there's a TON of threads on here where you girls are asking what we think your names should be, and the same advice keeps popping up over and over again. i figure that most new girls are not reading other girls "pick my name" posts, so i thought i'd start a thread to get the rules of thumb on naming yourself in one place.
everyone feel free to chime in with any thoughts you have on the subject, but let's please keep this as a list of general guidelines, not questions about specific names.
with that... i'll start.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN CHOOSING YOUR STAGE NAME:
keep it simple-- you're going to be saying it several times a night, most often yelling it over loud music. either choose a name that has a few syllables, or is a standard, familiar name (rebecca, elizabeth, vanessa, for example)
the more exotic, the more people ask-- yes, tinuviel is a hella cool name... but if you pick something unusual, be prepared for people to ask you what your real name is everytime you introduce yourself. believe it or not, this can get irritating after awhile.
consider your image-- when you consider that humans are visual creatures and that we associate words with images (its how we learn languages!) certain names are going to have cultural connotations that you should only choose if you fit the bill. if you use a name that doubles as a common noun, make sure that the noun works with you, not against you. for instance, if you have dark hair, fair skin, and want to rock the sexy but sweet goth look, "raven" would be a good name for you. "sunshine" probably wouldn't.
avoid famous names-- any name that is instantly associated with a famous person (marilyn, paris, angelina, drew) can be a trap-- if you don't look like them/act like them/dress like them, you're going to get to hear about it from your customers all the time. by using those names you instantly put a particular idea in a person's head, and if you don't live up to it, it puts you a couple steps behind with each and every customer who makes that association. if you do look like angelina jolie or marilyn monroe, people will notice it without you surrendering your identity to them-- don't be their stripper impersonator! you're better than that!
try a nickname-- this could just be a bullshit story that my favorite dancer at my club tells, but i don't think it is. her stripper name is "jinx," the name that her brother has called her since she was a kid because she was such a clutz. its a great story, guys think its absolutely disarming because she's being cutely self-deprecating, and when she tells them this in response to "is that your real name?" they never push the point-- because she's always been jinx, they're fine with it. if you have a cool nickname, especially if it has a neat story, consider using it-- as long as its something a few people know, and not your entire graduating class.
pick something you feel confident calling yourself-- if it doesn't tumble off your tongue, no one's ever going to believe you when you say it. if you just don't fit in a name, no matter how much you like it, do not pick it! i know this sounds super lame, but try looking in the mirror and introducing yourself as some of the names you're trying out. the one that you can say with a sparkle in your eye is the one to pick. the rest of them are just going to sound fake and flat.
that's all i've got for right now-- everyone else feel free to pitch in.



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