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Thread: How far up would you go?

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    WWW How far up would you go?

    I have met all different types of dancers in my time in the club. I have met some who dance only to support their habits, some who dance to pay for college, some who dance to support a family, some who couldn't find other work, and some who dance solely for the money.

    But, then there is that very rare, at least from my experience, woman who has dreams to be the on top of the world. The one who started in a small club in a small town and has worked her way up to the bigger cities and better clubs and money.

    Some dance only until they're able to find another job, or until they've had enough of where they're at.

    My question to all of you who dance, be it male or female, as well as those of you who bounce, DJ, or bartend:

    How far up are you willing to go? Are you just in it for the time being, no matter how ling that has lasted now, or do you want to move up to bigger clubs and potential fame and fortune? Where do you stop?

    Also, those of you who are at the top of your game, (I'm thinking any big-time Vegas dancers who are at the pinnacle of the career) what would you have done differently if you had it to do all over again?

    Thanks for your time and insight.

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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    I'm only in it for the time being. I'd say I do average to higher end of average for my area. I would like to try going on some strip trips, but that's more for the experience than trying to "work my way up." I'm not interested in investing too much at this point, I'd like to be out of the business in the next few years.
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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    What's a "big-time Vegas dancer"? I don't think I could really even name someone. I guess I'm not quite sure why this would be considered a pinnacle or a goal to work towards.

    Sometimes bigger clubs with bigger earning potential, like some of the clubs in NYC, would also come with much higher living expenses.

    If an area is looked upon as having an above average earning potential, I know some dancers will travel for short work trips. Some dancers with make business trips to vegas, or to a superbowl host city. Still, I'm not sure if this is necasarily a "goal" one works towards. I guess what I'm saying is I don't think dancers look at say NYC clubs or Vegas clubs as being the "Top of the World". Perhaps I'm mistaken.

    When you ask how far ar you willing to go, are you asking about feature dancers? Most of the feature dancers I'm aware of became features after being in videos and/or magazines.
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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    I suppose that being a feature would be considered a pinnacle, sure. But, when I think of the big time in the club circuit, Vegas is what comes to mind, I guess. Of course, NYC and LA would also be high up the chain. I have only worked in cities with between 100k and 700k populations, so cities like NYC, LA and LV are a lot higher class in my eyes.

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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    i don't know any women who are making a career out of dancing. i think they all have plans to stop one day and very few would continue dancing if they didn't have to, for one reason or another.

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    WWW Re: How far up would you go?

    Quote Originally Posted by gqdiamond View Post
    i don't know any women who are making a career out of dancing. i think they all have plans to stop one day and very few would continue dancing if they didn't have to, for one reason or another.
    Well, i did say it was very rare.... I've met only 2 that come to mind, and both were in Louisville. One of my friends who dances, when posed this question said basically, this:

    "I am doing this to give my daughter the life that she deserves. When I can afford to go to college and start my real career, I'll stop doing this. But, if the opportunity arose for me to take a better job in a bigger city, I'd take it if I could work out daycare."

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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    I love the job and am in it because it was something I wanted to try and have fun with. I am more interested in improvement in myself (being happy, being physically fit, being financially stable) but I definitely entertain dreams of being a super pole dancer (mainly because I really enjoy pole dancing as a sport and hobby - not just because its part of the job) and also developing feature routines.

    But I don't think its really about status for me...its more because I really love the artistic side of the job and am having a lot of fun with it.

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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    Quote Originally Posted by Cappii View Post
    I suppose that being a feature would be considered a pinnacle, sure. But, when I think of the big time in the club circuit, Vegas is what comes to mind, I guess. Of course, NYC and LA would also be high up the chain. I have only worked in cities with between 100k and 700k populations, so cities like NYC, LA and LV are a lot higher class in my eyes.
    Yeah, while there are some very large and classy clubs in those areas, they also have their fair share of dives as well.

    Really, I'm not sure there is a huge difference between say Tampa, Dallas, Houston, NYC, LA, Las Vegas, Montreal, etc.

    I think I would better understand your question if you were asking about perhaps attaining titles such as pole dance championships or Miss Nude World titles, etc.
    If you can't win. Make the fellow in front of you break the record.


