Tip #1. First aid is most important when starting out. Here is a small list of things you’ll want to have on hand..

Band aids- get the stretch fabric kind as the clear one’s actually glow in the black light.

Super Glue – As you wear down the sole,  you’ll need to glue the bottom rubber back on your shoe.  Note: If the body of the shoe breaks never try to glue it back together and continue dancing! Its an accident waiting to happen.  If there isn’t a girl there who is willing to let you borrow shoes for the remainder of your shift, go home.  No amount of money is worth twisting your ankle or falling and getting hurt.  Cut your losses and get another pair ASAP.

Spray Deodorant – Whether open toe or closed, your shoes will begin to smell as your  feet sweat.  Spray your feet lightly with Arid Extra Dry Regular/Unscented before your shift to keep away the funk.  Make sure to put band-aids in place before spraying or they wont stick.

Gel Inserts - these have the ability to save your night. Less than $10, slip these into your shoes for added comfort as you build your calluses.

Tip #2. When first starting to dance, you’ll want to get 5 – 6 inch heels. Going for the 7 and 8 inch heels is a very bad idea if you’ve never walked in them. Wobbly ankles is not attractive. Starting low and working your way up builds stability. The muscles on your shins will need to strengthen also so be prepared to feel pain when simply standing as you use them to balance.

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Tip #3. Recognize that your feet will be molding into your shoe. My first recommendation is the solid sole with 2 clear plastic straps. As your feet sweat, the straps stick and keep the shoe on. This has been the most comfortable shoe for me right out of the box, however, I still got a few small blisters. This is where band-aids come in handy.

Tip #4. When I first started dancing I learned in 5 inch stilettos and I ended up pinching the nerve in my feet. I couldn’t feel my toes until I started wearing 6 inch platforms.  I recommend platforms 10 out of 10 times.

Tip #5. When getting a pedicure, ask them to not remove your precious calluses. Expect your feet to get somewhat beat up as this job is hard on them but you need the calluses for protection. If you remove them, your feet will hurt forever. Keep them and your feet adapt.  Expect them to hurt for the first 3-4 months of dancing until they adjust.

Tip #6. Practice walking around in your work shoes at home. Start out walking in the kitchen and graduate to carpet. Some clubs have carpet in the VIP rooms so be prepared.  Stages are usually vinyl but don’t always have an even surface.  Walking around at home will also help break in the shoes.

Tip #7. Now that you have been dancing for a while you’ll notice the quickest part of a stripper shoe to wear out is the sole – the second being plastic strap.  After inspection, if you have determined that the shoe is still good (ie., straps intact, cracks in plastic, etc),  have them re-soled by by a local shoe shop. This usually costs around $20 and takes about a day to repair.  You can also re-sole brand new shoes to make them last months if not a year longer.

Hope this helps and, as always, if you have questions regarding this article, feel free to leave a comment.

~Perelandra

So tonight, I witnessed a train wreck on stage. I have never in all my years dancing ever see someone fall so…complete. Usually there is an occasional stumble. Acceptable considering the stilts we strap onto our feet and call shoes. And sometimes there is an actual fall where you step on something as benign as a piece of ice on the floor.
But this girl…oh man.
I was sitting with a gent in between stages 2 and 3. Stage 3 happened to be in the background while I was chatting. I see this itty bitty girl with great big 8 inch heels standing on the rack, when suddenly her shoe rolls out from under her. She lands on her thigh/butt on the rail, bounces into a chair, and tumbles onto her ass on the floor. As I jumped out of my chair, hiding my smile, I could almost hear the little birdies flying in a circle above her head! She sat there on the floor stunned in wonderment. I tried to help her up but, being embarrassed, she refused. She got back on the stage, took her other shoe off and ‘danced’ the rest of the set. @_@
I went back to the table and my guy asked what had happened. “Gravity kicked her ass!”, I replied this time not hiding my smile and a chuckle.

Moral of the story?
Being sexy while drunk is impossible and gaining height via stripper shoes should be obtained by gradual progression.

Way to keep up the stereotype girlfriend!

CLOTHING:

When it comes to stripper clothing, you can’t really afford to have something fit just a little too big or too small. While you are perusing through the online store catalog, you’ll notice that all of the cute outfits fit the models great. Which is fine if you look like them. I, on the other hand, am almost 6ft tall and curvy. For me, everything I try on seems 3-4 inches too short. So, if you have a style that you know fits you or need to replace your favorite gown, buy with confidence. Otherwise, go to your local lingerie shop, try on a few things to get familiar with the different brands, and save some money by purchasing online.
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SHOES:

I first began to buy shoes from Snaz75.com about 6 years ago. I have since switched companies as my favorite. Shoebuy.com consistently has the best price for stripper shoes as well as an incredible selection. Once you find a shoe that fits well, (for me its Pleaser’s) you can buy knowing that it will be the same shoe that the ‘costume lady’ brings in – and tons cheaper! I just bought 2 pair for $100 including shipping!!
Sexiest Shoes Ever!
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COSMETICS:

Just like clothing, I would only recommend buying make-up online if you already know what you want or are replacing items you have experience with. Color monitors and poor graphics can distort and discolor images and you run the very high risk of disappointment. Recently, I went to the M.A.C. store, looked at all the colors I wanted, then purchased a collection from an auction site. I wasn’t disappointed!
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BOOKS AND SOFTWARE: There is usually very low risk of buyers remorse when it comes to purchasing eBooks and other software. Most ‘how to’ eBooks have some sort time period for you to get your money back, i.e.; 30, 60, or 90 days. Software on the other hand can be more tricky. Just make sure you look at the return or customer satisfaction policy before purchasing.
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