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Thread: Dancer Burnout

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    Veteran Member azamber's Avatar
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    Default Dancer Burnout

    I was talking to a friend yesterday about burnout, and I thought it would be a good topic to discuss with the newbies/wannabes, who probably haven't considered this aspect of the job. I have never talked to a dancer who hadn't experienced it. Maybe the girls who have been dancing a while can discuss it a bit, if you've experienced it, how you define it, how you get through it, how you avoid it.

    Dancer burnout happens IMO, when you work too much, let the job get to you, have issues at/with work, etc. It manifests as a general bad attitude, blowing off work, snapping at custy's, co-workers, the inability to make money when at work, feelings of low self-worth.

    I had a pretty extreme bout of burnout a few years into dancing. I took about 3 months off and basically wasted an ins. settlement I had gotten. So this is one example of how it can be a bad thing.

    Now that's extreme, like I said, but in general, lots of girls find themselves burning out somewhat regularly, but for not as long. Usually, I just take a few days off if I'm feeling burnt out, give myself a pedicure, get my hair cut, anything to make me feel good about myself, and feel sexy again. I also try to remember that if I'm not making money, not to take rejection personally.

    Anyone else want to share some experiences or ways of coping?

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    God/dess blondhottie's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    I'm going through burnout right now, and I agree with you that taking time off is a good way to deal with it. I've had this week off and I'm taking next week off too. I work 11 hour shifts, so it's very wearing on me after awhile(both physically and mentally). Plus my club has been very slow lately-more dancers than customers most of the time, and as many dancers as customers if we're lucky. So I just need some time away from the club to relax. I love dancing, but I find if I work too much, I don't make as much money because I'm tired and I don't hustle as much. I usually do better after I've had some time off to just relax.

    You mentioned different ways of pampering yourself too. This is a great idea. I haven't had much time to work out lately, and I feel like I'm not looking my best. I'm going to spend a lot of time next week tanning and working out, and I'm going to get my nails done. I might get a pedicure too (which I've never done before.) I find if I take a lot of time to work on my appearance, I feel sexier and I'm more confident at work. It shows and I make more money. Buying a new sexy outfit always helps too.

    Spending time with my family and non-dancer friends always helps me too, and I like spending time alone too because I'm always talking to people at work. It's hard to be sociable 24/7. So when I'm not working, I like to unwind by watching a movie, playing games on my computer, or going out to eat.

    If you can afford it, going to a day spa is a great way to relax. I've never done that before but I want to some day. Going on a vacation is great too, sometimes you just need to get away from it all and you feel so much better when you get back.

    I'm kind of tired of the bar scene after having danced for over 2 years, but once in a while, I'll go out to a regular bar with my friends and just let loose and drink and dance. If I've had a really bad week at work where I kept getting turned down for dances, going to a regular bar helps boost my confidence because there are always at least 1 or 2 guys at a regular bar who will think you're sexy and will hit on you. lol Then I know that the rejection that I've experienced is not something I should take personally because there are always guys out there who will find me sexy. This gets annoying after a while, so I don't go to bars that much, but it's fun occasionally.

  3. #3
    Member Ltngrl9's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    I've been dancing for 3 years and have gone through burnout phases also, it really sucks when you dread going into work. If taking a couple of days to a week off doesn't help, I try to go out of town and work somewhere else. It helps to change the scenery and it also gives regulars a chance to miss you a little. It also feels good to come back to your home turf after being gone awhile, you feel refreshed and ready to make some $.

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    Veteran Member azamber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    Good point, sometimes a new club can really make a difference, even if it's in the same city. I work at 2, and I don't have a schedule at either, so if I'm burnt out at one, I go to the other =)

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    God/dess VADEN's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    After 6 years of dancing, 4 of which have been at my current club, I took a break about 6 months ago. I started waitressing for my club just for a change, to give myself a break... I served cocktails for a few months and am now back to dancing. It will be 5 years in August at the same club. I still have some of the same customers come to see me that came in my first night.... Currently, I am very comfortable with my dancing, I make great money!

    Whenever I am feeling down or drained I do the pamper thing also...massage, manicure, pedicure, hair.

    I do quite a bit of shooting each week at an indoor range, which helps me relieve any stress...

