Everything in this post comes down to one word…RESPECT
That’s it. Show respect. I’m still surprised that this post is necessary, but over the years I’ve become and still am friends with many dancers. I’m in strip clubs and talk to dancers 300 + nights a year and sadly this post is necessary. The fact that she’s a Vegas Stripper doesn’t mean she’s a drug addicted skank or a dummy or has daddy issues. Most Vegas strippers have more education, higher IQ and fewer mental issues than the average customer. She likely has a degree from a more prestigious University than you too. So, don’t disrespect her and assume she’s trashy because she’s chosen to use her looks, sexyness and personality to make a really good living. And don’t live under the false assumption that being a stripper is an easy job. She doesn’t simply get money because she looks good. Performing on stage is stressful and scary for anyone in any profession; imagine doing it with your clothes off. Stand up comics, professional actors and many musicians get sick before they go on stage. So do strippers. It is not an easy job. Most guys aren’t man enough to do what these women do. Again, Show respect. That said, here’s my list of dos and don’ts based on over 30 years experience in and around strippers and strip clubs.
DO…
- Show up showered, dressed appropriately and brush your teeth or at least use mouthwash or breath mints before you go. Think about it this way. It’s your job to walk around a dark room all night in your underwear and sit on stranger’s laps, have conversations with them and grind on them like you want to have sex with them. Wouldn’t you want them to at least smell clean and not have stinky breath? Wouldn’t you give more time and attention to the strangers who dressed appropriately and didn’t have food stains on their clothes. (See my post on Vegas Strip Club Dress Codes). One of my favorite dancers always, says to me “Thanks for smelling good for us.” She says, I’d be shocked at how many guys stink so bad she won’t even try to get a dance from them.
- Be up front. If you don’t intend to buy any lap dances or VIP dances, tell her. If you’re not interested in her, tell her. You can be polite about this. I often say something like, ” I’m glad to buy you a drink if you want to have a seat and chat, but I’m not getting any lap dances tonight. I know you’re at work and I don’t want you to miss any money while you’re talking to me.” Often, a dancer will respond by sitting and chatting a while. I’ve developed some great friendships and get lots of information this way. She may go work the room for dances and then come back and visit more later. If, I am interested in dances, but she isn’t my type, I politely tell her, “You’re very attractive, but I’m looking for someone different tonight.” She may recommend just the girl you want. And when she asks for a dance, don’t tell her maybe later unless you mean it. Be polite.
- Respect her limits. Vegas strip clubs are hands on, but not every dancer wants you to pinch her nipples–most don’t. The law in Vegas and in our clubs allows lot’s of touching. But how much touching is always up to the dancer. Some dancers may invite you to fondle them, others may discourage you when you try. If she does discourage you, don’t try again. Touch her gently if she allows you. Don’t be rough unless she specifically requests it and then still don’t over do it. Don’t try to put your mouth on her…she doesn’t want multiple customer’s saliva on her breasts or neck. That said, I have had some dancers want to kiss and some very passionately. It is all up to her. Respect her limits.
4. Tip. You aren’t required or expected to tip for lap dances since the dancer keeps all that money anyway. But if you really appreciated the dance, then show some gratitude. If you are sitting at the stage tip the dancer on stage or leave the stage to make room for someone who will. The dancers do not get paid by the club. In fact, they pay the club. In Vegas the average dancer pays more to the club for the privilege of dancing for you than you paid the club to get in and see her dance. That’s right. Dancers in Vegas pay $80-$100 a night in house fees just to get in and dance. Plus she has to tip the DJ for playing her music and the bouncers and club hosts for bringing her good customers and keeping the creepy guys from molesting her.
She just gave an Olympic quality pole routine with high-flying acrobatics as good as Cirque du Soleil. And she paid the club for the privilege of giving you that performance. If you are too cheap or too broke to tip her a dollar or two, you shouldn’t be in the strip club.
And god forbid if you steal her tips off the stage or the floor. It happens. I’ve seen it and the stripper put a spiked heel through the guy’s cheek before the bouncers or I could get to him to take him out and bury him alive in a fire-ant hill in the desert.
And if you do VIP, it’s a good idea to tip the host/bouncer. He is likely to make sure you have a little more privacy. It’s also nice to tip the driver who takes you to and from the club. Not required, but $2-$5 is greatly appreciated. You don’t have to go crazy on the tipping thing but do show some appreciation for good service and performance. Likewise, don’t reward bad behavior or performance. Respect goes both ways.
