5 Things to Retire in 2014

As 2013 comes to a close, I think it's time that we look back at the mistakes we've seen strippers make, mistakes we have ourselves made, reflect on the changes in the industry, and adjust our hustle to make the most of the year ahead. Strippers have been directly affected by sexualization of mainstream media, and strippers, instead of being a part of a “secret society” are now front and center in television, movies, and of course, music videos. When something changes, everything changes, and although it moves at a slower pace than the real world, strip club culture does exist, and we DO evolve. So what things should we retire in 2014 to make this year our most lucrative yet? 1. Asking, “Wanna Dance?” We KNOW this doesn't work. We do it anyway out of laziness. Most dancers come into work more than they want to or not enough, which results in this “I don't wanna do this tonight,” sort of feeling. The trick is to find the sweet spot. For me, it's always been either 4-6 nights a week, but for some girls it's 1-3, some can push it to 6-10 shifts even! But the reality is, when we don't want to be there is when we do the “wanna dance?” thing. If you can't do it tonight, don't do it! Don't get in lazy habits and become the “wanna dance” girl just because $100 is better than nothing at all. Take those nights to yourself and make an EXTRA hundred on the day that you DO feel like it, and nix the “wanna dance” crap FOREVER. 2. Looking homeless on the floor I know it's cold out. Get a catsuit, a cute shrug, cropped jacket, or wear long sleeved dresses and leg warmers, but for the love of everything holy, please stop wearing your PINK hoodie on the floor. The general rule to stripper wardrobe styling is, “If his wife would clean the toilet in it, don't wear it.” (plus, you look so sad!) 3. Tracks/Bad weaves You get paid to look nice. If you messed up your hair or you prefer the look of a extensions or a wig, please invest in quality hair and have it put in by a professional. If you bought it at Sally's and your brother's girlfriend's cousin did it in her kitchen? It's not good enough for the strip club. 4. Booty Work No more. PLEASE no more booty, and no more booty poppin music!) The butt tricks of 2007-2013 are over. Miley does it, Beyonce does it, everyone does it. It's too mainstream for us, so let's take this opportunity to class the joint up a bit. Unless you work at Club Onyx or Magic City, we really don't need the strip club to look like a rap video. Every club that I have worked at that allows pretty little blonde girls to twerk around on the floor to Gucci Mane has run off it's good money customer base.* To be honest, it just looks trashy. Sooooooo let's make an initiative amongst us to embrace the return of 90′s fashion and 90′S MONEY into the strip clubs by making whales feel comfortable there, and to make them feel a little less like they are looking at their highschool daughters on stage. Dance to less abrasive songs this year, do a little less ass popping, and try sensual on for size. It's a new year, time to re-choreograph your stage show anyhow! *There is a difference between “Bootylicious” and “Bust it Open”. Please keep dancing to R&B forever. 5. Using your cell phone on the floor Why this is permitted at any strip club is beyond reason for me. If you are making excuses in your head right now, do yourself a favor and STOP THAT. There is absolutely no reason to have your phone on you in the strip club. If you have kids, their sitter should know the number to the club and be able to retrieve you at any time. If you are bored, too bad. Stay bored. Your cell phone is making you complacent, and what's worse, it's keeping you checked into your real life. You need to leave (insert your birth name here) at the front door, and fully become (insert your stage name here). You cannot do that if you are texting your boyfriend or your homegirl or scrolling on instagram. Plus, you look like a huge asshole to your manager and your customers. Entertain yourself by devising plots to run the world with your favorite stripper friend.