need to be tipped. It will feel confusing for the first couple of days, but then you'll get used to finding the right people and tipping appropriately. Try to tip early on in your shift. Handing over wads of cash at the end of the shift always makes me depressed. I'd rather get my minimum tips paid out first, then tip additional if I've had a really good day. This has trained staff to come look for me when a big spender is in the house. The repetitive tipping keeps me top-of-mind.
Re: Pole Tricks + Tip-Out Questions
You should look into professional pole performing/competitions in addition to considering dancing! It's true that pole tricks are not, generally, the focus of stripping. If all you want to do is just stage shows, I don't think the club is going to be the right venue for you.
Maybe get a home pole, put some videos on YouTube, network with other pole studios, and see what happens.
Re: Pole Tricks + Tip-Out Questions
I think most men are much more impressed (turned on) by flexibility than strength so if you want to focus on something I would suggest stretching rather than pole tricks. I think that pole tricks impress other dancers, customers don't seem to care that much.
Re: Pole Tricks + Tip-Out Questions
Pole tricks can get attention.. I will usually do one or two impressive tricks on first stage.. but I have consistently found that over exerting myself on the pole kills my hustle..
Re: Pole Tricks + Tip-Out Questions
I do a simple spin and twirl here and there and land in the splits but thats the most pole work I ever do on stage. Stage dancing is advertisement for you.
I think what guys tend to look for, is to get a preview of what your lap dances will be like. Climbing up and down a pole doesnt always translate as sexy to them.
Tricks will only really work in a stage focused clubs.