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

In a word?

Yes.

But allow me to explain. It has to do with how well you have taken care of yourself over the years and if plastic surgery is an option for you. For most women, your skin begins to lose its elasticity at about 40. That means that is when wrinkles begin to appear and flabby arms and even your butt begins to sag. However, if you look into facial peels, microderm abrasion, and other procedures you can still dance for quite a while.

The photo is of Tempest Storm and at 81 she still performs her burlesque shows in Vegas, NV. I’m not saying everyone can be a Tempest Storm but you don’t have to stop at 35 either.

If you are in the industry and are approaching 30 – stop freaking out! Women don’t reach their sexual maturity until about 30-34. It happened at 31 for me. Sexual maturity doesn’t mean you get super horny either. It is a change in attitude about sex and you’ve had enough experiences to know how and what it is you want from your partner. You also gain the ability to communicate it. This maturity is amazingly sexy to virtually everyone around you. I would wager that you will make more money after 30 than before.

In the fantasy world, young men drool over the experienced woman who knows what she’s doing and older men appreciate her confidence – meaning he doesn’t have to baby her ego.

<3 Perelandra

Regarding the DJ – If you’re going to request music, it is extremely important to remember to tip accordingly. Every club is different so the appropriate amount will vary. Usually there is a ‘minimum’ tip out amount that is due the end of the shift. It’s a good idea to ask management and then a few girls how much to tip extra. This is the second most important relationship you’ll have in the club so make sure you take care of them. From time to time, you’ll need them to skip you on the rotation so you can do more dances, use the restroom, or give you more time to get ready for your shift. In these examples make sure you tip some extra.
Being on time for your stage set is a great way to keep everyone happy. You may be in the middle of conversation but wrap it up fast so you can make your obligation. As an additional benefit, it also keeps the customer hanging and usually wanting more of your attention which (if done right) will translate into your time becoming more valuable.
Never give the DJ dirty looks from stage because he’s playing something you don’t like. The customers and management can see you or even worse – the owner of the club. This behavior shows immaturity and lack of professionalism. Once you are off stage you can discuss the music choice with the DJ. But be sure not to go up to him like a bat out of hell and all pissed off. Just politely ask him not to play that type of music or song again. DJ’s are usually cool people, so if you’re having a bad day or shift and snap at them or give them attitude, be sure to apologize. You’ll do yourself good by babying this relationship.
As a general rule don’t talk about the music to the customers while on stage. They really don’t care what song is playing and if your good at what you do, they probably wont even hear the music. *wink wink* What really matters is that you remain sexy and inviting no matter what the song. The urge to discuss the poor music choice comes from needing to make some excuse or reason for validation as to why you aren’t able to ‘get in the mood’. Remaining focused on what you are doing is the only way to get through. Don’t let the music ruin a perfectly good opportunity to make money. It’s only a small part in the over all show. It only becomes a big deal if you make it out to be.