Contrary to popular belief, not all strippers are young, perfect-looking women. In fact, the age of strippers ranges from 18 to 50, and they have all kinds of bodies and shapes. If you've ever wanted to become a stripper but weren't sure if it was the right career for you, there are a few things to consider carefully before making the decision.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Understand the demands
Step 1. Understand that you will need to be physically fit
It is a common misconception that you have to have a "perfect" body to be a stripper. In fact, there are strippers of all shapes, sizes, and body types. That said, you will have to be physically fit to some degree to meet the demands of the job. Dancing is a physical effort. If we add very high heels to this, things get even more complicated. Make sure you are prepared for the physical demands that striptease requires.
You don't necessarily have to have any dance experience or skills to get started. Observing other girls to get an idea of what a good routine looks like is a good idea
Step 2. Consider the time you will have to dedicate
At first, you may have to work every night to try to settle down and get back the money you invested to start with. You'll also have to adjust to working late into the night, which can really get in the way of any day jobs you have and plan to keep if you're into striptease.
Things are not going to happen overnight, especially when it comes to getting comfortable on stage and giving private dances. You will need some time to really decide if it is the right profession for you, and to see how well you can do it
Step 3. Remember that staying sober will be important
Many dancers fall victim to the attractiveness and the constant presence of alcohol and drugs in strip clubs, and end up wasting their earnings on them. It is also dangerous to be intoxicated at work. You will need to be vigilant if you want to stay safe and get paid your due amounts for things like private dances.
There are strippers who manage to have a few drinks at work without getting drunk, or who do drugs occasionally but do not become addicted. Keep in mind, however, that it is still a risky behavior, and if you have an addictive personality, you could be more prone to developing alcoholism or drug addiction
Step 4. Decide if you can handle a possible rejection
Being a stripper is not always full of people who throw money at you. There will be some clients who do not find you attractive, or who directly reject your advances. As a stripper, you will have to "sell" yourself to make money, so being able to work as a salesperson is important, and salespeople need thick skin to get ahead.
Some customers can also be rude. Just like in any other job, you may have to deal with people who are not particularly nice or cheerful, but as a stripper, you will be dealing with them in a much more vulnerable and intimate setting. Make sure you are prepared for it
Step 5. Remember that you can have problems with co-workers
As a dancer, your co-workers will be your competition, since you will all be essentially competing for the attention of customers within the club to get tips and ask you for private dances. Don't expect to be close friends with everyone you work with, and be prepared for the possibility of your coworkers being rude to you.
Consider that, for example, one of your co-workers might be willing to allow more physical contact during private dances, which could bring her more business than other dancers. Things like this can cause friction and tension between co-workers
Part 2 of 4: Preparing the Initial Investment
Step 1. Acquire a license
The requirements are different in different areas, but you will most likely need to obtain a license to be an adult cheerleader or exotic dancer. This license will cost you different amounts for the application and license fee. For example, the city of Denver, Colorado, requires exotic dancers to obtain a business license, which costs about $ 175 with all fees, and also requires a criminal background check.
Licensing requirements will vary depending on where you live and where you intend to work, so be sure to research the requirements, if any, for your city and / or state
Step 2. Buy the costumes
Before going to your first audition, you should have your wardrobe ready. It may be a good idea to buy one at first, only until you have a guaranteed job. There are many online stores that offer clothing sets, loose clothing, and bikinis. Choose the suit style that suits your personality. For example, if you plan to dance to more funky pop or hip-hop songs, you may not want to wear all black and try a more daring look. Go for bright colors, sparkles and sexy silhouettes. If you want to dance to rock music, opt for a more daring look, with dark colors and chrome or metallic details.
- These sets can range in price from $ 30 to $ 100 for a complete set, with a few exceptions that are cheaper and more expensive. Choose a set that fits your budget. Save the most expensive or luxurious suits for later, when you have fixed money.
- Depending on the type of club you are going to dance in, your costume may cover more or less skin. For example, if you are going to dance in a club that allows total nudity, only topless or only in a bikini, you will need to choose your clothes accordingly.
Step 3. Buy shoes
As a stripper, you won't be wearing sneakers on stage. Strippers are known for their sky high heels, so you'll have to grab a pair of them. However, don't wear a standard black pair of shoes. You will need a heel of at least 10 centimeters. Buy a pair made for ballerinas. Think of those transparent platforms that you have seen in the dancers of the movies. You can usually buy these shoes from the same store where you bought your suit. Some online stores may offer offers for complete sets, such as discounts or free shipping, for example, so take the opportunity to buy everything in the same place.
