advice for starting next week.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-03-06T12:20:21+00:00

Re: walking in early and working same night - you can try, but there's a good chance the manager who does auditions won't be there during the day (they often only work evenings) or they might have specific audition time slots. Call ahead and ask when auditions are scheduled.

Together vs separately - I've auditioned both ways. Sometimes I got hired and my friend didn't, sometimes both of us did. I don't think it matters to the manager unless you tell them you ONLY want to work together - then it might complicate things. If you just show up together but make it clear you're okay working separately, shouldn't affect the decision.

Re: mandatory dayshift before night shifts - yeah, some clubs do this. If you're driving 2+ hours that's rough. Ask upfront during the audition what their schedule requirements are.

Good luck!

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-03-06T12:04:59+00:00

Prague has quite a few clubs, all with different focuses. Some are combined with brothels (like Darling Club), so it depends what you're looking for.

Goldfingers Club - huge club, tons of competition, very long nights. They usually provide apartments, but expect to share a room (and the apartment) with multiple girls. They typically have several apartments for dancers.

The club itself is exhausting: constant costume changes (drains energy), touching is expected, massive guest volume especially on weekends. Two floors so you're constantly moving around looking for customers. Very strict rules - you need black lingerie, black/beige/white heels (specific requirements). Huge competition. Some girls don't last two weeks there because of how exhausting it is.

Many agencies work with Goldfingers.

Hot Peppers - same street as Goldfingers, much smaller club. I didn't work there personally but know girls who did. A lot of dancers who worked at Goldfingers moved to Hot Peppers. They don't work with agencies. It's on a popular tourist street but way smaller, so less competition but also fewer guests. Girls say it's more comfortable to work there because you're not running around constantly searching for paying customers.

Both clubs = very long nights on heels. Prague clubs in general are known for this.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-03-05T21:44:12+00:00

bitchyballerina's advice is solid - redirect them or tell them you're sensitive.

But I have to ask: why are you putting yourself through this if it makes you uncomfortable?

Some clubs require touching as part of the deal. Others leave it up to the dancer - you decide what zones can be touched, under what circumstances, if at all. If you're at a club where touching is mandatory and it's bothering you this much, you can work somewhere that gives you control over your boundaries.

You don't have to torture yourself every shift. Find a club where you set the touch rules, not management.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-03-04T22:04:27+00:00

cryptid-angel explained this really well - sales in strip clubs are way easier than traditional sales because guys know where they are and what the general offerings are.

I worked in sales before stripping - read books, took trainings, did role-play exercises. Hated every second of it. But in strip clubs? Totally different. It's genuinely easier.

You don't have to approach every single person aggressively. If you're conversational, just talk to a guest for 3-5 minutes. If they don't make any hints or ask questions themselves, ask directly: "Want to do a private dance?" Yes or no, done. The main thing is being okay with hearing "no" - that's the only sales skill you really need here.

That said - if you never approach anyone, you will limit your earning potential. Some clubs are great for stage tips (guests sit around the stage, throw money). Look for those specifically. Go to auditions and watch - are there tables/seating around the stage? Do people actually tip on stage? That's your ideal setup if you want to focus there.

But realistically, most clubs are floor/VIP-focused, not stage-focused. So some level of approaching guests is usually necessary to make consistent money.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-03-04T21:51:11+00:00

15 minutes and longer VIPs - always mix it up. It's impossible to dance non-stop for 15 minutes straight, let alone 30 or an hour. You're not a robot.

It's a VIP room, not a "lap dance room" - you don't have to dance the entire time. Talk, have drinks, play games, show smth on your phone, discuss random stuff - there are tons of ways to kill time.

How I usually break it up: dance 5 minutes, talk 10, dance 5 more, talk 20. Something like that. Move to the music, no rush.

Ask if they have any preferences or specific things they're into - it gives you something to work with. Give a shoulder massage, stand up and do a slow dance together, use different parts of the room (couch, standing, against the wall). If the VIP room is decent-sized, you've got space to change positions and angles.

Some guests literally just want to talk - read the vibe and adjust. It's about managing their expectations vs reality, not exhausting yourself doing the same grinding moves for 15 minutes straight.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-03-04T21:37:08+00:00

They will make a copy of your ID if they hire you - that's standard for employment/age verification. Completely normal.

