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Background Checks
Hi all-
I have always wanted to strip and at 27 I figure my time is running out. My biggest concern is that I do a lot of volunteer work that requires background checks (hospital/church) and if working in a strip club came up I would be removed from these positions. I have a day job and am not looking for a career change, I just always have seen strippers as so full of sensuality and self confidence and want to see if I have that inside me too. I love all forms of dance, especially belly dancing, and think I could have some fun at least for the summer. Does anyone know if this will turn up on a background check? What paperwork is necessary to work? I do plan on paying taxes (if I don't fall on my butt the first night!). I would be working in Dallas if that matters at all.
Thanks,
Sara
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Re: Background Checks
no one will know that you're a dancer unless they see you
so don't dance near where you work. (i think that's what you were referring to by background check):thinking:
a background check usually means your criminal history.
the means of employment in this business are usually very discreet.
I doubt it will ever effect your "other" life
just don't tell anyone
good for you to pay taxes.
the position that you will be claiming is "entertainer" so that could be a clown at childrens parties for anyone elses concern.;)
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Re: Background Checks
As far as I know, it would be very hard for someone to discover your "hobby" unless you list your job somewhere. If you are an independent contractor (which you are at most clubs) - then you are responsible for claiming this income. Some clubs will issue a 1099 for misc. income and that form would be attached to your income tax form.
In this case, a job that required you to submit copies of your tax forms, could be privy to this information. The only examples of this that I can think of is if you run for public office, or you are applying for financial aid or some scholarships. Can anyone think of other ones?
The employment listed on your credit report comes from the information you list when applying for credit. In your case, you would not be listing this job.
I can tell you that in Atlanta, you have to have a permit that you get from the police station. In some cities (or juridisctions) in the area, you also must be fingerprinted.
When I applied to take the Bar Exam, I also had to be fingerprinted and run through the FBI data bank. I had listed on my Bar App that I was "Self Employed" in Entertainment and Consulting (true) during the time that I danced. I can tell you that the smallest discrepancy on these things raise major red flags. They check everything, they call people, etc. Nada. Pass with flying colors.
That said, they may well know that I danced, but that is not illegal and I did not lie about it - so not a problem.
I guess my point is this - not very likely that any private background check will reveal that you are dancing or have ever danced.
BUT - here is the Caveat -
Strip clubs do sometimes get raided. Usually they come in, check for minors, ATF violations, vice violations, and check to make sure no one has warrants. However, on very rare occasions, they haul in everyone and sort it out later.
In my opinion, that is the risk you face in your situation. If you do decide to dance, you should have a "cover story" ready if ever caught in the wrong place at the wrong time - ex. you make costumes, you are starting a volunteer program, rescuing a relative, whatever works for you!
I would be interested in hearing if anyone has ever been "outted" by anything but someone physically coming into the club.
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Re: Background Checks
Most "background checks" just consist of a credit and criminal check, so like JD said, the only risk you run is if you get paychecks from Bobbie's House of Titties and Buttcheeks (which you won't, since we don't get paid, and if you did, the club would have a company name like Bobbie's Tool and Die) or if you are arrested and found guilty of a sex offense.
This might matter in Dallas since I do know that raids occasionally happen there. Work in a good clean club and have a lawyer's number in the unlikely chance that it ever happens to you--don't plead guilty to anything! Not to scare you; I don't think the chances of this happening are very big. Arresting strippers really doesn't get a lot of votes.
I've never heard of anyone being outed this way. I've only heard of girls being outed by A) seeing someone they know in the club or B) trusting the wrong person to keep it a secret.
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Re: Background Checks
Two may keep a secret, if one is dead. Expect anything you do to eventually become public knowledge, because it will. Decide what is more important....dancing, volounteering, or taking the risk.