Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 43

Thread: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

  1. #1
    Member
    Joined
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Upstate, SC
    Posts
    29
    Thanks
    32
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    WWW Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    There is a school of thought that "the pole never tips you".

    In essence, you have to agree with this, as working the customers is the only way to make money in the clubs. However, is it possible, in your opinion, that having great skills on the pole can result in better tips, such as in a multi-song set?

    Also, if you do utilize the pole into your show, do you have a particular routine that you follow, or do you play it by ear?

  2. #2
    God/dess verfolgung's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2004
    Location
    New England
    Posts
    2,143
    Thanks
    48
    Thanked 259 Times in 191 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    Most of the great stage performers I've known leveraged their pole skills to draw attention.

    In one club I used to go to, the stage sets were 4 songs where dancers kept their gown on for the first song, were topless for the second and then all nude for the final two. Because of this set up, very few guys approached the stage to tip during the first two songs. The girls who could really pole dance used those quiet sets to raise up the energy level of the crowd and draw attention. Then they would go customer to customer during the last two songs to collect tips.

    I've known some other dancers who do similar routines where they do some pole tricks at the start of their set to attract attention, or they go back to pole tricks if the stage side tipping slows down. (Or if they just want to avoid a creep sitting at the tip rail. heh.)

    On a personal aside, I think you are right in that great pole dancing doesn't always translate into better earning. However, I'm always sure to over tip a true pole cat, just to show my appreciation.
    If you can't win. Make the fellow in front of you break the record.


  3. The Following User Says Thank You to verfolgung For This Useful Post:


  4. #3
    Veteran Member alenadowns's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    664
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 39 Times in 10 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    Pole does not equal additional money on stage.

    ...it will ensure booking, and it will ensure you being thought of as an entertainer.

    Here in Alberta...pole is required for stage...or at least it is becoming that way! Agents are sending rookies to me to train, and we have been hired in all the strip clubs on amateur nights to teach the girls!

    90% of the girls perform pole during shows...the ones who dont see the decreased tips!
    4 song sets...required entertainment...pole & floor shows!

    Depends where you are...

    Personally, I am paid to pole...not get naked...so for me...............pole=more money!
    Pole gets me booked...not the customer!

    I do 3 song sets....first, pole tricks...second, mix of pole & floor, third, floor with fire/water/magic. The clothes stay on!

    It is a personal choice.....
    www.polejunkies.com
    Come Find the Junkie Within!

  5. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to alenadowns For This Useful Post:


  6. #4
    God/dess Paris's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Oregon
    Posts
    6,345
    Thanks
    168
    Thanked 801 Times in 419 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    This post makes me sad. There once was a time when the customers appreciated $$ excellent stage shows. That time is long gone, apparently.


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


  7. #5
    God/dess verfolgung's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2004
    Location
    New England
    Posts
    2,143
    Thanks
    48
    Thanked 259 Times in 191 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    Paris, I agree with you. Unfortuntately I think it has coincided with the general shift in customers' focus from stage performances to private dances.

    There are still a few of us who are willing patrons of the arts though.
    If you can't win. Make the fellow in front of you break the record.


  8. The Following User Says Thank You to verfolgung For This Useful Post:


  9. #6
    God/dess Kylea2's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Denver & San Fran
    Posts
    6,907
    Thanks
    181
    Thanked 2,002 Times in 1,285 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    Generally speaking it does not mean more tips, at least here in the United States. I rarely see girls get tipped for their pole performances unless it's by someone who is a pole enthusiast or student. I've seen some fantastic pole dancers go on stage and walk off with nothing where the other girls who are doing just the stage walk off with a handful of money. I still consider them entertainers, but I think they either need to change their stage shows or book events where they are being paid for their pole performances.
    Don't you ever sleep?
    Not at night...that's when the stars have rather better things to do. They're coming out, shining, that sort of thing.
    - Blog -
    My PM box fills up quick. If you have a question please with your username.
    Congrats to Pryce on doing some much needed tending in his garden!
    - -


  10. The Following User Says Thank You to Kylea2 For This Useful Post:


  11. #7
    Senior Member
    Joined
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Brooklyn, NY
    Posts
    77
    Thanks
    6
    Thanked 83 Times in 14 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    Sad, but true. Almost four years ago, guys would give me 20 bucks to have me climb the 2 story pole. At the end of last year (when I last danced), I could climb the pole upside down and no one would even come to the stage. I think a lot depends on the particular club you're at, too. Guys would rather see a finger inserted than something cool. =/

    I went to another club to work like a week after that, and guys (and girls) were amazed, delighted, and tipping to see the same thing.