A good pair of heels can cost you even more than your suit, probably between $ 60 and $ 200. Stick to the lower part of the price range for your first pair, and wait to buy more until you make steady money. Consider buying a pair that can be combined with multiple outfits
Step 4. Pay your club dues
Many clubs charge dancers a nightly fee for working. Dancers are often considered independent contractors, so you'll essentially have to pay "rent" to work. Clubhouse fees will vary based on the club you work for, as well as the night you work. For example, the rate for a weekend night may be higher than that for a weekday night. Rates can range from $ 10 per night to $ 200 or more per night, depending on the factors mentioned above.
You will also likely need to tip the doormen / security guards, waiters or servers (as they might send you customers), and even the DJ who played the music for your set
Part 3 of 4: Living with the Possible Consequences
Step 1. Understand that people can judge you negatively
Choosing a career in an exotic dance or striptease can cause other people to look at you negatively. Striptease is not always considered a dignified or moral way to earn money, no matter how pure your intentions may be. Also, many people have stereotypes and ideas about strippers in their minds that will apply to you, even if you don't fit them at all. You will have to be prepared for your work to negatively affect your reputation and even your personal relationships.
As a stripper, you may have trouble finding long-lasting and stable romantic relationships, as it can be difficult to find a partner who is okay with you stripping in front of others or doing erotic dances. If you are already in a relationship, you should discuss it with your partner and make sure that your work will not negatively affect your relationship
Step 2. Recognize the possible negative psychological effects
Since your salary will essentially be based on others finding you physically attractive, you may end up basing your own self-esteem on how you look. Some strippers end up feeling negative about themselves, or end up being highly critical of their appearance, which can be difficult and exhausting. Consider whether you would be able to handle these types of problems if you take a job as a stripper.
On the other hand, some strippers find the striptease especially liberating and a constant source of self-confidence. It all depends on your individual personality and the type of feelings you are prone to
Step 3. Realize that you may not earn the money you expect
Since you'll have to shell out a good chunk of money up front to pay for your license, club fees, suits, and shoes, you may barely break even for the first few nights or even weeks. Tipping staff and paying nightly club dues can have you going home with next to nothing, while on another night you might go home with a few hundred dollars. The money you earn will be variable, in the best of cases, since you will depend mainly on the tips and the clients who pay for the private dances.
The better a salesperson you are, the more chances you have to earn more money. Private dancing will likely earn you more money than tips from stage performances alone, so if you're not comfortable with private dancing, striptease may not be for you
Part 4 of 4: Considering Safety
Step 1. Consider that you may have aggressive customers
Unfortunately, some people who go to strip clubs believe that strippers are open for business - any kind of business. You can end up with clients who become very touchy or even aggressive during private dances. You will have to be able to defend yourself and establish limits that you will comply with when it comes to these private services. You are never forced to do anything that you are not comfortable with. Tip your porters well and make sure there is always one around when you are dancing or giving private dances.
If any aspect of being a stripper makes you nervous or uncomfortable, you may want to steer clear of it as a profession. You don't want to end up in a situation where you feel uncomfortable and are not prepared to say no when you want or need to
Step 2. Remember that there may be drugs present
Some of your co-workers or clients may use or sell drugs. This, of course, is not guaranteed, but you must be prepared for the possibility. If you are prone to drug abuse, you may want to avoid becoming a stripper, as the temptation to use may be greater. You also run the risk of getting involved in illegal activities, especially if you use or buy drugs while working.
Using drugs or being drunk while working as a stripper can make you vulnerable to sexual assault or being swindled out of money owed to you for private services. It's important to stay sober and alert while working out, so you may want to avoid striptease if you're not sure if you can
Step 3. Remember that leaving the club at night can be dangerous
Walking alone at night can be a risk at any time, but leaving a nightclub where people have been drinking is especially risky. You run the risk of being attacked, mugged, or robbed, especially since the people near the club will probably assume you are carrying cash. If possible, you will always want to ask a porter or coworker to walk you to your car to ensure your safety.
When talking to potential clients, don't give out any personal information. This includes where you live, other places you could work, or even where you go to school if you are a student. Don't tell them if you have children or if you are in a relationship. Keep those conversations light and simple
Advice
- If you feel confident and do your best, striptease can be a very rewarding profession.
- If you don't want to become a stripper, as much as you want to support your family financially, the best thing is to find another job.
Warnings
- Don't take a job at a club where you feel unsafe.
- Never accept any sexual act that you do not want to participate in.