Did you see Natalie Portman in Closer (2004) and get a sudden urge to live out your romanticised version of stripper life? If so, good for you- but you’ve got to remember that life ain’t always like the movies. Whilst the life of a stripper can be sexy, just like any job, it suits a particular personality and requires a certain skillset. These are the 10 most important things you need to have to be a stripper.
Confidence
Of course, confidence is essential for performing in front of an audience. But being a stripper also requires confidence when interacting with clients. As a stripper, you’re required to make the first move by approaching customers, and it’s normal to receive many rejections. You have to be confident enough to handle this rejection publicly, and to keep on trying with new customers.
Physical fitness
Guess what? Pole dancing is not as easy as it looks. And those shifts can be long. Many strippers invest in maintaining physical fitness to stay in shape. Good physical condition can help with stamina during performances, and help you keep your mojo all night long.
Dancing skills
Rhythm, baby. Your stage dance is your time to shine, you’ve got to use it well. As a stripper, it’s important to be able to move sensually and create captivating routines. There are plenty of free Youtube dance tutorials out there, which can at least provide inspiration if nothing else.
Communication skills
Potentially the most important on this list? Being a stripper is just as much about being a good shmoozer as it is about being a good dancer. When you speak to customers, you’ve got to have something that hooks them in. Communication is also important in the more practical sense of being able to understand each customers’ desires, negotiating private dances, and setting clear boundaries.
Resilience
Being a stripper can be emotionally and physically demanding (a lot more than most forms of sex work). It’s like a long shift, often into the early hours of the morning where you’re doing an intense workout whilst also trying to persuade people (in a subtle and sexy way) to pay you. It’s bloody difficult. Resilience is necessary to handle long working hours, potential rejection or negativity from customers, and the physical demands of the job.
Creativity
One of the struggles of stripper life is the competitive environment. You’re going to go far if you have real imagination to set yourself apart from the rest- whether that’s through your captivating dance routines or your interesting persona. Being a good stripper means being unique.
Adaptability
Strippers often work in environments that can be unpredictable. Unlike being an independent escort, where you are very much in control, here you’re working amongst others in a shared space. If in every day life, you’re good at adapting to changing plans and unexpected situations, then being a stripper could work for you.
A business mind
Being a stripper means you pretty much work for yourself. Your income is very temperamental. One night, you might earn mega bucks, but another night you might come home with nothing. You need to know how to save the megabucks so that on those luckless nights, you still have money. It’s about being able to think long-term.
Professionalism
Being professional in demeanour and conduct, both on and off stage, is important. You might think stripper life is all fun and silly, but when you take yourself and your profession seriously, people will notice. This can lead to repeat customers and positive relationships with club management.
Respect for boundaries
Strippers must be able to set and enforce personal boundaries. They should feel comfortable declining requests or activities that make them uncomfortable and also respect the customer’s boundaries.
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Iso
Iso is a writer and filmmaker based in East London. She is passionate about all things erotic and leads a sexy, shame-free life in hope that she can inspire others to do the same. Originally from a Northern seaside town, she is naturally drawn to the best things in life: candyfloss, trashy karaoke bars and heart-shaped sunglasses.