  12. The Following User Says Thank You to Lucifera For This Useful Post:


  13. #8
    God/dess verfolgung's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2004
    Location
    New England
    Posts
    2,143
    Thanks
    48
    Thanked 259 Times in 191 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    ^^^ Licifera, not sure if you're talking about the same place, but the first club I ever went to was up in Portland, ME. It was topless and no-contact, and the stage poles went up over 18'.

    Some of the best stage performers in New England used to do tricks up at the top of the club.

    I once brought a friend up there for Am night. She's an amazing pole cat, and had heard about the high stage poles. Unfortunately she wasn't allowed to use the poles during the Am Night contest. She won the contest but was so dissapointed she didn't get to play on the poles.

    Unfortunately I haven't been up there for a few years now, not since the last had a change of ownership, so I'm not sure how the place is now. It was definitely one of my favorvite places though.
    If you can't win. Make the fellow in front of you break the record.


  14. #9
    God/dess gypsy_girlchild's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Va mostly
    Posts
    2,750
    Thanks
    3
    Thanked 52 Times in 41 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    Had to learn at my first club to get attention (custies were 6 feet away from stage and had to ball up and throw the money.) A dancer had to be able to get them to look toward the stage and come up to tip.
    That said, where I am now very few girls do any pole work, I am one of the very few. I ADORE the pole and like to know that I can do tricks that no one else can. It has got me tips when no one was tipping, but other times guys just want boobies in their face and shoot, I can do that too.
    All in all, the pole rocks my socks, but it doesn't guarantee money, it does help when it is dead and your bored though.
    Please don't lick me, it tickles..



  15. The Following User Says Thank You to gypsy_girlchild For This Useful Post:


  16. #10
    Member
    Joined
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Upstate, SC
    Posts
    29
    Thanks
    32
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    I agree with Paris on this. It is sad to see such an artform dying. Personally, I love watching a woman work the pole. I come from a martial arts background where we had to train extensively in different areas, so being in shape and having enough coordination to work on the poles always impressed me. At one of my clubs, we even had horizontal bars hanging from the ceiling from which the dancers could do tricks... it served as a fantastic place to work out before hours. I had learned a few of the pole tricks from one of the better performers there.

    The reason I asked this question is that I was wondering if practicing pole dancing, and working on routines would be beneficial if one were hoping to move up in the business. My wife is dancing "for the time being," be one of our friends would move to better clubs if she had that option. She is magnificent on the poles, as well. Thank you for all of your responses. I'd love to hear what more people think, though.

  17. #11
    Senior Member
    Joined
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Brooklyn, NY
    Posts
    77
    Thanks
    6
    Thanked 83 Times in 14 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    Quote Originally Posted by verfolgung View Post
    ^^^ Licifera, not sure if you're talking about the same place, but the first club I ever went to was up in Portland, ME. It was topless and no-contact, and the stage poles went up over 18'.

    Some of the best stage performers in New England used to do tricks up at the top of the club.

    I once brought a friend up there for Am night. She's an amazing pole cat, and had heard about the high stage poles. Unfortunately she wasn't allowed to use the poles during the Am Night contest. She won the contest but was so dissapointed she didn't get to play on the poles.

    Unfortunately I haven't been up there for a few years now, not since the last had a change of ownership, so I'm not sure how the place is now. It was definitely one of my favorvite places though.
    No, I'm talking about a place in Virginia. But I went to Platinum, and no one looked too impressed in there when girls did them either.

  18. #12
    Member Idmonstre's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Madison WI
    Posts
    50
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    Agreed. it is a shame. In my club almost no one throws money down when the few girls who do good pole work go up and do it. I love pole work (though am not good at it) and always feel guilty spending time on it when i could be collecting $. It does help when it is slow (as it gives you something to do on stage) and when there are a lot of people but not around the stage as it draws attention more then keeling in front of some custies. ah well. also our pole is about 8 ft high which is a shame.
    -Crimson

  19. The Following User Says Thank You to Idmonstre For This Useful Post:


  20. #13
    Veteran Member misslizzy's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    550
    Thanks
    94
    Thanked 46 Times in 28 Posts
    My Mood
    Lurking

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    I think that in "black" clubs, a girl might get tipped more for it. I have a friend who works at some really ghetto city clubs with all black guys and booty-poppin' rap music, and she claims to make most of her money on stage. I know she can pop it, but she also does some decent pole work. Then, she works in suburban NJ with me, and she switches her stage show to a basic spread and jiggle, and hustles for lapdances.