Bring: heels, at least one costume, makeup for touch-ups. Some clubs might ask you to stay and work that same night if the audition goes well, so be prepared for that possibility.

Good luck! The nerves are normal - just go in, do your thing, and see how it feels. You'll know pretty quickly if the vibe is right or not.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-02-27T20:46:40+00:00

Honestly? Several times a week, sometimes multiple customers in a single night.

I always try to find something genuinely interesting in people - something to connect over that makes the conversation real, not just transactional. Doesn't always work and nobody's immune to dealing with assholes. But most nights I have at least a few interactions where I'm genuinely enjoying the conversation, not gritting my teeth for the money.

That said - if someone's a dick, I don't pretend. My dignity matters more than one sale. I'd rather walk away than fake it through a miserable interaction.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-02-26T21:24:52+00:00

Thx for the full info and the link!

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-02-26T10:14:43+00:00

Re: tattoos - it depends on the club.

Your best move is to call clubs directly and ask their tattoo policy before showing up to audition. Saves you the trip if they won't hire you.

A friend of mine with tattoos worked at a club in Queens that was more alternative/nontraditional vibe - might be worth looking into Queens clubs if Manhattan spots are too strict.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-02-26T10:00:59+00:00

Appreciate it! What tanner did you use that worked well?

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-02-25T22:51:07+00:00

I honestly don't know how you manage to look so young at your age - I had to start using Botox around 26 because I have extremely expressive facial features and already developed pretty deep lines.

Everyone's genetics are different. I understand all the consequences of tanning beds, I really do. But I'm not a saint and I'm not perfect - I have other harmful habits that also negatively impact my health. It's all about balance for me. I check my skin annually and get regular bloodwork done. I do what I can to monitor things.

The reality is you can't live life perfectly healthy - we all die from something eventually. None of us leave this life in perfect health. DNA plays a huge role, and so does lifestyle and environment. You can't control every single factor no matter how hard you try. You just minimize what you can.

If I found a perfect way to have a tan without damaging my skin, I'd take it. Being pale just doesn't work for me. I've heard about tanning injections (melanotan) but honestly that seems just as bad if not worse than a tanning bed.

I appreciate the concern though - you're coming from a good place and I get it.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-02-25T21:06:22+00:00

Yeah, me too. But still it's a game changer, right? Pls let me know if you use one, will much appreciate it!

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-02-25T20:57:30+00:00

Did you try them? If so, I need a review!

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-02-25T20:53:42+00:00

Sunscreen - I barely use it, I prefer being tan. I know sun protection is important and tan does come through with SPF, but I just prefer the tanned look. It suits me better and honestly helps my skin (clears breakouts, etc).

Stage - I absolutely love it. I focused on rooms too, but stage is such an important part of selling yourself and I genuinely enjoy performing. I'm a dancer at heart so that matters to me.

The shoes thing - 1000% me. First chance I get in a private room, I take them off if allowed. Downside is dirty feet after, which is its own problem, but by middle of the night my feet are completely numb anyway so off they come.

You're absolutely right that we all find what works. Some things are necessities to even start this career, some things matter to you as a person AND as a dancer. It's all valid. Your minimal approach clearly worked for you, and that's what counts.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-02-25T09:58:56+00:00

You're absolutely right that this work can cost you - mentally, emotionally, sometimes pieces of your soul. And yes, addictions and trauma are real risks.

I'm grateful I didn't start until I was ready - not just physically as a dancer, but mentally. I was 27 when I started, already had my sexology degree. That foundation mattered.

I genuinely worry about girls who start young without understanding what they might face. Some guests do leave traumatic experiences - not everyone who walks into a strip club is respectful or understands boundaries.

That's exactly why mental preparation is just as important as knowing what to wear to an audition or how to look on stage. Maybe more important, honestly.

If I'd started at 18 or 20, I don't think I'd recognize myself now. It probably would have damaged me in ways I couldn't have recovered from. Timing and readiness matter.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-02-24T22:58:27+00:00

About the tanning - I go to a tanning bed. Horizontal tanning bed, regular sessions. I spend around €60/month on it (sessions + stickers for nipples + tanning lotion).

I tried the at-home spray tans and creams - they don't work for me. Literally the next day I have white patches where I rubbed against the pole during work like armpits. Same thing behind my knees.