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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    Quote Originally Posted by Blue_Dust_Bunny View Post
    I love the job and am in it because it was something I wanted to try and have fun with. I am more interested in improvement in myself (being happy, being physically fit, being financially stable) but I definitely entertain dreams of being a super pole dancer (mainly because I really enjoy pole dancing as a sport and hobby - not just because its part of the job) and also developing feature routines.

    But I don't think its really about status for me...its more because I really love the artistic side of the job and am having a lot of fun with it.
    I love watching someone who is talented on the poles. It is indeed an art form.

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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    Quote Originally Posted by verfolgung View Post
    Yeah, while there are some very large and classy clubs in those areas, they also have their fair share of dives as well.

    Really, I'm not sure there is a huge difference between say Tampa, Dallas, Houston, NYC, LA, Las Vegas, Montreal, etc.

    I think I would better understand your question if you were asking about perhaps attaining titles such as pole dance championships or Miss Nude World titles, etc.
    Nah, I don't think either one of those really fit the bill. I mean sticking to the genre. Something like being the top performer at the #1 SC in the nation, or becoming a feature who is a household name (well, as far as one can get their name into households from within this industry).

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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    Quote Originally Posted by Cappii View Post
    Well, i did say it was very rare.... I've met only 2 that come to mind, and both were in Louisville. One of my friends who dances, when posed this question said basically, this:

    "I am doing this to give my daughter the life that she deserves. When I can afford to go to college and start my real career, I'll stop doing this. But, if the opportunity arose for me to take a better job in a bigger city, I'd take it if I could work out daycare."

    Of course I don't know this person, and I really don't mean to be a smart ass, but she could have been talking about Nashville as a bigger city. Heh.


    Quote Originally Posted by Cappii View Post
    Nah, I don't think either one of those really fit the bill. I mean sticking to the genre. Something like being the top performer at the #1 SC in the nation, or becoming a feature who is a household name (well, as far as one can get their name into households from within this industry).

    Okay, fair enough, but what is the #1 SC in the nation? Honestly, I don't think this is a common goal that dancers really seek to attain. Just my honest opinion, I could certainly be wrong.
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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    Quote Originally Posted by verfolgung View Post
    Of course I don't know this person, and I really don't mean to be a smart ass, but she could have been talking about Nashville as a bigger city. Heh.
    Actually, you are exactly right. But, from where I live now (outside of a city of 100k) Nashville would be a BIG step up.

    Like the saying "aim for the stars, if you miss, you can still touch the moon."

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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    When I first started I just thought it as a way to make money for college. Then I got into it, and at one time I considered becoming a feature. I always put great time/money into creating outfits and choreographing (I come from a dance background). After participating at a couple of the featuring contests (and being discouraged) I decided featuring wasn't for me. One club called me a feature at the club, but that's the closest I've come to featuring. I've never really had the interest of moving around to dance at many clubs outside of my area like a few non featuring dancers did.

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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    i think there's confusion because there's not really such a structured hierarchy of clubs in this industry. When I was working as a pro-domme, there wasn't much either, but a bit more. I can think of a couple "Domme houses" that being accepted to work at was a big deal and could help you build a name for yourself. I don't think that really exists for dancers, if we're not talking about featuring or titles. Perhaps that's because every area has it's ups and downs when it comes to money. Manhattan might sound like an awesome place to work, but just a few months ago everyone was saying it was dead. In which case, considering the high expense of working in those clubs, as well as the cost of living in the area, a dancer in Portland who's making a consistent $200 a night, has little to no fees, and spends a fraction on living costs could be seen as doing a lot better at that time than the NY dancer who's digging herself in a hole.

    Working in a high end club doesn't mean a better life, nor does it even necessarily mean you have more money. And it doesn't necessarily make you more glamorous or more successful in the eyes of others. People who aren't in the industry are just going to see us all as "strippers" anyway, and other dancers know it's largely just a matter of where you choose to work anyway.
    Last edited by Elvia; 03-26-2009 at 02:56 PM.
    Quote Originally Posted by Vamp View Post
    As Katherine Hepburn put it so eloquently " Nature is what we were put here to rise above"

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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    I feel like every dancer is doing it for different reasons.

    I don't want to do it forever, but i want to do it for as long as i can. 32 will be the stopping point.