    On my days off, I keep my mind completely off the club...Except when I'm making a post about it here...

    And believe it or not, I do get a weight lifted off my shoulders when I'm doing my pole tricks! It's such a great workout, I enjoy it. Sometimes if I am having a bad night, I will tell my dj, "put me up quick". He just laughs because he knows how much I love the pole...LOL



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    Banned Blade's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    Quote Originally Posted by VADEN

    I do quite a bit of shooting each week at an indoor range, which helps me relieve any stress...
    I can imagine that would relieve a LOT of stress....using targets with my picture yet? LOL!!

    Quote Originally Posted by VADEN
    On my days off, I keep my mind completely off the club...Except when I'm making a post about it here...
    As many posts as you make a day, you must not keep your mind of the club too much, lmao

  7. #7
    mermaidnz
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    argh burnouts suck!

    have been dancing 2.5 yrs, and cos of my whole no boob incident earlier this year i was forced to take 5 months off from dancing.doing nothing. no work at all. it was good. it was the first break id had,when i went back, i was revived something i never imagined could happen again!
    but here i am again, stuck in a rut.

    ive noticed it all snowballs too, one bad thing happens you let it get you down, then your negativity makes more bad things happen, the customers pick up on that, and you make less money, then you get angrier and eventually you realise its time...lol

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    God/dess VADEN's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    I can imagine that would relieve a LOT of stress....using targets with my picture yet? LOL!!
    No, but that's a damn good idea....

    As many posts as you make a day, you must not keep your mind of the club too much, lmao



    LOL, ahhhh funny guy..that's it, I'm outta here!!!



  9. #9
    Veteran Member azamber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    Quote Originally Posted by mermaidnz
    ...one bad thing happens you let it get you down, then your negativity makes more bad things happen, the customers pick up on that, and you make less money, then you get angrier and eventually you realise its time...
    Yes, that's another good point, if I'm in a bad mood, no amount of acting can hide it, the customers really can pick up on it! I need to relax myself and let whatever it is go if I'm going to get more dances.

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    Banned Katrine's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    When I work, I work my tail off, sometimes several days in a row, for over 8 hours at a time. I burnout often. Some tips:

    -Don't work for more than 3 days straight. Take a day off in the middle. Maybe not a good idea during special events that will bring in lots of dough, but overall a better idea.

    -Don't work more than 4-5 hours at a time. Come in as late as you can, take a short break mid-shift if the club is busy.

    I never follow these rules but I find it really helps to do so. I end up working non-stop, buring out, then taking an entire week off, losing potential income. Dont be me, LOL!

    "Have you ever been to American wedding? Where is the vodka, where's marinated herring?" - GB
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    If a cupcake was tossed at me... well, I'd only be upset if it missed my mouth

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    Featured Member mercedez's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    I think I am goin through that...been a bit snappy, dreadin to go to work...I think I will take a few days off....

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    Veteran Member Lady's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    I can usually work like 5 nights a week. BEcause we have very lenieant scheduals, the days that i dont feel like going in, I dont, regardless of what going to be going on. If you go to work and you REALLY dont feel like going,but you go anyways, you almost always have a bad night and then dread going in the next day even more. I usually work like Tue, Thr, Fri Sat and then Sun is my Well, if i feel like going i will go, if not, no big deal. Sometimes I go in Wed too if I just feel like I am in the money making mood.
    If Ifeel like I am getting burnned out I stay at home. I dont go ANYWHERE. Not to the mall or grocery store or anything untill I have Cabin fever so bad i cant wait to get to work for social interaction. I usually only last at home like two or three days. The trick to keeping form having to take months offf work is to not continue working while burned out, it just makes it worse and the longer you wait, the longer it takes to get over it.

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    God/dess Paris's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    I got massive burnout about a year and a half into dancing. I was working 4 days a week at the same club on the same schedule for 6 months, when I just "snapped".

    Here is what I do now to avoid that from happening.

    *I will work at my usual clubs, but for no more then 6 weeks at a time. Luckily I live in an area where there are a lot of clubs to choose from in a 300 mile radius. I also make sure I travel a lot to new places, as I always learn new money making tricks the more places I work in.

