Here's the Miriam-Webster dictionary definition of EXOTIC: "strikingly, excitingly, or mysteriously different or unusual"
The question is how can a woman that not's even remotely close to being "exotic" call herself an "exotic dancer"? There are too many Walmart or average to below average type women in this business at the present moment, some so non-exotic one would think they would be embarassed to even get up on stage.
As for how the upcoming downturn/recession (whatever is going on with the economy) - how that impacts this, its hard to tell, as it could make the situation worse as the dollars continue to dry up.
Alternatively:
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the lack of opportunity in the real (non-dancer) world - could bring better quality women into the strip clubs
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strip clubs themselves recognizing the problem could be forced to put out (e.g. perhaps by making house fees more favorable to dancers) a more consistent level of dancer quality, sufficient enough to draw customer traffic into the clubs
Part of the problem is some customers have different tastes in what they like. To get consensus in this society, you seem to have to offer everything to everyone because someone might get upset. I still believe the majority of guys prefer dancers who are fit and have good skin tone. A pretty face helps too.
I agree the term exotic seems to apply to something you don't typically see. I can see ordinary girls next door or Walmart girls everywhere. They aren't exotic. They are just strippers.