5. Try the food if you’re hungry. Vegas strip clubs have very good food at reasonable prices. Various clubs offer everything from Steak, Gourmet Mexican, sushi, burgers, salads and 24 hour breakfast. See our reviews if you’re curious.
DON’TS
- Don’t be Stupid. This means don’t ask her her real name. (Trust me they hate this). Don’t try to get her phone number or pick her up. The strip club is a fantasy world. She’s not there to date you or fuck you. She doesn’t want to date you or fuck you. She’s there to create the fantasy that this amazingly hot creature is attracted to you and wants to have sex with you and be your girl. She really doesn’t. Its part of the show. Its her job to help you enjoy the fantasy so much you forget its a fantasy. Some dancers will do private shows back at your hotel on their days off. These women have business cards with their name and number on it and will offer it without you asking.
Yes, it is possible to date and sleep with strippers. I’ve done my share of both. They are women. They have sexual and relationship urges and desires just like everyone else. Some are lesbians, some are bi-sexual, some are purely into men. Where are they most likely to meet their next boyfriend or sexual encounter? In the club where they work of course. And you may be her type. Not likely. For those of you who really want to date and sleep with strippers I’ll write a post on this in early October 2019. It won’t cost you a dime and it will be good advice from a man who’s bedded more strippers than most men will ever see. It won’t be the total garbage BS that the so called “pick up artists” charge big bucks for you to get.
2. Enjoy the show but don’t try to be the show. You’re there to watch the dancers not have your girlfriend grind on you. (I actually had a date get thrown out of Sapphire for this once). It’s OK to get your bachelor on stage. The club certainly wants you to have fun, but don’t try to steal the show or attention from the main attraction which is the 100’s of hot naked dancers.
3. DON’T RECORD VIDEO OR TAKE PICTURES WITHOUT PERMISSION. Even selfies. The strippers don’t want to be on your instagram or youtube; they have their own. The club doesn’t appreciate this either. While we are at it, keep your phone put away most of the time while you are in the club. It’s rude to be looking at your phone while a naked woman is hanging upside down on a pole 20 feet up in the air. If you get an emergency call or text, get up and go to the bath room or somewhere quiet and handle it. And no the dancer doesn’t want to see pictures of your kids or your junk. Dancers throw up in their mouth when you pull out your phone and say, “I wanna show you something.”
4. DON’T TAKE A TAXI, UBER OR LYFT TO THE STRIP CLUB. You are getting ripped off and we’ve written a post on this scam.
5. DON’T USE THE ATM OR CREDIT CARD IN A VEGAS STRIP CLUB. The club charges fees of 15 to 20% for debit and credit cards which cost you and the dancer money. Plus the dancer views your ATM card as an unlimited source of cash. Respect your self–set a budget and take only that much cash to the strip club. Thank me later.
6. DON’T CAVE IN TO PRESSURE. Our reviews tell you which clubs have really pushy dancers. As I mentioned above, be polite but you have every right to say no thanks to a particular dancer or her offer. Don’t be rude, but don’t get intimidated either.
SINCE I KNOW THAT MANY DANCERS READ THIS BLOG, HERE ARE A FEW DOs and DON’TS FOR YOU AS WELL.
- BE HONEST ABOUT THE COSTS. Tell customers all the drink minimums and costs. If you quote the guy 3 songs for $100 don’t dance 5 songs and then hustle him for more money. If you like the guy and want to do a little extra in hopes he tips, great. But play it straight up. This is better business for all of us in the long run.
- I appreciate you smelling good, but you don’t have to marinate in the cologne/perfume.
- Stop with the pressure. Yes you should ask if I want a lap dance. You shouldn’t walk up sit in my lap grab my crotch put your tongue in my ear and ask if I want to have some private fun. Yes this happened recently. You shouldn’t push or beg if I don’t want a dance later. Have some conversation, be friendly, then ask again or check back later. I came to the club to see you, I will buy lap dances, but pressure seems needy and desperate and that is a turn off.
- Read your customers. Some guys want to enjoy the show and drop dollars on the stage. Other guys want to put dollars in your G-string. Some want you to take dollars off their face with your tits. We don’t all want the same thing and what is fun to some guys is uncomfortable to others. You’re a professional; learn to read your customers.
- Let me see you before you ask me if I want a lap dance. You are much more likely to get told “No Thanks” when you sneak up behind me and I have to answer before I get a chance to see whether I like your look or not. Plus it is rude and disrespectful to approach customers from behind.