    I agree with everyone about how much it sucks that stage performance is dying. I sometimes get tipped very well for how fluidly I move with the music; but I'm more likely to be tipped well for how I flex various parts of my anatomy.

  21. The Following User Says Thank You to misslizzy For This Useful Post:


  22. #14
    Moderator yoda57us's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2002
    Location
    at the Y
    Posts
    10,035
    Thanks
    2,878
    Thanked 5,834 Times in 2,332 Posts
    My Mood
    Goofy

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    It's not just the pole, there was a time when dancing skills in general where what made a girl money. Those days began to fade when the private dance and VIP room became the favored avenue for making money. Most of my favs are in their early to mid 30's and still understand that the stage set, though not a primary money-maker, is an important selling tool to generate interest in them. Many of the younger girls go out of there way to try and dodge their stage sets and when they are finally up there barely move around at all much less attempt any sort of provocative or sensual movement.

    I'm not really a guy who sits at the stage anymore but I will always walk up and tip a gal who is putting forth some effort up on stage. Sadly it becomes more rare as time goes on.
    Quote Originally Posted by Katrine View Post
    yoda, I want you so bad it aches in the swimsuit area.
    Quote Originally Posted by Sophia_Starina View Post
    Sophia_Starina is a sensible stripper...Naked all the way.....
    Quote Originally Posted by tempest666 View Post
    Double team! 2 latinas with big tits!!

  23. The Following User Says Thank You to yoda57us For This Useful Post:


  24. #15
    God/dess Bob_Loblaw's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    2,303
    Thanks
    30
    Thanked 93 Times in 64 Posts
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    It's unfortunate that the trend has been a diminishing focus on polework and showmanship on the stage. At the same time, it's given me a greater appreciation for those who work on and incorporate these elements into their stages. Even though I normally sit closer to the back of the club, I make sure to seek these dancers out just to thank them for their stage show and give them a generous tip (generous for my means anyway). Not only am I trying to show appreciation, there's a part of me that hopes they'll see some value returned for their efforts and will continue to use the pole in their stage shows.

  25. The Following User Says Thank You to Bob_Loblaw For This Useful Post:


  26. #16
    Veteran Member Ruby Ruckus's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Virginia
    Posts
    524
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 38 Times in 31 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    women tip me when i do pole tricks. men don't usually. i find that the pole tricks that get me tipped are tricks that startle them or make them laugh. not beautiful, elegant spinning tricks.

    i do a spin with my legs out as far as i can get them, and nothing gets somebody's attention like a stripper shoe whizzing by their head.

    same with stomps, hand stands, etc.


    this isn't true for all occasions, but it is for a lot of the time.
    "If she wants to dance and drink all night, well there's no one that can stop her. She's going til the house lights come up or her stomach spills onto the floor. This night is gonna end when we're damn well ready for it to be over, worked all week long, and now the music is playing on our time. Yeah we do what we do to get by, and then we need a release!" - Against Me!, "Thrash Unreal"

  27. The Following User Says Thank You to Ruby Ruckus For This Useful Post:


  28. #17
    Banned
    Joined
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    11,037
    Thanks
    1,891
    Thanked 5,124 Times in 3,086 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    This is sad. When I first started it was common knowledge at most of the clubs I danced at, those on the pole made the most. In fact rare was it to see a dancer not do at least some pole tricks. Clubs often didn't hire dancers who couldn't do at least basic tricks. Then again it's part of the decline of clubs.

  29. #18
    Featured Member Corey's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2003
    Location
    LA,CA,USA
    Posts
    1,610
    Thanks
    127
    Thanked 66 Times in 53 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    Quote Originally Posted by Paris View Post
    This post makes me sad. There once was a time when the customers appreciated $$ excellent stage shows. That time is long gone, apparently.
    ^ ^ ^ ^
    I can so relate. I worked at a club in which we made 90% of our tips on stage. They lost their entertainment permit or rather it had expired along time ago. This happened in Jan.

    It wasn't the best $$, but the custie's tipped, the management took care of us and in the almost 4 years I was there, the only raised the house fee once. The drama never got too intense, while I was there.

    When it 'closed' (they are still open as a sports bar. No dancers or pool playing allowed). I really only worked on Sundays. I so looked forward to working them.

    I really miss that place.
    (Formerly known as 'Korina')

  30. The Following User Says Thank You to Corey For This Useful Post:


  31. #19
    God/dess
    Joined
    Mar 2009
    Posts
    3,142
    Thanks
    1,158
    Thanked 1,112 Times in 673 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    I like pole dancing A LOT... In Texas, I see poles less and less in the SC..., but, more and more in stores selling them for private use. Also, they are being used in fitness studios, and I even heard that there is a petition going around to make "vertical dancing" part of the Olympics... So the art is not dying... it's just shifting...

