Determination, Confidence, & Self-Control are Key to Dancing

This post was guest blogged by Jenna J.  She has been an Exotic Dancer for eight months now and has learned alot already in her short time in this business.  She is working while also pursuing her masters degree in English.  We are thankful to have her join on as a contributer to our site

I’ve been dancing for eight months, and I feel like every week I learn something new, whether it’s a new dance technique or a new way to interact with customers. 
 
Dancing is an experience, to say the least.  There are many people who have nothing but negative things to say about dancing, but I strongly believe that you can make dancing a positive experience.  In my opinion, it’s all about self-control, confidence, and determination. 
 
As an entertainer, you will encounter various types of people and situations.  You have to have the confidence, determination, and self-control to stay out of negative situations. 
 
For instance, more than likely when you start working at a club you will experience some tension and slight resistance from the other dancers.  Don’t let this discourage you from dancing.  Women come and go in this business.  I have learned that it is normal for dancers to work at different clubs.  Many dancers travel.  Others may feel that they are not making good money at a particular club and move on to another one.  Therefore, the “tenured” dancers, if you will, are accustomed to this and are wary when new dancers come to their club. 
 
You have to gain their trust.  Simply be yourself.  Don’t gossip about anybody you meet.  Some may test you.  Others may freely talk about other dancers.  Take it all with a grain of salt.  Don’t blab what you heard.  Stay out of the drama.  If the dancers see you are there to make your money in a professional, legal way and not involve yourself in drama, then they will respect you.
 
And that’s another key point when it comes to dancing.  YOU ARE THERE TO MAKE MONEY.  Dancing is a job.  Don’t make it your lifestyle.  Come to work to simply work.  Don’t get caught up in the drama because it can hurt you emotionally and financially.
 
Another key aspect to being a successful entertainer is having confidence.  Being new to the business, there have been numerous occasions where I have let my fears and low self-esteem seep through.  Believe it or not customers can pick up on your insecurities.  You have to show your customers that you strongly believe in yourself and value yourself.  You don’t have to be conceited to show customers you have confidence.  I have seen several girls walk around the club with a big head.  This is very unattractive to men (and women).  I strongly believe in being classy when I am at work.  Trust me, you can still present yourself as a strong-minded, confident classy lady without being stuck up and trashy.
 
The last and most important key aspect to dancing is having self-control.  I live by this motto: Dancing is a job, not a lifestyle.  I say this because I have met other dancers who believe dancing is their life.  Wrong attitude!  Never forget who you are as a woman.  Remember you will encounter various situations (i.e. drugs, sexual solicitation, arguments with other dancers).  You need to be able to control yourself and not get involved in any situations that may be damaging to yourself or job.  Don’t get sloppy drunk at work.  Limit your alcohol intake.  Sure, a couple drinks is okay, but getting wasted at work is unattractive to customers and you could lose your job. 
 
You need to ensure that you have your own personal code of ethics and standards, and don’t bend or break your own rules.
 
Perfect example: I never give my number out to a customer when I am at work.  I had to learn the hard way that this is a very big mistake.  My second week of dancing I gave a customer my phone number (just to be nice and make a sale) and he ended up waiting for me outside of the club and tried to follow me home.  This was a rude awakening for me and taught me to be more careful when I am at work. 
 
It’s also important to maintain your standards because at the end of the night you want to feel good about yourself.  I always say I’d rather go home with the least amount of money and my self-worth then to go home with a lot of money and lose my self-worth. 
 
Dancing can be a positive experience for you.  You just need to ensure that you are aware of your surroundings and the people in your environment.  You need to establish what your personal standards and code of ethics are and stick to them.  Never lose yourself or forget who you are as a person.  Don’t get caught up in the mix.

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