The Magic is Gone

I visited Millstream on a Wednesday afternoon. Nine dancers were listed on the website schedule, but I only saw six working. This happens frequently at Millstream, and it's quite aggravating, at least to this reviewer. Millstream is a nice physical setting (Eh, sort of. The seat coverings where I was sitting are very frayed and in need of replacement.) with good parking and no cover or security this particular afternoon. TVs set to sports. Bought my water ($6) and I don't get food. There are tables and booths to sit at, I like to sit in a corner booth, make myself invisible, and see who takes an interest. This does not usually work, but they have to work for it a little bit, right? It's been a long time since any girl at Millstream has taken that initiative, though. Not sure if the culture has changed or if I have. Oh well.

Jessica (not my favorite) and Eva (confused feelings about her- did a pretty good room with her once but the next time she saw me she ignored me, she does have super soft skin and hair, though) were on the schedule but not there. Penelope was there, she's heavily tattooed (her entire back plus even more) and while we've had pleasant brief exchanges, she knows I'm not into her. Jaelyn (short, light skinned mixed/AA) seemed friendly but I wasn't into her. Ivy has already tried and failed with me and I think she's mad about it haha. Rain and Cache were also there, both AA and they took their pity dollars gracefully and moved on. And finally, there was a girl who looked new. She was tallish and more or less attractive and when I asked her name, she said it was Natalie. It's the same Natalie from 4-5 years ago. It looks like she lost some weight, and she used to be ink-free but now has a few small tattoos. But what struck me the most was how terribly unhappy she looked. She just didn't smile. There was no attempt at enticing patrons through her dance or personality.

Maybe it's because Millstream was my very first club, and the one where I've had the most dances with the most dancers, and it holds some nice memories for me but largely hasn't lived up to that for a couple of years now. Maybe it's because I tend to visit on weekday afternoons, and that's not prime time and I don't make it easy on them. Maybe it's because it tries project such an upscale, energetic image but falls flat in reality. Maybe it's because the dances are generally low mileage. Maybe it's because the girls aren't super attractive and seem not to be trying all that hard. I used to go here maybe monthly or more. Now I go three times a year, max. But for whatever confluence of reasons, Millstream is just not exciting anymore.