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Where will dancing take you?
I have a question for everyone. What are your goals for after dancing? What do you do now to invest your $$ for the future? Any entrepeneurs out there? Homeowners? How about students, what are you guys studying?
Personally I am a part-time student but have yet to decide what major. (Also single mom) I am always looking into ways to invest my dancing $$. I'm trying to buy some real estate..... I would love to hear some general feedback!
Happy holidays...
;)
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
Here's a few of my current "speculative" investments ...
actual one ounce gold bars ( up from $270 an ounce to $345 so far )
gold and silver mining company stocks - GG , PAAS , SLGLF to name a few (most of these up 40%+ in 2002)
converted money market US$ to Euros at (so far the account is collecting 3% Swiss government guaranteed interest plus 10%+ exchange rate gains)
lots of the business "buzz" says that the high real estate prices could suddenly collapse if/when enough people lose their jobs and stop making mortgage payments that banks start to foreclose. There is already a shortage of "qualified buyers" since banks have tightened up their standards in the way of income and down payment money for people to be eligible for new mortgages. In some regions the real estate values are already falling because some major employers have closed up shop leaving 1/2 the town out of work.
If you need a place to live, by all means buy yourself a home. But if you're buying a second home as an investment, that investment is a whole lot riskier than it used to be!
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
I see dancing for me only for a couple more years, if that. It has kept me in great shape, and i made great money..i have invested in some Dot Coms that crashed. But have a few investments in a couple Cd's, IRA and Motorola, Lucent, microsoft. a few Gov't. bonds. I lost alot investing, so i slowed down some. I own this home and have 1 roomie, a guy. I live in Florida and the equity in my home has gone up greatly.
So after dancing, i plan on going back to my regular (boring job) Business Management which i have a bachelor of arts degree. thinking of pursuing my MBA. Phone sex, has my extra kinky benefits, that i don't see stopping for at least 10 years or so.
Dancing has not been my career, just good quick money, and lots of fun with people. However i do take it as a job, and a very serious one at that. Pamela
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
Hopefully, dancing will take me (somewhat) out of debt. If there's one bit of advice I could give a young person, dancer or not, STAY AWAY FROM CREDIT CARDS. They're evil.
The primary goal is to further my career switch. When I graduated from college I didn't really have any direction. I had a series of crappy corporate jobs that I hated. 2 years ago I decided to take a jewelry/metalsmithing class just for something to do, and I was instantly hooked. For the first time I felt passionate about something and wanted to pursue it singlemindedly. My goal now is to take it from a hobby to a full-time profession. The flexibility of dancing is ideal, and the money goes a long way to pay for materials, which are not cheap. Melonie, you were wise to invest in gold. Everytime I place an order with Hoover and Strong, the price has gone up another $10-15.
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
I have a BA and MA in Education. I'm using dancing to fund another degree in Business. I'm one of those types who actually LOVES school. I've always been very book smart and a good test taker, and I prefer being a student to being the teacher.
I will probably go back to teaching elementary school at some point in my life, but I'd like to open a Pilates studio here in AZ too. I'm hoping I can get the studio up and running, then hire a manager to do all the work!
As for investing, I've decided that I need to start doing that. I've been in the "Pay off Bills first" mindset for the past 2 years.....they're not paid off yet. Unfortunately, I've found that the more I make the more I spend. So instead of putting all my eggs into the "Bills" basket; I'm going to start investing at the same time.
Britney
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
Yes, paying off bills, especially high interest bills such as credit card balances, overdue utility and other bills that add late charges, a conventional auto loan (particularly a used car loan) gives you the fastest payback on your investment. The secret is discipline, pure and simple. Sure I could afford a new dress or a new car for that matter, but I always ask myself before spending money on anything from a new costume to a new car ... "do I really need this?" - "what will it cost me if I DON'T buy it?" - "what will it cost me if I DO buy it?".
Once back bills are paid off, the next area to concentrate on is saving for and buying things that you DO need - and the big three are a house, a car and an "emergency fund" bank account. I wrote an article a while ago about this very subject. You can still find it at if you're interested.
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
Almost everyone here wrote that they'd be leaving the profession because I think we all understand stripping is something we're not particularly proud of. Well, that's the way I feel anyhow. I keep telling myself that I'll be leaving the profession, but some reason or another I don't think I will be. I tell everyone the same thing that I'll be leaving after I get enough money to do whatever, but it never happens. Anyone else kidding themselves?