    And i do have a lil dream of working in a big city. NYC would be nice, in a higher end club (doesn't have to be extremely upscale), but somewhere i can consistently make 200 or more during a day or night shift.





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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    I went from a tiny truck stop club to Vegas and back again. I danced for 8 years, now I manage dancers for private parties in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, Texas and Colorado (And occasionally La, Me, Fl).

    I plan on doing that until I'm ready to buy my own club and totally redefine the entire industry. Hows that for being job-obsessed? LOL!


    Promote yourself and earn more money! This is a business that is owned by strippers for strippers. Let's make that money!


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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    When I started, I did it for fun and to get by. I was young and stupid when I started dancing, and didn't have any plans. Then as I got a little older, I did it to support my family. Now I'm doing it to support my family, but I'm going back to school this time, and doing things the way I should have done it a long time ago.

    I'm going to stick with my smaller clubs and make my money until my time is up. I don't plan on being in the business for that much longer. I got into dancing when I was 18, and it's been almost 12 years now. It's almost time.......

    When I'm older, I wanna look back on this time and know that I didn't just piss it away. It may have taken me 12 years to figure out what I wanted out of it all, but at least I'm figuring it out while I still have some time, lol.

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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    Quote Originally Posted by Paris View Post
    I went from a tiny truck stop club to Vegas and back again. I danced for 8 years, now I manage dancers for private parties in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, Texas and Colorado (And occasionally La, Me, Fl).

    I plan on doing that until I'm ready to buy my own club and totally redefine the entire industry. Hows that for being job-obsessed? LOL!

    Best of luck. The industry is in serious need of being redefined. There is a world of technology out there that could certainly make the strip club experience more interactive without putting the dancers into situations where "extras" are the norm. If you need a manager, call me

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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    Quote Originally Posted by Cappii View Post
    Also, those of you who are at the top of your game, (I'm thinking any big-time Vegas dancers who are at the pinnacle of the career) what would you have done differently if you had it to do all over again?
    I don't really see this hierarchy as existing. Whether it's Providence or Vegas a dancer gets hired the same way. She shows up with a house fee, auditions and will often start work that same day. If you look good you will get hired. It doesn't matter where you where dancing last week.

    Featuring of course is a different story but even that isn't all it's cracked up to be anymore. In the US at least the only girls who tour as features nowadays are current or recently retired porn stars. A lady trying to tour as a feature without that pedigree doesn't really have a shot at getting hired. I know this is not the case in other countries but it is here. The days of women like Jenna Jamison getting a 50,000 appearance fee are also long gone. Just as there is a glut of mediocre content in porn this glut has spread to PS feature dancers. There are too many average looking women shooting a few scenes and then hitting the road as features. Club owners desperate to try anything that will increase attendance will hire these relative unknowns but most of the time there are many house girls who look better than the the "Feature".

    Maybe I've just been going to clubs and hanging out with strippers for too long but from my POV there really isn't much glitz in the industry. The true hierarchy is simply the difference between ladies who know what they are doing and ladies who don't. You can put as many big neon signs out front as you want and put a big sound system and light show on the stage but in the end it's still just pretty girls taking their clothes off for men with one dollar bill in their hands...
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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    I also started out as just a house dancer trying to pay off some bills, then went to college, had a few regular jobs... which I hated, and then went back to just dancing.

    I really love dancing, and I'm formally trained in a lot of styles. I always wanted to be a dancer, some things happened before I graduated high school and I couldn't so my college major was actually a backup plan for me. Dancing in the clubs has totally changed me though, I would say for the better. I'm much more of a go-getter than what I was before. I've already helped to open a studio that taught striptease and pole to regular women. There's still a lot that I would like to do though: feature, manage a club (maybe help out Paris when she gets her's going), teach classes (striptease/pole/confidence/women's history) on a more international level, and when I'm old and can't travel as much maybe own a club myself. I love this industry! Every industry has it's faults, there are always closet "druggies" everywhere... and I think it's only more common in ours because it's a younger crowd that tends to be less conservative. I don't know of any other industry though that can improve people, their lives and their confidence in such a short amount of time.
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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    Quote Originally Posted by Kylea2 View Post
    I also started out as just a house dancer trying to pay off some bills, then went to college, had a few regular jobs... which I hated, and then went back to just dancing.

    I really love dancing, and I'm formally trained in a lot of styles. I always wanted to be a dancer, some things happened before I graduated high school and I couldn't so my college major was actually a backup plan for me. Dancing in the clubs has totally changed me though, I would say for the better. I'm much more of a go-getter than what I was before. I've already helped to open a studio that taught striptease and pole to regular women. There's still a lot that I would like to do though: feature, manage a club (maybe help out Paris when she gets her's going), teach classes (striptease/pole/confidence/women's history) on a more international level, and when I'm old and can't travel as much maybe own a club myself. I love this industry! Every industry has it's faults, there are always closet "druggies" everywhere... and I think it's only more common in ours because it's a younger crowd that tends to be less conservative. I don't know of any other industry though that can improve people, their lives and their confidence in such a short amount of time.

    It seems that you are a rarity in this case. I personally would love to see where I can go in the industry from my point of view. I've thought of taking a management role for several or a few dancers. However, it seems that our "fast-food society" has a much different view of SCs that I do. Perhaps the issue with me is that I have sort of romanticized it all. I am more into the beauty of the dance than the hustle. I believe that the sales art is very important as well, but I also believe that you always "leave 'em wanting more", which seems to be lacking anymore.


    One thing is for sure, if the opinions of the dancers on this site were the norm for the industry, and the exception were the girls who were druggies or into "extras", the industry would certainly be a much better place to work.

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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    I agree with the "leave them wanting more", and I see that it is possible. It's difficult to find a really well run club in this industry, but I think that a dancer (like Paris) who has been doing this longer and seen the benefits and negatives of so many different clubs, could start their own club and be far more successful than the competition.

    By the way Capii, how long have you been dancing? You don't have to answer, or you can PM me the answer... it's just good to see others with a shared opinion on this matter.
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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    Quote Originally Posted by Kylea2 View Post
    By the way Capii, how long have you been dancing? You don't have to answer, or you can PM me the answer... it's just good to see others with a shared opinion on this matter.
    Actually, I am bouncer / DJ / bartender in the industry. My wife is a dancer now. However, after my first stint in the industry, I went to school and took business classes, and went into upper-level management for a restaurant franchise. The experience that I have gotten from both industries have opened my eyes this time around.

    So, I sit in a DJ booth all night now and watch the dancer's and wish for the days when routine more the norm, and the art of pole dancing wasn't somewhere below how much extra to give in the VIP, all the while trying to figure out a way to get my foot in the door in an SC management position so that MAYBE, just maybe, I can affect some sort of change with the industry and not only bring the artform back to the mainstream again, but also change the perceptions that dancers are somehow second-class citizens who are not deserving of respect as a woman.

    I don't know how far I would be able to go up, but I hope that I can at least make a change for the better where ever I end up.

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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    I think you have already gotten a lot of great, informative answers from women who have explained the non-hierarchical system of strip clubs a lot better than I can. But I'll chime in with my response.

    My stripping goals aren't related to the prestige of working at a top-notch club in a major metropolitan area. My goals are strictly monetary. I strip so that I can live a comfortable life while I pursue artistic goals that are not, at present, sources of income. Stripping is not my career, nor do I want it to be. But it gives me time to pour into my real passions.

    I could work a "real" job--I have a bachelor's and master's degree in English--but I wouldn't have the time or the energy to devote myself to writing the way I do now.

    So, my goal as a stripper is to support myself until I get my book published. Then, I hope it will be successful enough that I won't have to strip any more!

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    Default Re: How far up would you go?

    I once thought my goal was to get to Vegas and pursue showgirl style dancing, now my goals are different. If the opportunity arose I would take it b/c it would be a great experience, but realistically I am doing it for the time being, to pay for school and have savings and a nice financial cushion for life. However, I would dance periodically until I decided I couldn't/didn't want to anymore.
    I have realized I enjoy many parts of the business and feel priveleged to have the opportunity and the brains to do this job right and really use it to my advantage.
    There is a shelf life with this job. In my eyes anyway. There are women in there 50s+ dancing and more power to them! However, for me personally I couldn't do it at that age. With the way I dance my body won't make it near there! At that point in my life I plan on having other forms of income coming in and would prefer enjoying the rest of my life relaxing and traveling. Ahhh... sounds so good!

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