An exotic dancer, also called a stripper, is someone who dances at an adult entertainment venue such as a strip club or gentlemen’s club.
This can be an appealing job opportunity to many, but being an exotic dancer isn’t just about taking off your clothes.
A lot of work goes into being successful as an exotic dancer, including physical stamina and strength, a good personality, and even training in certain types of dance styles or pole tricks if you’re at an upscale establishment.
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What Does an Exotic Dancer Do?
An exotic dancer is a performer who typically provides adult entertainment through dance or other visually stimulating activities.
This can include private dances as well as public performances.
An exotic dancer’s salary can vary greatly depending on their experience level, the type of venue they work at, and whether or not they offer private dances.
Job Description
The job description of an exotic dancer is fairly straightforward: entertain guests with sensual dancing and possibly other services.
However, there is more to being a successful dancer than just being able to move your body in a sexy way.
Good dancers are skilled at reading their audience and knowing what they want.
Educational Requirements
The local government requires exotic dancers to obtain a license in some states. The dancer must be 18 years old to apply for a permit.
In many areas, exotic dancers must complete 40 hours of classroom instruction, including anatomy and physiology, human sexuality, AIDS awareness and prevention, state laws regarding sex work, and contact information for legal aid.
Once licensed by the state in which they work as an exotic dancer, they may be able to get a permit from their local municipality that will allow them to perform at specified times in designated areas.
Exotic Dancer Skills
As an exotic dancer, you must have the following skills
Customer Service
You need to be able to communicate with your customers, and you should know how to listen and ask questions to do this well.
You also need patience. When dealing with unhappy customers, it is essential not to become too upset or angry because they may physically take their anger out on you if they think they can get away with it.
There are times when customer service is more important than customer satisfaction, such as when your boss has given strict orders about what can or cannot be done.
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Physical Fitness
An exotic dancer needs to stay physically fit. Not only does staying fit help prevent injury while dancing, but it also helps prevent health problems like diabetes and heart disease.
A good diet and exercise program will help keep you healthy while at work, but there are other ways to maintain health while working as a stripper.
A stripper could get into self-defense classes, so she knows how to defend herself from violent situations on the job.
Smoking cessation classes might also be beneficial for some women who smoke cigarettes before going onstage.
Communication Skills
One of the most valuable assets a woman can bring to her work is excellent communication skills.
She needs to be able to understand instructions and comply with them quickly.
The ability to read people’s body language, tone of voice, and gestures goes hand in hand with excellent communication skills.
For example, suppose the manager tells a woman that no kissing is allowed on stage during one of her performances.
In that case, she should use verbal cues and nonverbal signals such as looking down to let her customers know that no kissing is allowed during her performance.
Exotic Dancer Salary & Outlook
In the United States, exotic dancers earn an average of $39,000 annually.
The job outlook for exotic dancers is positive, with a projected growth rate of 4%. Exotic dancers work in nightclubs, gentlemen’s, or strip clubs.
Their job duties include performing onstage dances, interacting with customers, and collecting tips.
Most exotic dancers are independent contractors and work part-time hours.
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Conclusion
An exotic dancer is a professional entertainer who performs dance routines that are usually sexually suggestive or erotic.
They often work in nightclubs, bars, or gentlemen’s clubs, and their income depends mainly on tips from patrons.
Exotic dancers typically have a good level of physical fitness, flexibility, charisma, and confidence.
If you’re considering becoming an exotic dancer, it’s essential to be aware of the risks involved with the job.
While most dancers can avoid serious injury, there is always the potential for falls, slips, and other accidents.