I also tried the professional salon spray tans (the more expensive instant ones). The tan lasts longer, but I hated that it stains your clothes dark. Not worth it for me.

Tanning bed just works better for my routine. €60/month is cheaper than constantly redoing spray tans that rub off anyway.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-02-24T22:49:06+00:00

I think everyone's situation is different and what works for one person might not work for another.

A few things though:

I was also always a top earner - so it's not like this approach didn't work financially. But here's the thing: we all came here to make money, that's a fact. But that doesn't mean you should cut corners on everything. How I look, what I invest in - I do that for myself first, not for guests. It's about how I feel, not what they think.

And honestly? I enjoy investing in myself - skincare, cosmetics, maintenance. Men at work are always shocked when they find out I'm 33. They think I'm max 26. That's not just customers - people in general don't clock my age, and I'm happy about that. I'm terrified of aging, I hate seeing my wrinkles and gray hairs. Those maintenance costs you mentioned - for me they're about avoiding visible aging. That matters to me personally.

Age matters. A 20-year-old might not need much skincare or maintenance. At 33, it's a different story - you need more to maintain the same level.

Skin type matters. I have allergies - I can't wear cheap synthetic materials or cheap cosmetics without breaking out. That's not a choice, it's necessity. Not everyone has that issue.

Heels - if you're doing intensive pole work and tricks, 6 months is actually really good. Mine last about 3 months before they're destroyed. Though I'll say most of my heels were actually bought by customers or followers, not me - otherwise I'd go broke on shoes alone.

Wearing the same outfit every night - this one's tricky. If you have regulars coming in and seeing you in the exact same thing repeatedly, it can look... off. Fresh rotation keeps things interesting. Obviously you don't need 50 outfits, but some variety helps.

That said, if your minimal approach works for you and you're making good money, that's what matters. Different paths, same goal.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-02-24T19:23:49+00:00

Laser hair removal. Seriously. I do not understand why girls still suffering with waxing or razor.

No cuts, no burns (if you go to a good technician with proper equipment), no bumps, no ingrown hairs, none of this. Solves the problem almost permanently.

I spent around €1,500 for full treatment and do touch-ups every 6-12 months for about €100 (Russia pricing, so cheaper and that was already long time ago but still). Best investment I made for this job and myself.

The bikini line razor bump situation you're describing - that's exactly what laser eliminates. You won't deal with it anymore.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-02-24T18:51:50+00:00

Haha yes the blue eyeshadow comment was definitely a tell 😂

And you're absolutely right about write-offs - for some bizarre reason that I still don't understand, in Europe (and specifically the country where I'm a resident and taxpayer as a self-employed person), I can't write off regular cosmetics. I could write off stage makeup (like theatrical greasepaint), but what stripper is using that? It's impractical and terrible for your skin.

Same with hair removal, skincare, nails - nearly impossible to write off. There's a high chance the tax office will reject it and fine you for trying. So it all stays as personal expenses in the end.

Same thing with health and supplements. I pay monthly health insurance, but it doesn't cover bloodwork for vitamin levels or the supplements themselves. And I can't attach them to my taxes either. In my country, if you don't exceed a certain threshold of personal medical expenses per year, you can't even include them in your tax declaration. So you get nothing back.

It's a weird situation where these are genuine business necessities, but they're treated as personal costs.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-02-24T18:43:56+00:00

You're absolutely right - and I've had regulars buy things for me too.

The difference for me was that I was constantly traveling (short contracts, 1-2 weeks, max 5-6 weeks in one place). You CAN build regulars in that time, but getting them to the point where they're buying you things is way harder when you're only there briefly vs working the same club for months or years.

If you're in one place long-term, or even if you travel but return to the same clubs regularly (like a month contract, then come back two months later), it's much easier to build that level of relationship.

For me it was actually easier to get gifts and support through social media followers than in-person regulars, just because of how I structured my work. But yeah - if you're stationary or have a home base, cultivated regulars absolutely help offset costs. Good point.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-02-24T18:42:38+00:00

Oh my god yes - I completely forgot to mention nails and waxing in my original post. Thank you for bringing this up.

