Questions about Stripping...
I am an actress doing research for a part in a play (have anyone seen the movie "Closer"?) My character is an exotic dancer and these forums/chats have been very helpful. I am trying to read and learn as much as I can... but I do have SO many more questions, especially in regards to what leads someone to become a dancer. Here are some questions:
- who introduced you to this profession? how did you get started?
- what do you say when an old acquaintance/new friend asks you what you do for a living?
- does your family know?
- what does your family think about this?
- what do you think about when you are dancing?
- do you have a boyfriend? if yes, how does he deal with your profession?
- why do you continue to dance?
I hope no one feels offended by my questions. I am just trying to understand as much as possible about all the aspects of dancing/stripping so I can add all this to my character.
Thank you very much!
Alice
Re: Questions about Stripping...
who introduced you to this profession? how did you get started?
The short answer is I walked into a strip club, it looked like fun so I tried it. It was fun.
- what do you say when an old acquaintance/new friend asks you what you do for a living?
Depends on my mood. Sometimes I tell the truth, sometimes I lie. Also depends on who is asking. My profession isnt everyones business.
- does your family know?
Some of them, including my father
- what does your family think about this?
The ones that know approve. I provide a good life for myself and am self sufficient. That is what every parent wants from a child. To be happy and self sufficient.
- what do you think about when you are dancing?
Who's next? Is he gonna get a VIP? I hope he gets a VIP. Aww fuck, he didnt want a VIp. Who's next?
- do you have a boyfriend? if yes, how does he deal with your profession?
Yes, he deals with it by saying good luck, make lots of money.
- why do you continue to dance?
why do you continue to act? Cause you like it, its fun, and you get paid. Same reason why anyone continues to do any job. They like it, they enjoy their work, and they get paid.
The day I stop liking it, getting paid or having fun is the day I will seek a new career that meets thoes requirements.
Re: Questions about Stripping...
- who introduced you to this profession? how did you get started?
I had thought about it for a long time. I had some friends that did it and loved it. One of my friends is a DJ at The Diamond Cabaret and put it a good word for me. I love dancing.
- what do you say when an old acquaintance/new friend asks you what you do for a living?
It depends on who's asking. Generally I don't care what people think of me. Yes, there are many stereotypes that come with the job- but the people whos opinions actually matter to me know me know me well enough to know how to think of what I'm doing.
- does your family know?
My mom, sister, and aunts know. I don't think I will ever tell my dad.
- what does your family think about this?
My mom says she doesn't really like it, it's not what she would've chosen for me to do, but she respects my opinion. She understands me and appreciates that I'm a gifted dancer. She says I have to live my own life. So therefore I'm her 'baby stripper'. - I was typing that as she was telling me.
- what do you think about when you are dancing?
I think about how sexy I look and really feel the music.
- do you have a boyfriend? if yes, how does he deal with your profession?
No, not at the moment. I am dating a guy right now who doesn't mind it at all. Most guys find the idea appealing (dating a dancer)- I think it's part of the ego thing "every guy wants her and she's coming home to me every night."
- why do you continue to dance?
I love dancing. It's a fun job and the money is amazing. The feeling that the people at your stage came to see you is a real confidence boost. The club I'm at is an amazing place and so are my girls there.
Re: Questions about Stripping...
- who introduced you to this profession? how did you get started?
A Uni friend wanted to try it out and wanted someone to come along with her in support during her auditioning. We both got a job. She quit 6 months later and i am still going 3 years in.
- what do you say when an old acquaintance/new friend asks you what you do for a living?
I originally come from a small country town so when one person found out pretty much everyone in my town did if you get my drift. I didn’t mind because i am quite confident and successful at stripping and i live very well off because of it. All the people who look down there nose at me either just don’t understand (which I don’t hold against them) or they are just jealous of what I have become. They have nothing on me because I am very professional and smart with my money. I didn’t go and put it all up my nose ;)
- does your family know?- what does your family think about this?