  32. The Following User Says Thank You to jack0177057 For This Useful Post:


  33. #20
    Featured Member
    Joined
    May 2007
    Posts
    1,599
    Thanks
    52
    Thanked 57 Times in 48 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    Pole monkeys ( as I affectionately call them ) use to be the serious bomb.. all ooohs and ahhs. Now? People could care less -

    Where I work now we have one chick who is amazing on the pole, she doesn't make any more of it because of her work.

    It is not worth the work, effort, bruises and occasional cracking of the skull to even bother.

  34. #21
    Featured Member Otoki's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2008
    Location
    MN
    Posts
    1,743
    Thanks
    227
    Thanked 224 Times in 136 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    It really comes down to the club. Some clubs are more stage-centered, where many people gage dancers on their stage performance. I've landed VIPs because of my pole tricks, and when you have a younger crowd the money flows a lot more freely when you're doing impressive stuff on stage. However, some clubs have a customer base that isn't going to care as much about acrobatics and more about the floor hustle. It just depends.

    For me, stage has always made me money, in tips and in securing dances.

  35. The Following User Says Thank You to Otoki For This Useful Post:


  36. #22
    Member amandelicious's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Iowa
    Posts
    52
    Thanks
    6
    Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    I don't dance in clubs, but I teach pole dancing and have a few students who do strip. When I go to the clubs and one of them is working, they've pulled me up on stage during their set and let me do a few tricks (clothed!) and I usually walk away from a minute jaunt on the pole with 10-12 dollars.

    I make sure to tip the girls who put effort into it, I'm not there to have a pussy shoved in my face, I'm there to watch the dancing and really... people study... haha

    I do know though that while the clubs use brass which is more sticky than my chrome pole, the poles there aren't mounted on the top and they scare the shit outta me when they sway side to side!
    amandelicious; sweet, fine but vicious

  37. The Following User Says Thank You to amandelicious For This Useful Post:


  38. #23
    Moderator charlie61's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13,467
    Thanks
    10,869
    Thanked 20,995 Times in 6,795 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    I'm one of those girls who will turn around and watch intently if a pole girl goes up on stage. Someone who does it well has this impossibly graceful way of making extraordinarily difficult moves look fluid and beautiful. It honestly blows my mind.

    But it is truly sad to see them walk away with a few dollars for an entire stage set of pole moves. Guys literally sit there, watching these ridiculously-amazing feats, looking like they're just watching TV: no tipping, no clapping, no "wow!" expressions on their faces. It makes me mad. I'll oftentimes hustle dollars for these girls-- who are actually taking the time and effort to put on a real show.

    Not that floor work isn't sexy, too. But it's sad to see something like that not get appreciated over and over.

  39. The Following User Says Thank You to charlie61 For This Useful Post:


  40. #24
    Member
    Joined
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Upstate, SC
    Posts
    29
    Thanks
    32
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    The club where my wife and I work has been busily moving the stage over the course of the week. We only open Thurs - Sat. What's good about this is that the guys will be able to sit 360 degrees around the stage to watch the dancers work... but, they are moving it from a place where they have a 12' ceiling to work with (giving them 9' from stage floor to ceiling) to an area with 10.5' ceilings, meaning that pole tricks are basically going to be eliminated here altogether, except for by some of the more "vertically challenged" dancers. I hope that the stage position helps gets the guys to tip more (although we're losing the catwalk), but I will be disappointed to see the pole work go away. At only 7.5 feet of usable pole, they'd be better off just taking the damned thing down.

  41. #25
    Moderator charlie61's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    13,467
    Thanks
    10,869
    Thanked 20,995 Times in 6,795 Posts

    Default Re: Pole Dancing... is it a waste?

    ^ My pole at work is only about 8 feet tall. We manage to pull tricks off on it--even wearing 8" heels! Have faith!

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Pole Dancing
    By CallistaModel in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 01-20-2011, 08:17 PM
  2. Pole Dancing!!!
    By CallMeJay in forum Body Business
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 11-27-2010, 12:25 PM
  3. Who can/likes to pole dance? Thread dedicated to pole dancing...
    By Sophia_DeVega in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 30
    Last Post: 12-22-2007, 12:02 PM
  4. **Dancing on the pole**
    By RarePackage in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 01-21-2007, 07:07 AM
  5. Does your pole dancing reflect your lap dancing personality?
    By Head Boy in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 05-16-2005, 07:55 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •