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first night... newbies please read.
Hey girls. so i finally worked my first night. Made $309 in six hours. It was easier to sell dances than i thought. Thanks to SW I knew to ask "do you wanna keep going for another?" right at the end of a lapdance. That in and of itself I feel doubled my earnings because most of the guys were repeat buyers!
Nothing... and I mean NOTHING could have prepared me for how tired I was at the end of the night. My big toe on my left foot and the one next to it are numb. I didnt realize i'd have to go up on stage so much. My legs felt like they were going to give out when i gave multiple dances, esp after coming straight down off of the stage. I know it will get better.... but tell my body that. I woke up with chills from the exhaustion and felt like i had a hangover. BUT i did not drink a drop last night, except for water. From reading on here, I made my decision to be one of those dancers that does not drink alcohol on the job. I've heard someone on here say that after such and such many years of dancing they felt like their body had gone through a meat grinder. That holds all new meaning to me after the first night. THe audition is no sweat compared to surviving a night physically. I regret that i quit working out two months before dancing for the endurance alone. somehow i thought i could walk in and be super stripper because i wanted it so badly, but i was stuck within the limits of what my body could do. Just trying to give a realistic picture of the first night. Please tell me it gets better. it felt like hell.
I've already felt like i've gotten lied to. They say I"m supposed to show up for Amateur Night tomorrow night. I dont want to go. When i was hired as an independent contractor, they told me that i did not have a set schedule, and to show up when i wanted to work. It was suggested that i work 4 nights a week. So... i figured that them telling us we had to show up amateur night was more like a "suggestion" than a mandatory thing that if you dont do it you'll be fired. The terms of my contract also state that either I or the people I work for can terminate the contract at any time for any reason without notice. Then i asked another dancer when we were on our way out to our cars if that was a suggestion or mandatory... and she said oh no... you DO have to be here. We all have to be here. Great. THey say you cant trust anyone in this business. So who do i believe? I just feel so lost. I dont know if i can physically endure tonight without injury to my body. It was nearly too much last night, but I got through on adrenaline if nothing else.
The money is strange. I made my portion of the rent last night. Its sitting here on my desk in a perfect wad, and I dont care about it. i'm too tired. it doesnt mean anything to me right now. i did NOT expect this. It strange what happens to you psychologically throughout the night--desire for money vs. your will and your body. My body won. You wont know it until you do it. strange.:-\
I really need some encouragement.
I hope this helps with giving a realistic picture of what to expect.
Good luck and $ to all of you ladies, and especially all of the recent first-nighters.
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
I dunno if it gets better or not, as I do not have the guts to be doing what you are doing. But if it helps at all, I admire it. I am glad that SW helped you, and I am glad that you are posting your experiences to help those of us who are still in the planning-stages. ^_^
As for the Amature Night, I would probably call up your work and ask to speak with a manager or housemom or something. Find out from the Head Honchos whether or not it is mandatory instead of listening to another girl or just relying on hope.
I've heard it's tough. But hey, eventually your body will adjust to the strain being put on it. It will adapt, and it should get a bit easier. Just have to wait it out, stretch before dancing, and take it easy on your days off.
But hey, I'm just repeating what I've heard. I don't dance, so I don't know how it feels. I hope it gets better for you though.
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
hi Paintgodess,
I read your posting today and I think that you are a beautiful writer...You are a strong woman...so don`t take any crap from people who don`t honor the writes of your contract.
My name is Nicole, I live in Canada and and I`m going to Miami to visit my friend who is a dancer. I`m also going to try out dancing for a while to make money to be able to finance my education. I never thought that I would do something like this but it`s a good way to make a lot of money in a short period of time. I`m scared though that Im going to wast all my money by going there and not be able to make the money i think ill be making. Do you know of the dollhouse strip club in Miami FL?? that`s the club where my friend works at?
Goodluck with your dancing....and always put yourself first!:)
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
oh yeah and what nationality are you if you don`t mind me asking
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
As for the body in a meat grinder feeling ,....after a week or so youre body will feel better and be able to sustain such physical hardship.
Sounds like you did great on your 1st night! Keep up the good attitude and that will help alot.