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
Hi Carrie,
oh no way! Dancing for me is not going to be a carreer! How can it? I won't retire at 65 with benefits. I am going to be 33 in March, and i have been dancing a loooong time. Alot of girls chose quick money to put them selves through college, and this is it! Legal, own hours, and your an IC. (well thats how most of the clubs work, work when you want, stay clean.) And i gues some peope can become accustomed to the money and that makes it hard to leave, but burnout hits me from time to time, and i see myself working less hours over 2 years, or picking a certain club that i feel like dancing at on a certain night.
I can thank dancing for alot that i own. And for helping me how to get myself out of a situation were i can act like an adult. Dancing has many benefits when it comes to people skills, it teaches you. Kinda...Sink or swim.
But i am not fooling myself. I chose to move on in a couple of years im sure. Now i also work at a hospital, that is a some would call a "real job," Very PT, i have the best medical benefits and that is why i stay. And with dancing, i love the money, my regulars, and showing off my body for money....a real self esteem booster!!!!
I am almost set, to move on! (phone sex i will probably never stop ,lol.) Thats my story, sorry so long. Its all about choices. OH...almost forgot, i am proud of dancing, my parents know, friends, and co-workers at the hospital! I hide it from no one. Why should i am an adult!!! Even lost a BF of 4 years because of my 2 sex jobs. Now i made a choice there! And proud of it. Would dancing go on an application....seriously, let me think about that! If it did i would explain why.
Pamela :)
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
I plan on retiring on December 31st, 2004 - exactly two years away! At that point I will be SET FOR LIFE financially, and able to pursue whatever I choose without worrying how bills will get paid! Not a bad accomplishment for 10 years in the business ... And yes I plan on a breast reduction to a more manageable size - say down to FF cups!
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
I notice how some are confusing the word career with lifetime responsibility to one profession - the average person changes their career 7 times in a lifetime! I DID make this my career, unabashedly too I might add. This does not mean I tend to "dance/perform" until I am 65 for crying out loud! WHo could? I left a decent government job, benefits retirement crap etc BECAUSE of the freedom and dollars this "career" can provide. It is very difficult for a woman even with a decent education and various degrees to make it on her own with some life left over to live between work hours. We also have something else to consider and that is the career of a mother sometime inside our live's timeline. This "career" can give us the headstart we all need to get ahead to relax later and leisurely choose our next path. I own my own home, (had 2 sold one) vehicle and have a decent nestegg in investments...the independence is immensely gratifying. You can not place a value on that. I have seen much of the world because of dancing, not only working overseas but even on my own chosen timeline (again that freedom I mentioned) have went away for an average of a month at a time to see exotic locales I never would have had the opportunity to-- working a 9-5 on a womans salary. If I could do it all over? I would in a heart beat - infact I just would have done it sooner! LOL!
My parents know, they werent happy at first - understatement but as soon as they saw the difference in my level of responsibility ie. home purchases, investments, independance and personal growth that comes from this unique experince as a dancer, they relaxed and support me 100%. Mind you, I feature, and it is a slightly more responsible position, I prefer the structure and guaranteed pay at weeks end, but that was my choice. ALthough I occassionally table dance, this money is good too but sporadic. In any event, you CAN do this job and hold your head high - as long as you can look yourself in the mirror every morning IN THE EYE and feel comfortable with your choices, we all know right and wrong good and bad and can govern ourselves accordingly. For ten years I held myself to this personal agreement NOT to do anything I didnt want to do or felt improper about and I have respect for myself and it shows. I cant control anything but myself in this industry - and me myself and I have rolled along quite smoothly.
SO! "where will dancing take you"? It has taken me down a path I will never regret and taught me so much about life and people and cultures and especially how much I care about myself. I am a better person for it. I know when I step off that stage - I can go anywhere, do anything, because I met the biggest challenge of my life. Everything else will be easy street!
I wish this for everyone in our industry - it can make or break you - I took it head on, and lived to tell!
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
Wow, thank you guys! This is great feedback. I love this website. It's so nice to be able to pick your brains! Damn, you are some smart ladies!
xxx ooo
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
I am getting my master in Accounting, I love math. But I also would like to dance professional and model. I take care of my twins. I have fun be an exotic dancer. I love the attention. It is not a career choice of mines. ;D
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
Dancing has taken me to the depths of my soul and back many many times. Dancing has allowed me the freedom that no other career ever could. Dancing has helped me evolve into a compassionate (mostly!) person, a strong person and a confident person. It has allowed me to meet people from every imaginable profession and to know some of them intimately. It brought me a husband and a divorce. the best friend I"ve ever had. spiritual epiphanies. Oneness with the universe. wealth and poverty. perspective. Political activism. sexual gratification. love.
