She Strengthens

The Unspoken Truth About Stripping

A Lucrative Career Path

When I turned 18, I achieved financial stability. I had secured a spot in City Year, packed my bags, and moved to Denver. Working 60 hours a week, I saved most of my earnings. However, when I started my undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado, balancing work and studies became challenging. An unpaid internship with the Colorado Department of Education further threatened my financial security. That’s when I made the unconventional decision to become a stripper.

Debunking the Myths

Let’s talk numbers. If I worked six hours a day, four days a week, and averaged $400 per night, my annual salary would be $76,800 before taxes. This figure may seem extraordinary, but it’s a realistic expectation for many exotic dancers. The standard shift is six hours, four days a week, which can be draining but acceptable. Some dancers aim to make at least $500 per four-hour shift, while others are content with $300 per eight-hour shift. The amount of money earned can turn a stigmatized profession into a practical one.

The Power of Money

A significant income can break down stigma and taboo, even defining self-worth for some. This is why a dancer might quit after a single low-earning night. Location also plays a crucial role, with dancers in cities like Manhattan potentially earning more than those in Denver. However, threatening to quit over a few low nights raises questions about what one is trying to prove and to whom.

The Terminology Debate

The term “stripper” can be perceived as dirty or uncouth. Some prefer to be called “entertainers” or “exotic dancers,” distancing themselves from the negative connotations. However, Go-Go dancers are technically exotic dancers who don’t strip. Not all strippers dance, so what do you call someone who dances and takes off their clothes? I refer to myself and others in the profession as ecdysiasts, or striptease artists, a term coined by H.L. Mencken.

The Flexibility of Exotic Dancing

Exotic dancing doesn’t require formal education, and most clubs allow dancing once you reach 18. The flexibility offered to ecdysiasts is unparalleled. You can work as little or as much as you want, as long as you’re a good ecdysiast and make the club money. As independent contractors, ecdysiasts pay “rent” to dance, fees for private rooms, and “tips” for various staff members.

The Cost of Fantasy

The cost of creating a fantasy varies by state, city, and neighborhood. Some clubs require an ankle-length gown, while others don’t mind cheap lingerie. Heels and hair extensions are relatively affordable. The ecdysiast decides how much to spend on makeup, accessories, and everything else that makes her confident in her craft.

The Uncertainty of Earnings

As an ecdysiast, you walk into work with uncertainty. You might leave with $2,000 or stay the entire night and leave with less money than you entered. This is true even when including the cost of upkeep. It’s possible to work an entire week and come out in the negative. In my three and a half years as an ecdysiast, I’ve rarely returned home in the negative. Instead, I’ve been able to secure my financial security, assist friends and relatives, and enjoy vacations.

Clearing the Air

I don’t aim to glorify or demonize stripping as a profession. There’s misinformation surrounding sex work, and I intend to set the record straight. Exotic dancing is a side hustle that some turn into a career. It’s a way to make money, and it’s time to acknowledge the truth.