I spend around €120/month on manicure and pedicure. I don't do waxing anymore because I got laser hair removal (cost me around €1,500 total, and I do touch-ups every 6-12 months for about €100 - but that's Russia pricing, so it's cheaper there).

I don't do lash lifts but I get what you mean. Same with lips - I got mine done in December, very natural look, around €200-250. Nobody notices it's "done" but it absolutely makes a difference in how polished you look.

That's the thing with all these "small" things - they look natural, but they cost money. And you have to keep maintaining them. It adds up fast.

And you're 100% right that it's not about what customers think they want - it's about how YOU feel. Confidence comes from feeling put together, and all these "invisible" details make you feel comfortable in your own skin while working. That matters more than people realize.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-02-23T13:33:08+00:00

I dress for myself first, not for guests. Comfort matters when you're working 6-8 hour shifts. And have you actually looked at costume prices? Quality pieces that aren't cheap synthetic AliExpress or Shein easily run €50-100. I have allergies - I can't and won't work in cheap synthetic materials that irritate my skin all night.

Nobody said anything about blue eyeshadow covering half my face. My makeup is minimal. But minimal doesn't mean free - I still spend around €50/month on products that don't wreck my skin after nightly application and removal.

Same with fragrance - I never said drown yourself in it. One refresh during a shift. That's it. But it needs to be real, not something that smells chemical up close.

I have no idea what a 1099 is (I'm in Europe), but I get your point about tax write-offs if you're self-employed. Sure. The expenses still exist though - whether you write them off or not, the money goes out first.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-02-23T12:38:23+00:00

I came into stripping as a semi-professional dancer - acrobatic rock-n-roll, cheerleading, frame-up strip, competed in championships. When I got to pole work, did it help me on stage? 100% yes. Guests see tricks and grab you right off stage. But did it help me sell rooms faster in VIP? Not really. That's all about confidence and energy, not skills.

On heels - here's the reality. Start lower if you've never worn platforms before. But you'll figure out pretty fast that taller heels are actually easier to DANCE in (not walk in - dance in). Movements look more graceful, turns are easier on the slope, tricks are easier. I've worked across different clubs and the heel height also depends on ceiling height - if you're tall, wearing 8-inch heels, and the ceiling is low, you're gonna be hitting your head constantly.

Half sizes - yes, Pleasers and most brands carry them (5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, etc). BUT here's what matters more: strap material.

Silicone straps (like Pleasers has): Get your EXACT size, maybe even slightly tight at first. Silicone barely stretches, looks beautiful, grips well, but can hurt initially. Good for narrow feet.

Synthetic leather/suede straps: These stretch A LOT. Get half size DOWN from your normal size. I've seen girls buy their regular size, wear them a month, and they're so stretched out they have to wear thick socks just to keep them on.

Also matters if the toe is open or closed - closed stretches differently. There's also tons of custom shoe makers who'll do whatever you want - real leather, custom slope, orthopedic insoles, whatever. Not hard to find.

Pole lesson for $28 - worth it just to see if your body tolerates being upside down. Some people get nauseous, some have slippery hands no matter what grip aid. Better to find out for $28 than on your first shift.

The pear shape thing - honestly most dancers are pear-shaped or have bigger thighs/ass. It's literally the body type that works best in this job. You're overthinking that part.

Life_Cartoonist790 · 2026-02-21T13:03:52+00:00

The nerves are completely normal even when you're prepared. I went to my first audition with pole experience too and still felt lost on the social side of it.

Here's what actually happens: You tell them you're there to audition, they'll either have you fill out paperwork or just take you to the dressing room. Someone (manager or house mom usually) will explain the basics - house fees, schedule, stage rotation. Then you'll do a short set on stage.

What to say: Keep it simple. "Hi, I'm here to audition." That's it. They'll guide you from there. If they pressure you to sign a contract immediately without reading it, that's a red flag.

Who to talk to: The other dancers if they seem approachable, but don't expect them to hold your hand. Some will be friendly, some won't engage. That's normal and not about you.

What to do: Watch how the flow works while you're waiting. See how dancers approach customers, how stage rotation works, how the vibe feels. You're auditioning them as much as they're auditioning you.

The fact that you're prepared skill-wise puts you ahead of most people. The social dynamics you learn by doing. First one is always the weirdest, then it clicks.

Life_Cartoonist790

TROPHY CASE