I regret not a second of it.
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
dancing has taken me places i have never dreamed possible...torch decribes it perfectly so i wont repeat what she's already said...it has let me work flexible hours to be with my young son and let us live pretty comfortably..i dont have a lot saved although i know i should, but next year when my son is in school all day i want to go back to school and be a counsellor..since thats basically what i do now, i could just be legitimate...besides my son is getting older...i would like to be able to go into the club just for gravy and not for a regular living...although i love the atmosphere and staff of the bar i work at so im sure i'd miss it
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
I have danced since the late 80's and being an entertainer of color and in the beginning being with an asshole guy slowed my progress down a lot. I managed to buy 2 homes in upper income neighborhoods and saved a little over $20,000 in cash at one time but could have done better.
At 34 now, I plan on about a year and a half more of dancing as my fiance has some other businesses and holdings that my dancing I hope will advance so we don't have to worry about working a traditional job again.
It is hard for me to save large amounts of money in todays market as you know because there are more dancers than BIG SPENDING customers.
The positives of dancing include being able to travel the country and get work in most cities within a week and get cash money daily plus in many clubs work whenever or as much as you want. Young dancers today just need to worry less about family opinions, keep debt to a minimum and save as much money as possible while studying creative investing so you don't have to work a traditional job when dancing ends.
If I knew what I know now 10 years ago and if the racial climate for ethnic dancers were better I would have worked in better clubs and accomplished more than I did.
Dancing definately beats a mainstream job. It's just important to avoid the drugs, smoking, and heavy drinking that many dancers get caught up in working in the clubs and treat dancing as you would an 8-5 job putting in 40 hours a week and saving money.
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
dancing is a step stone for me. im currently pursuing a veterinarian degree. cudos to all the girls who realize that there's a time where you'll need to hang your shoes up and do something else. i think its great that you ladies are preparing and thinking ahead. grats and good luck..
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
i want to make better choices with my $.
i want to get a degree maybe computer oriented.
dancing will be part time for me. i like to travel too. dancing can be a way to do that.
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
Well I am a full time student pursuing a computer engineering degree. I just happen to love dancing. I guess I am an excebitionist. The money is great and right now I have absolutely no debt. I paid them off within the first two weeks of me dancing. Plus it's nice to save for the future.
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
I started dancing after a divorce and after being fired (yet again) from a corporate job.
I didn't mean to get into it full time, but I ran out of cash and had many bills due, so I entered an ameture contest, and won first prize $100 plus about $50 in tips and as many drinks as I wanted. This certainly wasn't huge money, but I was taking home about $1400 a month after taxes, so I would have to work almost half a week to earn what I earned at that contest (say 2 hours total).
What happened after that is that I discovered I really enjoyed dancing, and started doing it until I found a "real" job that suited my needs. After my first full week of dancing I bought a used car cash (I had no car before dancing), and was able to pay all of my current bills for that week.
After about 2 years dancing I was able to pay off all of my back debt (about $30,000.00 left over from the bad marriage and worse divorce), buy a new car, move into a nice neighborhood, and take a couple of nice vacations a year.
Shortly after what I call my "high" point in my dancing career, the stock market started to slip and totally crashed by January 2001. My earnings were also slipping even though I was working harder and longer, but earning less money than in months and years past. So I continued to dance, but learned to live more frugally to make up for the drop in income. Then the double whammy of the 9-11 attacks and another huge drop in the stock market with situations like the Enron scandal, and I am almost better off working at a mall job most nights. I don't feel like I have lost my edge, I just think the fact that not very many guys are coming out to the clubs anymore, and who can blame them? Desperate girls scamming, lying, sometimes begging, sometimes stealing, and prostituting themselves makes it very uncomfortable for the nice guys. And even if the nice guys are doing well financially, their last visit to the club may have left a bad taste in their mouth.
Where will dancing take me? Well, it is taking me far and wide these days, as there isn't much cash in these Oregon clubs. I am traveling to the places where good money can still be had, and I have my eye on Western Europe as well as the South Pacific and the Carribbean for good future earning potential. I don't want to turn feature because I don't want to make porn movies or be in porno magazines. I also don't want to give up half of my booking fees to the agencies.