*My suggestion is Arnica gell rub it on your bruises and knees..anywhere that hurts. It doesnt smell or is greasy either.
*Eat a small portion of red meat; its good for bruising because the iron in it helps alot.
*Eat healthy...crappy food ..crappy body...good food...happy body.
*Just observe people as you walk around and make your rounds. If certain employees seem shady most likely they are.
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
The exhaustion and muscle pain goes away. The morning after my first night, I couldn't walk because my knees wouldn't hold me up. You find muscles you never knew you had! But after a couple nights, they get stronger and you don't hurt anymore.
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
hehehehehehehh great news!!!!!!!!
AWSOME FIRST NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!
Like some have said,it gets better in a week or two.
great choice about the water only,own your career!
I would say to go in for the ammy contest,even if you only do "light duty"and use a slow hustle all night long.
Best of luck!!!!
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
I never thought I'd make it through the first month of stripping but now it's been over a year and I can't imagine doing anything else right now.
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
Hi there. YOu sound like me. I had my first night last Sunday and made $351. I got up the next morning exhausted and hurt so bad especially my thigh muscles. But after 3 days I got much better now. I think it will be better and your body will get used to it soon. GOod luck!
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
At my club they make you work a schedule for the first few weeks, with 1 mandatory shift (ours is amateur night as well). After you have proven to be a reliable dancer who wants to work there, you can come and go as you please (6 hour minumum). So don't feel like you've been lied to, both clubs I've worked at held me to a schedule for at least 2 weeks.
The soreness will get better, but not immediately. Try on a variety of shoes because some are definitely more comfortable than others. I (along with most of my dancer friends) wear the slip-on 7 inch heels made by Pleaser. Look 'em up, I swear I could do aerobics in my shoes, they are soooo comfy, and not too expensive.
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
Being an independent contractor gives you some freedom. Most clubs don't have a problem with you taking it easy if you so desire, esp. if they require you to work specific shifts. Some, though, will push and nag you to keep moving, keep asking, just check w/ mgmt or the other girls. There are days at my club that I refer to as "sacrifices" I work them to keep my schedule and avoid an extra charge. Those days I tend to just chill and not worry about money too much, knowing it is best to rest a little because it will make me more $$ in the long run. In this club though, they just take a portion of your dances plus $10 shift fee after four, not a set fee for the night.
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
If you are just muscle sore (like a major workout) and not injured sore (sprained ankle or something), then just push through the pain. The more you move the better you'll feel through the night.
Drink twice the amount of water you would in a normal day. You are sweating and dancing and moving all night long. You are probably partly so tired because of dehydration. Ibuprofin or acedaminonphen are good to get you feeling better long enough to get you moving.
Yeah, the paperwork says one thing, but the real rules are usually a bit different. Until you have proven yourself a valuable dancer to the club, just comply with the "rules". After a couple of months you'll be able to goof off, show up late, skip shifts or come in when you're not scheduled. But you won't be cut any slack if you behave like this before you are considered "one of the gang". If you are still getting "talked to" about schedules or whatever, you aren't "one of the gang" yet. You'll know it when you are in.
Vitamins that will help you heal your muscles and bruises are: Bromalain, glucosamine, Glutamine and eat extra protien. I like to have shakes and smoothies with a couple of scoops of protien added. Foods that will help you feel better: Ben and Jerry's Chubby Hubby (JK }:D), Fuji water, Evian water (both contain silica from natural sources which helps in tissue repair), Pineapple, cottage cheese, tofu, soy milk, lots of dark green veggies, Vitamin C rich fruits (oranges, grapefruit, melon, strawberries), Tuna, Salmon and other fish for extra healthy protien.
Epson salt baths after work are heavenly! Also be ready to visit the chiropractor, massage therapist, personal trainer, accupunctureist, and the day spa for pampering treats that feel great!
Keep a Gatorade or Powerade in your car or locker for after work. You will have sweated out a lot of your electrolites and will need extra hydration and carbs. This will get you healing right away if you add Glutamine to your sports drink. Also works with 100% fruit juice. Aviod soft drinks as they will dehydrate you even more.
