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Congratulations 🎉. You survived the hardest part: auditioning and getting hired at the strip club.
As a baby dancer, your mind is probably racing with questions. What do I need? What should I buy? How do I not embarrass myself or go broke my first month?
I’m here to help guide you and more importantly, help you avoid the mistakes I made when I first started dancing.
Baby Dancer Physical Essentials
Your stripper shoes are an important part of your outfit. They’re an extension of your body. Whether you choose 6-inch, 7-inch, or 8-inch heels is completely up to your comfort level. Just remember this: comfort always comes before aesthetics.
Some stripper heels are not made for the amount of walking, dancing, and floor work we do. You’ll be in them for several hours at a time, so prioritize stability. A good rule of thumb is to always carry a backup pair. Heels will break mid-shift eventually.
As for color, clear is a classic and solid black goes with everything. Those are the safest starter options. Some reputable heel brands are, Pleasers, Hella Heels, Show Pony, and Terpsi.
When it comes to outfits, don’t go buying a ton right away. Nothing hurts more than spending money on outfits that don’t fit your club’s dress code, or don’t flatter your body once you actually see yourself under club lighting.
The more you work, the more you’ll figure out what styles you like, what feels comfortable, and what actually makes you money. If you buy too much too soon, most of it ends up being unused. Worst-case scenario? You try dancing for a week or two and realize it’s not for you. Now you’re stuck with outfits you’ll never wear again.
My recommendation is to start with four to five outfits you can rotate through. Ninety-nine percent of customers do not care if you wore the same outfit last week.
Some places you can purchase dancewear from are, Angel Candy, Etsy, SD Xotic, Hella Heels, and Shein.
Invest in a small money bag or pouch you can keep on you while working the floor. Some clubs even have leftover Crown Royal bags— use what you can. Everyone starts somewhere.
For personal items, I prefer a duffle bag with a lock. I’ve seen some dancers use suitcases however, they take up much space. You don’t need to be paranoid, but you also don’t need to be overly trusting.
Inside your bag, keep:
- body wipes
- spray deodorant
- breath mints/gum
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- floss
- pole grip (if you plan on pole work)
- light body spray or perfume (vanilla or fresh scents work best)
- band-aids
- knee pads if you do floor work
- hair and makeup for touch-ups
- one backup outfit in case of spills
- superglue (for when your heel breaks)
- scissors (to cut off tags)
Money Essentials for New Strippers
If I could start over, I would approach money very differently from day one.
Any money I earned would be separated immediately by purpose. A portion toward slow-season savings, baseline expenses, and taxes before lifestyle spending.
One habit that helped me mentally was using money from the previous shift to cover house fees and tip-outs. It removes the stress of pulling from that night’s earnings and helps you feel more grounded when you start your shift.
Try not to count your money mid-shift, especially when emotions are high. Seeing low numbers when you’re already having a rough night can spiral your mood and affect your performance.
And just because you’re suddenly touching more money than you ever have before does not mean you should inflate your lifestyle immediately. Lifestyle creep is real, especially in environments where wealth and luxury are constantly on display. Playing catch-up to maintain an upgraded lifestyle is exhausting and unnecessary.
Mental Essentials and Boundaries
Rejection is part of the job. You will hear no— directly or indirectly. That does not mean you failed. Sometimes rejection is neutral. Sometimes it’s temporary. Sometimes it has nothing to do with you at all.
Customers are not your friends. Be mindful of what you share. I strongly believe in staying professional. Some customers will use your vulnerabilities as leverage. Others will attempt to stir drama by talking about other dancers.
A safe response is something like: “I don’t know her well, but I’ve only had pleasant interactions with her.” Even if you don’t personally like someone, staying neutral protects your money and reputation.
Boundaries are not optional, especially as a new dancer. Customers will test you. New dancers are often targeted because customers assume you don’t know the ropes yet. They push boundaries hoping you won’t speak up, won’t correct them, or won’t know what’s allowed. This is not accidental.
I remember my first night working. An older man took me to the back for a dance and began touching me in a way I wasn’t comfortable with. When I told him to stop, he said, “It’s normal. Everyone does it back here. It’s part of the job.”
It’s not normal. And it is not part of the job.
Ignore the noise. If something makes you uncomfortable, you are allowed to say so, even if a customer tries to convince you otherwise. You can calmly say, “I don’t like that, but I like this,” and redirect them to where you’re okay being touched (if you work in a touch club).
Boundaries don’t make you difficult. They protect your safety, your energy, and your earnings. Customers who respect your limits are more likely to respect your time and your rates.
Bad nights happen to everyone. Top earners included. How you react to them is what you control. A slow night is not proof of your worth, your attractiveness, or your ability to make money in this industry.
Common Strip Club Etiquette Every Baby Dancer Should Know
The strip club has its own unspoken rules. Nobody sits you down and explains them, but breaking them can hurt your reputation and your earnings. Consider this your cheat sheet.
Don’t poach customers.
If another dancer is clearly talking to or dancing for a customer, don’t interrupt or hover. Even if the customer approaches you first, it’s best to redirect or wait until they’re clearly free. Drama spreads fast in clubs and nothing dries up money quicker. The same goes for if a customer is sitting at stage.
Respect other dancers’ hustle.
Not everyone works the same way you do. Some dancers are quiet, some are aggressive, some barely do stage, some live in VIP. Unless it affects your safety, mind your business.
Tip out properly and on time.
House fees, DJ’s, hosts, and security keep the night running smoothly. Being known as someone who tips fairly matters more than you think.
Don’t count your money on the floor.
Counting mid-shift can throw off your mood and make slow moments feel worse than they are. It can also draw unnecessary attention. Wait until you’re off the floor or home.
Keep locker room talk neutral.
Avoid gossip, complaining about customers, or talking numbers. What feels like venting can turn into rumors fast.
Ask questions quietly.
You’re new. That’s expected. Most dancers are happy to help, especially if you’re kind and mindful of their time. Pull someone aside instead of asking loudly on the floor. If someone takes time out of their shift to explain things, buying them a drink or tipping them a little is a classy way to say thank you. Not required but time is money.
Etiquette isn’t about rules, it’s about staying professional so you can stay focused on making money.
What Not to Buy Immediately
Avoid dropping a large chunk of money on outfits early on. Many of the top earners rotate just a few looks and do incredibly well.
You also do not need pole tricks to be hired or successful. Carrying yourself well, looking confident, and connecting with customers matter far more. Pole classes can come later once you’re earning consistently and want to invest in skill development.
You don’t need expensive hair or nails right away either. When I started, I used press-ons and did my own hair with affordable wigs and hair pieces. As long as you look clean, put-together, and confident, you’re doing enough.
Looks matter, but they’re only a piece of the puzzle. Your confidence, communication, and ability to make people feel good are what actually make money.
A Quiet Money Lesson
Touching fast money can feel intoxicating. You start thinking about everything you want to buy. You feel unstoppable. Like a rich baddie.
But your first goal isn’t luxury, it’s stability.
Touching a lot of money and having nothing to show for it isn’t a flex. Building a strong financial foundation is. Set a goal to save two to three months of essential expenses before upgrading your lifestyle.
Once you have that buffer, spending becomes easier and guilt-free. You’re no longer hustling from a place of desperation.
I’m not saying don’t enjoy your money. I’m saying build security first. Your future self will thank you.
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