Yes, all of my family know. And yes that includes my catholic Italian father and even my Nonna too. I have a very supportive loving family they all say the same thing "as long as you are smart with your money and you continue your studies at Uni we support whatever decisions you make and whatever you want to do". They all know i wont be stripping forever and that keeps them happy. My mum even came in one night to watch me perform on stage. She even makes some of my dancing costumes!
- what do you think about when you are dancing?
Generally I am constantly trying to think of more ways to please my customers in order to make more money out of them. I try to make the most of this profession to get myself ahead, educated myself and overall just make the most of this experience I am in. There is so much to learn from stripping.
- do you have a boyfriend? if yes, how does he deal with your profession?
Yes. He is also very supportive. I think it must be hard for boyfriends with stripper girlfriends. From what i see over the years i estimate there is only a very small amount of male population that could deal with their partner being a stripper maybe as little as 5%. My man sees i am very professional in my approach to my work and says as long as i come home to him every night and treat it as a job not a place to socialize, party and get drunk he completely supports me. I try not to speak about it too much in front of him but occasionally we will talk about it just like anyone else would there job to their partner and he seems fine with it. He regularly asks me "how was work last night babe?" Occasionally I will put the feelers out to see if he has developed any insecurities about it just to make sure, and he says when you want to give up you will.
- why do you continue to dance?
No.1 reason is the money No.2 The learning experience of it all (i have learnt so many skills in this job i would struggle to find a job that would teach me all the things i have learnt just from dancing) No.3 The networking aspect of it. Alot of wealthy, well connected people come into my club, and to talk to them about their businesses, achievements and all their travels truly is an education. No.4 When times are good you have so much fun!! At times the other girls are my sisters, the bounces are my brothers, my house mum is my mum and the managers are my dad! We are all one big family unless you are having a shitty night when you aren’t making money then everyone can just get stuffed hahahaha... No generally it is just a profession with so many oppurtunities you couldnt get anywhere else. Its not all fun and games. Some nights are shit and you just wanna come home and never go back again but as long as I have more good nights then bad I will continue to strip. When the bad start outweighing the good, that it when I will quit.
Hope this helps. :)
Re: Questions about Stripping...
- who introduced you to this profession? how did you get started?
It was my friend who started dancing about 6 months before i did. She just asked me if i'd like to give it a try so i thought dancing naked.. why not =) So she introduced me to a manager and i started working next day
- what do you say when an old acquaintance/new friend asks you what you do for a living?
Depends. Usually i just say that i work in a bar
- does your family know?
Nope
- what does your family think about this?
They don't know so...
- what do you think about when you are dancing?
On stage? right foot, left foot, do the spin, smile, take a step, don't fall... and so on
- do you have a boyfriend? if yes, how does he deal with your profession?
Yes, he's never been in a strip club so i guess he doesn't know what i exactly have to do. Anyways he takes it like any ordinary job asking how did it go? was there a lot of customers? and so on
- why do you continue to dance?
Have to quote Kaylinn with this one
"why do you continue to act? Cause you like it, its fun, and you get paid. Same reason why anyone continues to do any job. They like it, they enjoy their work, and they get paid.
The day I stop liking it, getting paid or having fun is the day I will seek a new career that meets thoes requirements."
Re: Questions about Stripping...
Not offended at all. Thank god you weren't asking if we were molested/raped/abused on drugs etc. etc.;)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
alicecloser
I am an actress doing research for a part in a play (have anyone seen the movie "Closer"?) My character is an exotic dancer and these forums/chats have been very helpful. I am trying to read and learn as much as I can... but I do have SO many more questions, especially in regards to what leads someone to become a dancer. Here are some questions:
- who introduced you to this profession? how did you get started?
A: I started dancing after being a customer in strip clubs for several years.
- what do you say when an old acquaintance/new friend asks you what you do for a living?
A: A watered down version of the truth. I add in that I have a couple of businesses and don't really need the money from dancing anymore (I don't need the money, but want to maintain my lifestyle)
- does your family know?