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
lol.. i totally feel your pain, i remember my first night, damn! i felt messed up .. but i now work out more or less everyday that helps, going for long jogs every morning helps alot too.. also swimming is quite a good exercise as that exercises every muscle in ur body.. eat loads of fruit..i tend to drink alot of redbull ( addict! lol ) and water..that gives me loads of energy.. also sometimes at home when im dancing ( ordinary dancing to fav music .. ) i'll put on a pair of my shoes .. that kinda helps ( maybe im the only one that does this?)
but ur body will adapt soon.. try work out as much as possible ..
as for shifts .. ive been with my club a while now.. ive got loads of regulars and i make good money compared to alot of other dancers across the uk.. i can basically come and go as i please .. but paris is right, dont jump the gun before ur in.. management dont tend to like that neither do the other girls.. although u dont want to be ' the girl next door ' u need to respect the other dancers if u want to get in with them.. there is no point in making enemies early on ...
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
i am really happy that you've decided not to drink on the job! kuddos! i've know girls who have gone in there totally straight, and come out coke heads or alcoholics. stick to your guns and you'll make money for the reasons you started dancing for. it must be really tuff some nights... even as a waitress i've found myself having a couple shots when it gets really hard. it sounds like you did awsome! :)
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
HEY! how amazing! - congrats and keep at it! i am going for my first shift ever ever today at 1:45 - i guess it will be slow ... so i can get used to things ... you've helped me tremendously by sharing your experiance ... (i forgot i hadn't worked out in a long time and that dancing for 5 hours might tire me ... super stripper complex!) opps!
the part about your body , your will and your mind ... i can relate to that, i think it will be a challenge for me to keep my goal in mind and let that keep my motivated , but darling! TELL ME YOU HAD SOME FUN? i won't be able to do it - it its ansolutely no fuN.
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
-Don't forget to stretch your body before and after your shift.
-Definitely take vitamin C, it helps with many things. I carry Emergen-C packets with me and take one whenever I feel run-down. If you haven't seen them, they're vitamin C (plus other stuff like B vitamins and minerals) in a powder form, and you mix it up with a little water.
-Like others said, try arnica for sore muscles. I also like to use Tiger Balm sometimes.
-Keep drinking that water, and make sure you're drinking enough.
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
I'm sorry your first night was hard. I'm scared that will happen to me and that I won't like it. Not trusting anyone is a good idea. If they told me to come I'd show up.
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
Be good to your body. Drink a lot of water. Especially during your shift. Maybe even take some vitamin C (or drink orange juice) and drink milk (or take protein supplements). You have a strong will. Just be sure to put some commitment into this field and don't be afraid to talk to your superiors if you have a concern. You are a person with needs and a boss that doesn't have any consideration for them isn't worth your time or money.
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
I just read your article and if i were you I would be ectastic that my first shift was out the way looking forward to getting fit, having some fun and earning the $$$. Congrats girl. I bet your body feels better now. Anyway goodluck for the future and thanks for the inspiration as I start next week!
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
Wicked awesome! $309 in six hours, wow, and doubled earnings... even better!
I like to use questions that set me up for a yes please, like "do you want another lap dance now or later?" even though I've only stripped at parties at some of my friends have ask me to work for them, nothing big like a club... yet.
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
i've been doing it for 3 months and i just recently started getting horribly sore again. i do more stage time at the club im at now compared to my first club, but fewer lap dances. im covered in bruises, my knees hurt all the time, and a lot of the time, even mid week (i only work thurs-sat), my entire body feels so sore. i dont get it! i was like this for my first week dancing and then it stopped but now its starting again.. what should i do?
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
Tonight i have a meeting with the owner of the club i went to the other night. He called me and asked me to come in around 10. I have read through many of the thread but what should i expect?
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
My toes were numb the firswt coudple times I danced too.... That makes me relieved that I'm not the only one!
I was so tired my first night I kept on thinking I was going to throw up from exhaustion(sp?)
Great decition not to drink. I am yet to drink anything but redbull or water and I'm glad I made that decition.
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
Holy crap! I thought BigGreenMnM was back, but it's just an old thread.
Still a good read for the Newbie section.
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Re: first night... newbies please read.
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So how are you doing these days? Update us when you have a moment. I hope you are doing well!
Cherlo