I Want to be a Dancer!

Stripping is about entertainment, not perfection. So don't feel that you aren't worthy of the stage simply because you aren't a Jessica Alba clone. Strippers know that they have to work with what they've got. I've worked in clubs where overweight or unconventionally attractive dancers made more money than thinner girls with balloon-like implants. As cheesy as it sounds, every woman is beautiful in her own way. Believing in your own unique beauty and accentuating your special talents and abilities will enhance your confidence, and confidence is sexy as hell. But we'll get to that part later. First, some things that all strippers need:

1. High heels
The higher the better! If you're uncomfortable teetering around in six-inch stilettos, try a lower heel. Some clubs have heel height requirements, but most managers will understand if you're a newbie. I've found some great shoes on eBay, trashy.com and electriqueboutique.com (Most are available in a variety from six to eight inches).

2. Some good-ass music!
Find some music that you find sexy and sensual. Yes, there are the typical stripper anthems, such as "Girls, Girls, Girls" by Motley Crue and "Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard, but feel free to choose the tunes that you feel comfortable with. I prefer slower ballads or rock songs, like those by Garbage, Esthero, Adema and Chevelle.

3. A few sexy outfits
For some reason, many companies that design clothing exclusively for strippers offer their products at ridiculously high prices. You don't need to drain your bank account to purchase some sexy duds for your first few sets. Fredericks.com, trashy.com and eBay.com feature all sorts of lingerie at affordable prices. I've even purchased a few basic items at Target or Macy's. (I will include clothing specifics at a later time.)

4. Exercise.
Fat girls. Skinny girls. Short girls. Tall girls. Men love 'em all. You don't have to be a stick with a set of fake double-D's to make money in the stripping world. That being said, you also want to look your best. Exercise, without a doubt, makes you feel better and look healthier.
Stripping is extremely physically demanding. I had always considered fitness a priority and worked out regularly. But my first set on stage kicked my ass. It's one thing to go out dancing with your friends at a club. It's another to do it in eight inch heels. Exercise! (If your idea of exercising is picking out Chee-tos between your couch cushions during commercial breaks of LOST, start with just 30 minutes of walking a day.)

5. Make-up
If you're a basics kinda girl, familiarize yourself with a make-up routine that brings out your best features. Many girls believe that in a strip club setting, the more make-up, the better. This isn't always true. Finding the make-up routine that suits you and is easy to touch-up is essential. I find that a good bronzer, pink lipgloss, dark eyeliner and shadow make for a glamorous and sexy stripper look. But that's just me. I will include make-up basics in a later post.

6. Confidence
You've heard it before. Confidence is sexy. In the stripping world, this is even more true. Acting like you're the hottest woman in the club can do wonders for boosting your clientele. How can you boost your confidence? Find outfits that flatter your figure. Wear your favorite perfume. Study and talk to women who appear to possess unfailing confidence.