How to be a stripper?

Question

I am moving 2 California. And am thinking about becoming an exotic dancer/stripper. I was wondering if I could get any advice from some strippers on here.

I don't get along with my parents and am cutting my ties with them completely. So I am going to become an exotic dancer or go-go dancer.

And I would like to know where are some high-end non-fully nude gentleman's clubs in Los Angeles, California, like in Orange County. Kinda like the Scores Gentleman's Club in New York. I am looking for a mixed club (black and white) also.

I also would like to know how much a stripper can make on an average night. Because I heard that you have 2 pay the deejay and some other people. And do you pay taxes? I am not trying 2 get caught by Uncle Sam.

I also would like 2 get some suggestions on stripper names. I like the name Diamond because LisaRaye played that character in The Player's Club.

I also want 2 know how to go about it? And how old do you have 2 be?

Answer 1

Stripping is not lucrative in California.

You must be 18 to work in a nude club (nude clubs can not serve alcohol), and 21 for a club with alcohol...at least in LA and Orange County. You will need a dancer's license to work in some cities.

Yes, strippers do pay taxes (or are supposed to). Strippers are independent contractors at most clubs. Independent contractors usually have higher taxes.

Paying a fee to dance, and tipping the DJ, house mom, bouncers, makeup artist, and whoever else is called a house fee or tip out. Not all clubs have these. The fee can vary, and dancers are usually expected to pay before dancing.

Go to a club and ask when auditions are held and how old you must be to dance, if you're under 21. Some other questions you may want to ask are:
-What is the dress code? For example, some clubs do not allow costumes, only gowns.
-How much are lap dances? Dancers make most of their money from lap/couch/table dances.
-Is there a tip out? If so, how much?
-Does the club have lockers?
-Is there a heel height requirement?
-Does the main stage have a pole? (yes, there are strip clubs without poles)

Bring an outfit and heels to the audition, and a CD or have a few songs in mind in case the DJ allows you to pick your own music. You will probably dance to one or two songs, or you may be hired on the spot, depending on the club and management.

Diamond is not a good name. It's too common and you will want something your customers will remember. If you are set on Diamond, have another name in mind just incase it's already taken.
http://www.geocities.com/alysabethc/names.html
At the high-end clubs where I have worked, "fantasy" names are not allowed, only real/believable names, like Jennifer, Amber, etc.

If you have no experience, chances are, you won't be hired at an upscale club. It's best to start at a lower-end club anyway. I don't mean a club that doubles as a brothel or drug lab, but a small, low traffic club. You will have the opportunity to build up your confidence and learn how to dance on stage. Go to stripclublist.com for a list of clubs.

Good luck~

Answer 2

My initial advice to you would be- don't listen to any "advice" given to you from people who have never danced. Honestly, people have the wierdest ideas about strip clubs/dancers. People REALLY have a tendency to over-sensationalize it. You can absolutely have a good experience dancing, depending on who you are, and the choices you make. Yes, there are some f-ed up people who find their way into working at the clubs. But, more often then not, they were extrememly f-ed up for a long, long time before they started dancing. There are also a lot more fascinating women, who work very little and have a lot of money which they put towards starting their own business, becoming succesful artists, going to college, etc.

Also, for some reason, non-stripping women can exhibit a LOT of anger towards strippers. Not sure why, but it happens all the time. They even come into the clubs just to glare at the girls and criticise their bodies. Sad. If you get some advice that is twinged with anger or disgust, you've found one of those. Ignore what they have to say. It's almost always BS.

I, however, have danced and had a good experience. It's just a matter of keeping your common sense and making safe choices. Don't do drugs if you're going to dance, it's not a safe environment for that- a lot of predators will be attracted. And, I've seen some beautiful in demand dancers who could have written the own tickets, who instead have had their looks destroyed, and spend all their money on drugs and get trapped in an industry that is no longer kind to them. Seriously, if you have a drug problem, this is not the industry to be in.

Here's the rest of my top advice (staying away from drugs being #1)

2) Walk away from anyone that expects you to get sexual with them, be they a customer or a club owner. There's plenty of other nicer clubs where you can make very good money without that. These predators are depending on you not knowing that, and will often tell you this is "how it's done." It's really not. But these people are rare, you probably will not run into that.

3) Save your money. This is your f-off money. It's the difference between walking away from an abusive jerk or putting up with his crap because you need the money. It's the difference between working past the point of burn out and hating life, or taking time off when you really, really need it.

4) don't put up with crap from anyone. One of the best things about this industry is that it is not customer service. If someone insults you, or you just don't feel right about them, walk away.


Good luck. Oh, and visit stripperweb.com. It's chat forum for dancers. Lots of support and good advice there.

Answer 3

Strippers In Orange County

Answer 4

I use to dance. I don't know about the L.A clubs. I believe you have to be at least 18. Your going to out some money in the begining for shoes, outfits and all that other stuff to get you gorgeous. Your gonna have to learn how to hustle and talk to customers. Yes you pay self employment taxes. The amount you make depends on the club and you. It varies. It's very expensive to live in LA. I was born there have family there. The stripper name is all up to you. I miss dancing sometimes. Good luck.

Answer 5

That does sound like a stripper name. In Boston there is a street called Hooker Street, and there is a house there that is #69. They showed on the news that the poor woman who used to live there was trying to job search but nobody was taking her seriously because of the address so she had to get a po box so she had a return address that wasn't so very XXX rated. I don't think I could move to a 69 Hooker Street address!

Answer 6

Sweetie,
There has to be a better way. Why not get a job as a receptionist. You wont be rich but you can make at least 30,000.00 if you get a job with a financial firm. Stripping can often lead to other things and you sound really young. I would hate to find out later that your life went down a really wrong path. Don't get me wrong, I am sure there are a lot of lovely Women that have chosen this profession but If I had to talk to my little sister (and I am talking to you like you are my little sister) I would advise her to try other professions...I worry about our young Women. I don't know you but I do hope for the best for you.

Answer 7

Ummmm, I think you have glamorized the world of stripping a little too much. You need to really think about this. I don't think it's really all that easy to waltz in to a "high-end" gentlemen's club and start working there. You have to work your way up to those places. Do think that girls working in all the scuzzy strip clubs work there because they want to? Think about it, please. You sound young, but if this is what you really want to do, then good luck to you.

Answer 8

I don't know how old you are, but my advice to you is do not do it. Get a real education. What do you plan to do when you get older and your looks start fading? Many exotic dancers also resort to prostitution. NOT ALL. Sure the money is great but it also comes with a price. loss of dignity, shame, disrespect, etc. Getting your education would make you proud of yourself and secure you a lifetime of success.

Answer 9

same as porn, 18 yrs...i think, then again u gotta be 21 to enter it (at least the one in my town......oh wait, thats cuz of the alcohol, god im slow today) and may i say thank you on behalf of all men that you have taken an intrest in such a career, but no, i dont know any information on it, u should come strip at the scuttlebutt in slidell (25 min east of New Orleans) ill be sure to stop by

to std up there, leave her alone, shes what keeps marriages together, she makes men happy

Answer 10

Learn how to pick up a dollar with your butt cheeks.