    *If you feel burn out coming on, register for some kind stripper contest. Preparing for and getting your creative juices flowing is great for adding new found energy to your regular work days.

    *Get a salary job. If you work 2-3 days a week somewhere besides stripping, then the nights you do dance you won't have a desparate feeling that this is your only source of income, you have other ways of making money.

    *Schedule chunks of time off. I work 6 days a week when I'm traveling, so I plan on taking 1 week a month off to do nothing. Even if I need the money, I don't dance during that week.

    *try a different aspect of the stripping business. If you only do parties, try doing club work. If you are used to lap dancing only type of clubs, try clubs that focus on the stage shows etc.

    *buy a wig in a different color from you usual color. Be prepared to be shocked to see how many people don't recognize you at work. This can be very fun to play with at any time.


    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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    Veteran Member livenudegirlsunite's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    Quote Originally Posted by blondhottie
    If I've had a really bad week at work where I kept getting turned down for dances, going to a regular bar helps boost my confidence because there are always at least 1 or 2 guys at a regular bar who will think you're sexy and will hit on you. lol Then I know that the rejection that I've experienced is not something I should take personally because there are always guys out there who will find me sexy. This gets annoying after a while, so I don't go to bars that much, but it's fun occasionally.
    I just did that the week before last. It does help me to feel better after getting turned down by a bunch of cheapskates. It really is depressing trying to work a club that has way more dancers than customers.
    It has been really slow at my club in the last few weeks. I just took the whole week off last week too. I also went to the tanning salon twice last week and got my nails & and my hair done. I already feel better.

    In Vegas the clubs bascially force the dancers to work 4 days a week in order to be able to work the busy nights. I have always said screw that! I'd rather do 2-3 days of ten - twelve hour shifts on slow nights than do a 6 hour shift 4 days a week on the busy nights. The latter is a sure route to major burnout which interferes with my $$$ making ablility.
    Last edited by livenudegirlsunite; 11-07-2004 at 11:37 AM.
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    God/dess NinaDaisy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    I'm on the tail end of a burnout phase right. I didn't want to force myself to go back to work too soon after the whole mess at Hustler. I want to audition at a new club with a good attitude that's real, not plastered on.

    I haven't worked for over a month, but I spent some time in Europe, been hanging out with friends and gradually getting back into the swing of things. Spent Halloween weekend in New Orleans with Kermit210. It was good, and much needed.

    Even though I don't see myself dancing for much longer, I need to phase myself out of it at my own pace.

    The most important thing about dancer burnout is that you don't always know when it will strike. You can have an amazing week where you make thousands and then the next week will take you into a downward spiral. So many dancers are constantly broke that they can't take time off when they need to. Have a "nervous breakdown fund" available .
    "She has written so well, and marvellously well, that I was completely ashamed of myself as a writer...But this girl, who is to my knowledge very unpleasant and we might even say a high-grade bitch, can write rings around all of us who consider ourselves as writers"

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    Veteran Member blackbeauty's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    I totally agree with all of you ladies. I am on burnout mode too after a year. i am thinking of going to the East Coast. Different coast, different people, a new start! I dread going to work and have slowly fell down to only going 2 days a week.

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    God/dess NinaDaisy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    Quote Originally Posted by blackbeauty
    I totally agree with all of you ladies. I am on burnout mode too after a year. i am thinking of going to the East Coast. Different coast, different people, a new start! I dread going to work and have slowly fell down to only going 2 days a week.
    I've tried that too. You're right about the different coast and different people idea. Same bullshit though. To varying degrees perhaps, but still...
    "She has written so well, and marvellously well, that I was completely ashamed of myself as a writer...But this girl, who is to my knowledge very unpleasant and we might even say a high-grade bitch, can write rings around all of us who consider ourselves as writers"

    Ernest Hemingway on writer, aviation pioneer and horse trainer Beryl Markham


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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    Totally agree Miss George. I too have permanent burnout.

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    Veteran Member azamber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    Quote Originally Posted by Miss George
    The problem is, this isn't a job that you grow in. You can get better at making money, hone your game, but it isn't like you're really growing as a person or learning anything (and we just get physically older day by day
    I'm sorry, but I'll have to disagree and observe that this job can make you/break you/ or both. I feel that I have grown as a person in so many ways, and I have learned a lot about people in general, conversation, taking better care of myself, how to have confidence, or at least look like it, sales techniques, I could keep going.