A: Yes, and they are fine with it.
- what does your family think about this?
A: I've always been a bit of a rouge anyway, so they just see me as eccentric. Stripping is just another way I can be anti establishment w/o going to jail and living high on the hog.
- what do you think about when you are dancing?
A: Depends on what you mean by this question. If you mean while stage performing or lap dancing or just throughout my work day. Usually I'm either focused on earning the most possible money for the minimum number of hours worked. Sometimes I'm just in the moment enjoying the music and moving my body. Sometimes I'm just watching the clock and trying to figure out a way to skip out of work early.
- do you have a boyfriend? if yes, how does he deal with your profession?
A: Happily married. He is fine with it. He would like me to live a more 'conventional' lifestyle and ditch my vampiric ways, but aside from that, the job itself does not bother him in the least.
- why do you continue to dance?
A: To maintain my lifestyle. To make an anti establishment statement. To stay fit and in shape. I enjoy the music and the creative outlet it provides. I like the girls I work with. I like the freedom to travel and work. It feeds my entrepreneurial spirit. Getting hit on by guys 15-20 years younger than me doesn't hurt my ego, either;).
As an actress, the lifestyle of our two professions is very similar. Strippers are more likely to be socially ostracized than actresses, but at the same time we are stereo typed as being not a vital part of society and holding a job that is just goofing around until we can find "real" work. I think that holds true to any entertainment profession, especially if you haven't made much of a career out of your profession yet; being a struggling newbie and all.
Re: Questions about Stripping...
- who introduced you to this profession? how did you get started?
I had been interested in stripping since i was a kid. For many years though i thought you had to have big boobs and / or have dancing experience to do so. Finally at age 28 my now ex's brother who managed a club set me straight. I went in and had a look. Months later i saw an ad at a different club and applied (-:
- what do you say when an old acquaintance/new friend asks you what you do for a living? There is no secret about my work. I say "Im a stripper."
- does your family know? yes, everyone knows including my teenage son - except my grandparents who are 90 they probably would have no concept about what stripping is.
- what does your family think about this? They are fine. At first maybe not super pleased but now ok with it. In Australia btw stripping is stripping and the industry for the most part is very clean and good to work in. I work in a non-contact club.
- what do you think about when you are dancing? Thats way too hard to answer - anything, everything nothing, the rhythem of the music...
- do you have a boyfriend? if yes, how does he deal with your profession? Yes i do and they are both cool with it. I wouldnt go out with anyone who wasnt (-:
- why do you continue to dance? because I absolutly love, love, love my job!!! its fun, its interesting, I love performing, I like the hours and freedom of it, just to mention a few things...
PM me if you have anymore questions.
Re: Questions about Stripping...
who introduced you to this profession? how did you get started?
I lived with my boyfriend when I was 17 and our next door neighbor was a dancer and we would babysit for her. The day I turned 18... I was on the stage.
what do you say when an old acquaintance/new friend asks you what you do for a living?
I tell them I am an exotic engineer, or I tell them I am an entertainer, or I tell them that I am self employed. Depends on who is asking.
does your family know?
Yes, and they are fine with it.
what does your family think about this?
They think that I have a job, just like you. They know that I treat my job as a job and they are fine with that. My mother will come in to the bar I am working (NOT when I am working) to hang out and have drinks with the girls.
what do you think about when you are dancing?
Is that a 50? Damn just a 5. 10, 20, 70, 270, etc... (we are the fastest counters you will probably ever meet. Open your wallet for 20 seconds and we know how much is in there.) How much longer is this song.... didn't that guy come in last week and get some dances from me? My knee really hurts today... Oh look he brought me a drink... what a nice little boy he is. Oh, its Tuesday... damnit.. Dirt is on tonight... I wonder if I set my TIVO.
do you have a boyfriend? if yes, how does he deal with your profession?
Yes, he deals by saying... Love ya, have a good night at work.
why do you continue to dance?
