You don’t necessarily have to possess any dancing experience or skills to start off. Watching some other girls perform to get an idea of what a good routine looks like is a good idea.
Things won’t happen overnight, especially when it comes to feeling comfortable on stage and while giving private dances. You will need some time to really decide if it’s the right profession for you, and to see how well you can do with it.
There are strippers who manage to have a few drinks on the job without getting drunk, or who use drugs occasionally but don’t become addicts. Realize, though, that this is still risky behavior, and if you have an addictive personality, you might be more prone to developing alcoholism or drug addiction.
Some patrons might be rude, as well. Just like any other job, you might have to deal with people who aren’t especially nice or cheery, but as a stripper, you will be dealing with them in a much more vulnerable and intimate setting. Make sure you’re prepared for that.
Consider that, for example, one of your co-workers might be willing to allow more physical contact during private dances, which might bring her more business than other dancers. Things like this can cause friction and tension among co-workers.
The requirements for licensing will vary depending on where you live and where you’re trying to work, so make sure you look into the requirements, if any, in your city and/or state.
These outfits can range in price from $30 - $100 for a complete set—with some exceptions that are cheaper and more expensive. Choose an outfit that fits your budget. Save the more expensive or fancy outfits for down the road when you’re bringing in steady cash. Depending on what kind of club you’ll be dancing in, your outfit might cover more or less skin. For example, if you will be dancing at a club that allows full nudity, just topless nudity, or bikinis only, you will want to choose your outfit accordingly.
A good pair of high heels might cost you even more than your outfit, most likely somewhere between $60 and $200. Stick to the lower end of the price range for your first pair, and wait to buy more until you’re making steady money. Consider buying a pair that might match with multiple outfits.
You’ll also probably need to tip out your bouncers/security guards, the bartenders or servers (as they might send you clients), and even the DJ that played music for your set.
As a stripper, you may have trouble finding stable, lasting romantic relationships, as it might be difficult to find a partner who is okay with you being nude in front of others, or giving lap dances. If you are already in a relationship, you will want to talk things over with your partner and make sure your job won’t negatively affect your relationship.
On the other hand, some strippers find stripping to be especially liberating and a constant source of self-confidence. It all depends on your individual personality, and what kind of feelings you’re prone to.
The better salesperson you are, the better chance you might have at making better money. Private dances will likely earn you more money than tips from stage performances alone, so if you aren’t comfortable with private dances, then stripping may not be for you.
If any aspect of being a stripper makes you nervous or uncomfortable, you may want to stay away from it as a profession. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you feel uncomfortable and aren’t prepared to say no when you want or need to.
Using drugs or being drunk while working as a stripper can make you vulnerable to sexual assault, or to being swindled out of money you’re owed from private services. It’s important to stay sober and alert while working, so you may want to avoid stripping if you aren’t sure you can do that.
When talking with potential clients, don’t give out any personal information. This includes where you live, other places you might work, or even where you go to school if you’re a student. Don’t tell them if you have kids or if you’re in a relationship. Keep those conversations light and simple.
