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Yes, I was once a stripper. Oh, you can call it exotic dancer, topless dancer, whatever you want, but it's really all the same profession.

The differences comes from two areas: 1) The girl, and 2) where she works. I won't go into my own debate here, as that would be rather pointless. I'll simply share my viewpoint and experience and you can take it for what it's worth.

I didn't end up dancing because I was downtrodden or drug dependent. I didn't do it because I had a pimp-like boyfriend that forced it on me. I didn't do it for the myriad of sob stories you hear from some people when they share stories of the life. I did it because a friend suggested I should after watching me dance at a bar I worked at.

So I tried it. And I loved it. Yes, you do need to have a good head on your shoulders. You do need to be in control of yourself. And yes, there are girls who give the life a bad rap. It's unfortunate, but hell, show me a corporate office that doesn't have drug addicts and drama and I'll stop right here.

Exactly.

For me, it was about the release - the freedom of that stage. I brought my favorite music to work and the DJ played what I liked. I got to dance to music that moved me in mind and body. Taking my top off was nothing compared to the high I experienced from my moment on that stage, my time to immerse myself into my music and let my body express it.

I've always loved to dance. I've always been good with people. The girls loved me. I was pretty much the den mother at the clubs I worked. My manager loved me, I showed up for my shifts. And I loved dancing.

The downside for me? Well, the city I worked in wasn't exactly rich so I didn't make the 'grip' you hear some girls boasting about. But it paid the bills and I was in DAMN good shape then. And yes, I saw the drugs, the alcoholic girls - but you know what? The majority of them were great people. Moms, college students, friends. It's not for everyone but I certainly don't regret it at all.

I think another aspect of it that I've taken with me is just the basic knowledge I gained on human nature. I think more women should go to their local "gentlemen's club" and just sit and have a drink and watch. They may be surprised. Instead of getting jealous and pissed off [when their men/husbands want to go or sneak into one], they may actually find themselves having a good time, as I had seen many times in my four years in the life. Ladies, you will have a good laugh at just how funny the guys are while they're in there. It's sort of like a deer in headlights and a frat party all rolled into one.

Honestly, I think cocktail waitresses have it worse than dancers. You touch a dancer, you're history. But a waitress in any other type of establishment gets lost in the shuffle sometimes or can find herself in a "your word against the customer's" situation. Believe me, even in a couple of dives I've worked in, those bouncers had our backs (well... our fronts, too, but...)

If you're thinking of entering the life, be sure it's for the right reasons. You have to be strong of will and spirit. If you're damaged and looking for an escape, you'll be easy prey to the lure of drugs and the "regulars" that will try and get a little more than a table dance as they fan those Benjamins in your face.

Remember, it's a very tiny step from a self-respecting entertainer to a hooker. Choose wisely. And to the ladies out there still donning the acrylic heels and working the poles, I salute you. Be true to yourself and never sell out.

Learn more about this author, Rhaevyn.
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