I am currently building a custom home in an upper scale neighborhood. Interest rates are too low for me to ignore, so I took the plunge. I should be ready to move in by May at the latest. I am hoping to keep dancing for a little while longer (maybe 5 years with plastic surgery) until my late thirties. In the mean time I will continue to take college classes when I can, and keep traveling to the places where there is still good money, low contact, low fees and/or pay outs, and on that special rare occasion, a wage paid by the club to the dancers.
The economy is making a turn around, and I will also be promoting myself for bachelor parties and strip-o-gram services. In the future I would love to manage Male exotic dancers, for either public exhibitions (pun intended) or private parties or both. I would tap the gay market as well as the ladies reviews, because that is one huge untapped resource (maybe).
I love working in the adult entertainment industry, and wish to continue to do so as long as I can, and this all started for me on a whim...
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
2 Years of college under my belt, with plans to continue. Double majors of communications and English, with dual minors of humanities and rhetoric. Currently onhiatus from school while going through red tape in Canada.
Personal goals: Marriage to my honey, within the year. A few more babies. Mortgage. Dogs. Not too sure about the woody-station-wagon, but anyway.... Nest egg in the bank.
Career goals: Some real toss-ups here. My preliminary choices are: Stay At Home Soccer Mom. Investigative journalist for a radical left-wing publication. Family-law attorney specializing in child advocacy. Bill Gates's successor. Global Domination. Some of these are obviously more feasible than others.
McCain
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
Where will dancing take (me)?
Straight to the poor-house, it appears. ::)
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
So far dancing has paid for my bachlor's and kept the bills paid. Now I find, after a 2 year retirement, I am once again donning my stilleto's.
I have a great day job, as does my fiancee, but we would like to buy a nice house and be able to put the 2 children we are planning through college. I don't think I could stand living paycheck to paycheck, or being in debt that badly. Guess I was spoiled by dancing.
Anyway, dancing is a weekend thing for the next 2 or 3 years. However long it takes to get the money for a house plus a nestegg.
Oh, and I decided before I started dancing, what I would and would not do. (I do no extra's of any kind.) I have stuck with it and have no trouble looking in the mirror each morning and no embarassment over my job.
Jasmine
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
This is an interesting thread. I don't think I'm alone in staying in dancing longer than I initially had planned. Are there other women here that find themselves "trapped" because you found the money addictive?
When I first started 9 months ago, it was as a second job to get out of debt. Now I'm very close to getting to that point (I'm so proud of myself for that!) but I still want to do it on weekends because the money is so great. I essentially double my income working an extra 15 hours a week and it's hard for me to justify giving one job up and it being the easy one. I don't see myself stopping anytime soon even though I know I've got to have an exit plan. This job has put a lot of stress on my personal relationships.
When do you know it's time to hang up your shoes?
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
When its *time* to hang up your shoes....hmmmm.
Anytime is a good time and so is never! HAHHA.
I think it is a really personal choice not governed by a time limit or such.
I for one am watching the industry evolve in to full scale sex establishments so I for one am planning my exit shortly.
I do NOT do extras, stuff dildos, suck or fuck or jerk off and if thats whats becoming the norm' then I am done like dinner baby, cuz there AINT enough money to justify selling my soul.
JUST MY OPINION. So no retaliation please...
Although as a feature, I do not table dance, and exempt from the exposure to that pressure.
When I do table dance very very occasionally, I pick a high turnover customer bar, tourists and the like, busy enough to "one dance" them to death. I take them for a dance - they proposition I decline, NEXT! On and on till I make some benjamins and I split.
Cant do that often, cant be a house girl and do that without them getting wise but I use the "fresh face" in a club to my full advantage.
Toronto has a lot of clubs so this is pretty easy to pull off.
I can see how many clean girls are so fustrated by the dirty ones fucking up the program.
Again I haven't said this enough?
I wish the prostitutes would work call services or the streets.
Leave the clubs they way they were.
again just my opinion.
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Re: Where will dancing take you?
This is my first post. I have to say, I really love this website. The articles and posts from some extremely intelligent women have helped me so much. I am 21 and have been dancing for 3 years. It was not until recently that I started saving, and putting my money to use. In a month, I will be opening a high-end, modern furniture store. I will continue to dance part time, because I have some great customers, it can be tons of fun, and the money is good. Stripping has opened up a lot of doors for me. I do not know where I would be if I had never started. I would definately have fewer options.