Re: agency vs. independent
When you are new and do not have the cash ...and especially KNOWLEDGE.. of how to work a private show business independantly.. agency all the way ! Yes you pay the agency a fee however they are also taking care of most of the "stuff" for you: advertising (telephone directory, newspapers, etc), taking calls and so forth. Also, is it private shows (as per what CK has done) where you are dancing for one or two men... or is it private parties (birthday, buck/stag, etc) ??
There is a huge difference. Read through some of the threads. Search. Explore.
Re: agency vs. independent
Yes. Until you are set and build your own clientle by advertising yourself. You must stay with an agency. Plus, agency's are usually licensed in the state you live in. So if something illegal (I'm not saying your doing anything wrong) happens, you cannot get sued, etc.