You may know a friend who’s considered stripping for money— or you may be that very friend. Looking for a way to cover your rent in a weekend? Need a side hustle to put yourself through school? That all sounds great, but are you ready for judgement from friends and family? Expecting barriers to applying for steady jobs and places to live? Let’s hear from a professional who’s dealt with it all, to find out if stripping is a fit for you. (This interview shares an anonymous dancer’s perspective, and is not representative of the industry at large)
When did you decide to become a dancer?
I was a student when I started. Essentially, I was trying to get a big girl job. When I first got my license, I didn’t think I was going to like the job at all. I was crying like, “What am I doing?” But then it was like, “This is cool.” I get to wear what I want, dance to music I like, express myself and meet new people.
How much do dancers make?
I’ve seen girls losing money per shift and girls making what I’ve made in a month working a regular job. Personally, if I’m making what I could be making at a 9-5 job where I don’t have to take my clothes off, I don’t want to do it. Dancing gave me the opportunity to make enough money to support my education without having five other jobs to do it.
How did you navigate dancing throughout school?
When I was a dental assistant, I did a co-op at one of the offices downtown. I realized I had more in common with the dentists than I did with people at the entry-level. They’re talking about vacations they’ve taken, goals in their life— and I’m like, “I’m one of you!” It all has to do with the tax bracket. But I had to pretend, because I was still in the closet as a dancer, that I had nothing in common with that.
How difficult is it to make a career transfer from dancing?
Dancing was easy to get into, hard to get out. All of the issues with previous jobs, administratively or time management-wise went right out the window. I go to work when I want to, set my own hours and make more than the average person. You’re not going to leave a job where you’re making X amount per year on your own terms for a job you dislike.
How did you come out as a dancer?
My friends know I dance because it’s pretty obvious at this point. I’m glad they know because it’s easier for me to live my life without having to compartmentalize relationships. I was lying to them for so long that it became stressful. The friends that would judge me don’t follow me anymore. It’s refreshing because it’s allowed me to be myself online. And I think when you’re more genuine, you just attract more people.
How has dancing impacted your life?
Dancing has allowed me to literally follow my dreams. The confidence is definitely there. It’s allowed me to be in a position where my bills are paid. I’m not financially stuck. It has also expanded my ability to communicate with others, on a personal and professional level. It’s changed me so much. I don’t think I’d be happy with where I was if I just stuck with what I was doing before.
How do you feel about the increasing normalization of girls who want to strip?
It’s like the new rock star or supermodel, it’s crazy. And they’re serious about it. That’s something we used to say, growing up, sarcastically or not at all. But now people literally want to do it. I think that’s why people are infuriated by it too, it’s almost destigmatizing.
What advice do you have for girls who want to strip professionally?
You gotta save your money, invest it properly, and have an end game. There’s a shocking amount of people who don’t have an end game. You need thick skin, but this job will allow you to develop that. The faster you get out the easier it is to get out, because once you get comfortable with the lifestyle, it’s hard to leave.