Don’t Get Caught in the Hype
🪩 ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD 🪩
🖤 I’m seeing more and more posts involving this industry that are “How to’s” and “Positives”. Let me stop you there. I’ve been in this industry for half a decade, trust me when I say this is not for everyone.
🖤 Dancing/other jobs in this industry are now being flaunted around as “just another job”. Let me say, I do appreciate and love the acceptance, HOWEVER I would never encourage ANYONE to go into this industry.
🖤 It is a personal decision that typically comes from very specific life circumstances. I know you’ve read all the glitz and glam, let me give you the honest run down.
✖️ “You make your own hours”
Sure! Except those hours are typically from 6pm-3am. You enjoy your healthy sleep regimen? Say bye to that.
✖️ “You decide how much money you want to make”
NOPE! Like any non-hourly job, there are good days and bad days. The biggest difference here is you will still be wearing the same clothes, doing the same stage sets, and playing the same character… only to walk out with $50. This is not Hollywood, everyday is not a $1k day.
✖️ “You make a lot of money”
You can definitely make money in this industry but let’s talk about the reality of it.
You will need at bare minimum:
Heels: around $100
Outfits: $50-$100
Money bags: $10-$20
Perfume: $5-$50
Nails: $50-$100
Makeup: $0-$100 (depending on whether you already have a good supply)
Now let’s talk cost of being an independent contractor.
You pay a house fee. This typically ranges from $20-$60 depending on the day and time you go in. You tip out your DJ, bouncers, and even your manager. Expect to spend $100/$150 just to show up.
✖️ “Anyone can do it”
Sure! Anyone can technically do it. Let’s talk about why most of my coworkers and myself do this job.
I started years ago. The money was alluring and it felt nice to have control over myself and what I did. This job was a last resort job. You’ll find many dancers (not all) come from ~not so great~ lives. It’s easier to become a dancer when it feels like your only option.
✖️ “You’re safe”
While your bouncers and managers will try to keep you as safe as possible at the end of the day it takes one second for a customer to get handsy. I will not downplay the effects of that. It’s traumatic. Most of the time YOU are responsible for getting yourself out of those situations and let me tell you, the freeze response is real.
✖️ Not to mention:
Mental stress and fatigue
Bodily pain
Self image issues
The slippery slope into substance abuse
🪩 Bottom line…
You want to be in this industry? That is your choice. However do not expect this job to be like a tv show. There are real downsides and for some people those downsides can cause catastrophic consequences.
The dance industry, especially for performers in nightclubs, is often romanticized, but the reality includes numerous challenges. While posts often highlight the allure—like freedom of hours and high earnings—a deeper look reveals obstacles that can include grueling hours from evening until early morning, potential safety risks, and unpredictable income. Many dancers may find themselves spending large sums before even stepping on stage, often leading to financial strain. It's crucial to recognize that the choice to enter this profession can stem from personal circumstances, not just a desire for quick cash. Building a support network, focusing on mental health, and establishing boundaries are essential practices for those in the industry. Moreover, finding professional help to deal with the potential psychological impacts and societal stigma can be vital for long-term well-being. By fostering a more realistic narrative around this profession, we can encourage a better understanding of its complexities.
personally the idea is nice to me, but due to alr having some substance problems that im clean off of aswell as being clumsy as a drunk donkey on ice, imma jus say if I end up at a strip club imma tip well bc ik them girlypops work hard as hell to do what they do