House Fee's: The lowdown.

Quick as I can be...

I often meet patrons who are either unaware that dancers pay clubs to work, or are curious to know the details. It's a bit of a buzzkill to discuss these issues while actually dancing so I'll shed a small light on the subject here.

Independent Contractor Status: MOST clubs consider you a contractor, therefore we have to pay the bar for the right to work there, no different than a vendor at a trades show. Not abiding by the contract may result in fines or termination. Dancers pay for the right to advertise themselves by dancing on stage, and also "rent" the private dance area's by giving a portion of each dance to the bar. This is one reason why girls sometimes appear sulky when not receiving tips; she's actually paying to undress on stage!

Pre-Paid House Fee: Anywhere from $30 - $170.

Portion House Fee: Portion per dance - Portion per set amount of expected dances (done or not) or both.

Employee Status: There are some major strip bar chains (Wallstreet traded) that offer employee status. sorta. To my knowledge there is only 1 who offers medical benefits. An employee can receive benefits after 1 year of full time work... HOWEVER she has to share a larger portion of her income to the club than a contractor would... There is no explanation as to WHY.

Other chains state that they are offering a minimum wage & that the portion of dances taken daily are the portion one should pay towards taxes. With one of these establishments I had to pay 40% of my tips & dances, was mistreated for not "tipping" staff and management, & also had to pay regular taxes at the end of the year on top of this. *blink blink*

With another, I was given a decent paycheck (only because I was favored to the other girls) yet had to pay $80 - $170 per shift before working. The reason why being.... *blink blink*.

Tip Out: I currently only work in clubs which require a "tip out". Few metropolis area's only ask of this. A true tip out is about $5.00 per staff member working. This doesn't differ much from a waitress tipping out her bartender. In our case, D.J's, bouncers, & waitresses are expected to be assisting us. Provided the clubs staff is decent, a tip out is fair. Better it be a set amount than deciding who deserves what.

Contract Base Pay, No Cut: Say what??? Few & far between! This is an out of town gig which realized it's hard to attract good dancers! Typically the pay is less than minimum wage & a tip out is unwritten but wanted. Fair? If there is enough money for a dancer to receive some reimbursement of her travel fee's it's a good deal. To choose how to tip good staff is just good karma! I wish there were more of these!

Summary:

1. Most Metro gigs tend to screw you either way just because they can. I am the daughter of a former union negotiator & current labor lawyer... Don't think I'm unaware of my rights!

2. I've paid more in my life for the right to work than I've profited.

3. Some girls appear sulky because they're paying to undress. I've learned that sometimes thems is the breaks... May as well enjoy what you do! I am my own business. Some days I flunk. Hopefully the next day makes up for it!

Hope everyone out there enjoyed their Black Friday!

Support your local exotic dancer!

Peeler Pounder's

A "Peeler Pounder" is one whom infatuates the exotic dance industry with intentions of landing as many dancers as possible.

The Pounder poses as a non patron in order to gain trust from exotic dancers (A.K.A. 'Peelers'). He may obtain work within a club or agency, or choose a different form of work which will also grant him time with Peelers (Such as beer distributor, promotions, or dancewear provider). Often the Pounder has no correlating profession but has formed relationships with other bar staff, thus giving the illusion that his visits to the strip bar are strictly for the sake of catching up with management or security. When asked, the Peeler Pounder will claim he has no interest in strippers & isn't even looking at them.

A Pounder differs from a Groupie by his dishonesty & intentional deception.

Every bar has a Peeler Pounder.

If you're concerned you are dealing with a Peeler Pounder, I suggest seeking references to answer the following questions:

1. How much unpaid time does the suspect spend in the establishment?
2. How much time did the suspect spend in the establishment before forming a non dancer related relationship?
3. What passtimes or career did he previously have?
4. How many Peelers has he Pounded?

Dances, please point out your local Peeler Pounder to new & unsuspecting performers.