    I can kind of understand what you mean if you're talking about growth in a more professional sense, but your statement as it stands sounds depressing and discouraging.

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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    sure it's depressing and discouraging but for me it's totally true.

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    Banned Katrine's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    I like to be more optomistic about my learning experiences from stripping like azamber. Unfortunately, its impossible to convince almost anyone else that you have benefited from stripping. Most friends and prospective employers don't want to get past their mindset that you are more than a victim of male degredation. Thus, its easy to be quickly burnt out because NO ONE ELSE is willing to reward you for your achievements and that is important in a career, reverence and promotion.

    Its been that way for entertainers throughout history. Only since movies and TV did actors become respected as icons. Previous to the 20th century, they travelled all the time for plays, made poor money, and were considered great entertainment, but you wouldn't want your kid to marry them. It was the same for ballet dancers in Paris even. And today they are considered goddesses!

    Maybe a bit OT, sorry.

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  22. #22
    Featured Member GnBeret's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    Quote Originally Posted by Katrine
    I like to be more optomistic about my learning experiences from stripping like azamber. Unfortunately, its impossible to convince almost anyone else that you have benefited from stripping. Most friends and prospective employers don't want to get past their mindset that you are more than a victim of male degredation. Thus, its easy to be quickly burnt out because NO ONE ELSE is willing to reward you for your achievements and that is important in a career, reverence and promotion.
    Although many fail to realize it, much less capitalize on it and make good use of it afterwards, there's much to be learned from your experiences while dancing that can be used to your benefit in other areas and, at least in some cases, will directly translate into a distinct advantage over others starting out with you in different professional arenas. Whether you realize it or not, being constantly placed in a position of having to quickly "read" people and adjust your approach/behavior, etc., so that you can find a way to make money off of them is invaluable - not the kind of thing that can be taught in school. Find a business where that skill is one of the fundamental determinates as to who excels and who doesn't, and you'll be amazed how much of what you've learned can be utilized to your advantage.
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  23. #23
    Banned Katrine's Avatar
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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    I agree GrnBeret. The problem is proving that to a potential employer without listing "Exotic Dancer" on your resume.

    Even with an MBA, I've been having trouble getting a decent sales job in this crap market. I think I am going to start in a lower level sales job that does not require a professional degree, and "wow" them with exactly what you wrote above. I'm applying for everything at this point, apartment leasing is one of the main areas. Wish me luck!

    Btw, I think that dancing part-time is much more condusive to preventing burnout. For most of the past 6.5 years, I've danced only part time, and was never tired of it until is was the only thing I had to do.... I would love to just do it on weekends and have an extra 2-3k a month to spend!

    "Have you ever been to American wedding? Where is the vodka, where's marinated herring?" - GB
    "And do the cats give a shit? No, they do not. Why? Because they're cats."-from The Onion

    Quote Originally Posted by Mia M
    If a cupcake was tossed at me... well, I'd only be upset if it missed my mouth

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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    I had bad burnout once- I quit for 6 months and came back all revived. After 2 weeks of working in Montana every day for 8-10 hours a day, I'm feeling right on the edge of major burnout right now. So i'm going to spend the rest of the week doing silly stuff like scrapbooking .

    Time off is the only cure, in my experience. The real problem comes in pinpointing burnout; after the first time you know, but girls during their first bout of major burnout can do some pretty stupid things.

    Feature costumes for sale!

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    Default Re: Dancer Burnout

    All the things azamber listed are totally true. I blossomed from a wallflower into a real go getter. And yes GnBeret the skill of reading people is definately invaluable. One of the reasons I've been considering pharmaceutical sales. But I really don't see how I could have continued to "hone" my skills there in the club any longer. I'm just soooo tired of it. Tired of the late hours. Tired of the slimeballs. Tired of management. Tired of the uncertainty of the outcome at the end of the night. Stripping totally served it's purpose for me. I don't regret it at all and it was fun while it lasted. But now, it's time for a new hustle. And THAT is the cure for my own case of permanent burnout.

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