To pay for school and to give my children the childhood I never even dreamed of.
Re: Questions about Stripping...
- who introduced you to this profession? how did you get started?
My boyfriend (at the time) had a roommate who danced. She was average-looking and made tons of money. I worked a minimum wage restaurant job and was constantly sexually harrassed by my boss. I thought that if I was going to deal with sexual comments all day, I might as well be getting paid for it, so I quit and went straight to the club, where I went to work that night.
- what do you say when an old acquaintance/new friend asks you what you do for a living?
I am honest about what I do, but I also realize that a lot of people have never been to strip club and just have the images of what they see in movies or on television. I try to explain to them what really goes on (it's actually a lot more innocent than most people think). If it's a guy friend, he always asks me to hook him up with some of my "stripper friends".
- does your family know?
I called my mom the day I was hired. She didn't like it at first, but because of my job, I've paid off her mortgage, she was able to retire early, and I own my home, which has made her come around (at least a little bit).
- what does your family think about this?
Like I said, they are not proud. To my extended family, I only mention my other career (which is a web design business). I think my mom realizes that I am capable of more than stripping for a living (I have a bachelor's degree), but also sees that I work hard and earn more money dancing than I ever would with my college degree.
- what do you think about when you are dancing?
I think about how to get the most money out of the person I am dancing for. In my locker, I keep pictures of things that I want for my home or places I want to go, so that I constantly have a goal in mind.
- do you have a boyfriend? if yes, how does he deal with your profession?
I am recently single. In the ten years that I have been doing this, none of my boyfriends have dealt with it well. In the beginning, they love it, because they can tell all their friends that they are dating a stripper. But in the long term, they all get jealous or don't trust you. Though I have never cheated on a boyfriend, I have always been accused of it because of what I do. Plus, my hours are hard on a boyfriend working a normal 9-5 schedule. I usually work 9pm-3am, so it is hard to spend time together.
- why do you continue to dance?
Mainly it's the money. Also, it is nice to never have to drive in commute traffic and to work whenever you want to. I love the people that I work with, there is never a dull moment, and you always have great stories to tell your friends.
Re: Questions about Stripping...
- who introduced you to this profession? how did you get started?
A co-worker when I was waitressing. I was working two jobs and just not making it. She told me that I would love it and make a lot of money. It swirled in my head for about two weeks. I had never been in a strip club before and I just gave it a shot. Now here I am two years later.
- what do you say when an old acquaintance/new friend asks you what you do for a living?
I say that I waitress to most people. If I know that I wont get some kindof wierd reaction I will tell them.
- does your family know?
Well my family knows but my husbands family dosent know. They are very religeous people and would never accept it.
- what does your family think about this?
I swear my mother was a stripper at some point but she wont tell me. She is accepting of it and very supportive. Although she knows that its not something I absolutley love and she wants me to quit. My sister with three kids that could never dance lives through me and calls me "Stripper Mom". So shes pretty cool with it.
- what do you think about when you are dancing?
My grocery list. The kids. I wonder if the guy Im dancing for brought his credit cards. Random things really. For me its not a turn on.
- do you have a boyfriend? if yes, how does he deal with your profession?
Yes I have a husband that is very supportive. We dont really talk about the details of the job. He says if it keeps me in shape and makes me happy then no matter what it is he will support me. He also realizes that its just a job and nothing more.
- why do you continue to dance?
For the flexible hours and the money. It can be fun sometimes and really make me feel sexy and not so much like a frumpy housewife and mom. Its kindof my double life hehe. }:D I bake cookies for the class party during the day and at night I throw on a sexy corset and seven inch heels. How can you not love that!!
Re: Questions about Stripping...
- who introduced you to this profession? how did you get started?I went to a strip club once with a couple of friends and I fell in love with how sexy and exotic these dancers looked. I thought it would be fun to do it even for one night...you know? l guess, it was something crazy for me to do at the moment. A year and a half later, I'm still doing it ;D
- what do you say when an old acquaintance/new friend asks you what you do for a living?
I say that I'm a stripper/dancer. Unless it is someone my family know.
- does your family know?Nope
- what does your family think about this?They don't know.
- what do you think about when you are dancing?
I gotta make that money....Oh I need some money ;D ;D ;D Honestly, If I'm on stage, I think about how hot and sexy I look. If I'm giving a lap dance I'm thinking about the money I'll be walking out with.
- do you have a boyfriend? if yes, how does he deal with your profession?
I'm married. He doesn't mind because he knows I only love him.
- why do you continue to dance?
Because it is my job, I like it, and I make good money.
Re: Questions about Stripping...
Hi everyone!
Thank you very much for all your comments, they are very helpful!
I'll be in touch if more questions arise. I went to Hustler Club in NY last night and talked to a lot of girls there too. I learnt a lot and had tons of fun!
Thanks again!
Alice
Re: Questions about Stripping...
- who introduced you to this profession? how did you get started?
I had been to strip clubs as a customer, but really Stripper Web was my guide to starting a career as a dancer.
- what do you say when an old acquaintance/new friend asks you what you do for a living?
Depends, student for the most part (I am a student as well)
- does your family know?
My sister and cousin, but not my parents.
- what does your family think about this?
My parents are older, they think of stripping in burlesque terms...and I am not gonna school them on modern day exotic dancing, so I haven't told them. My sister and cousin are not judgemental.
- what do you think about when you are dancing?
Immediate goals...onstage: who is watching/tipping, will they buy a dance etc, trying out new moves...during lapdances: trying to sell another dance or move up to a VIP room.
- do you have a boyfriend? if yes, how does he deal with your profession?
No boyfriend
- why do you continue to dance?
Because I enjoy my job (it has it's ups and downs, but more ups than anything else), it is flexible, I make more money than any other job I have ever had and it has totally changed my attitude towards money and career. While my scholarly career will be enjoyable, I recognize that there will always have to be some entrepenurial projects going on in my life in order to have a high standard of living. As my dad says: no boss is ever going to make you rich.
Re: Questions about Stripping...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Paris
- why do you continue to dance?
A: To maintain my lifestyle. To make an anti establishment statement. To stay fit and in shape. I enjoy the music and the creative outlet it provides. I like the girls I work with. I like the freedom to travel and work. It feeds my entrepreneurial spirit. Getting hit on by guys 15-20 years younger than me doesn't hurt my ego, either;).
Oh yeah, and working with women who are out of what is stereotyped as our prime (late teens/early 20s) and into their 30s or 40s and are hot and at the top of their game is very empowering.
Re: Questions about Stripping...
- who introduced you to this profession? how did you get started?
I took Stripper 101 from www.becomingjuicy.com. Every two or three months there's a recital at Devil's Point for those who want to show off their stuff, and I fell in love with performing. I had always wanted to dance and had even tried out at a club (and failed miserably) when I was younger. When I turned 30, I decided that this was the year I would do those things I'd always wanted to do, and this was one of them.
- what do you say when an old acquaintance/new friend asks you what you do for a living?
I'm a mortgage officer during my "day job" so that's what I tell them.
- does your family know?
No.
- what do you think about when you are dancing?
All sorts of things. My next move, how much the guy has tipped and whether he deserves a little more attention than the other guys at the rack, making sure I'm stepping correctly so I don't twist my freaking ankle, BREATHING and relaxing.
- do you have a boyfriend? if yes, how does he deal with your profession?
Yes. He has ultimate veto power if he sees the job making me crazy or if he thinks one of the clubs I want to work at is unsafe, but otherwise he's fine with it. He doesn't mind what I do and enjoys how much fun I have at it.
- why do you continue to dance?
I love the exercise and the fact I can make more money than if I was sitting at a computer. I love pole work and watching the other women at my club so I can pick up a few moves, and am enjoying the learning experience of it all.