It’s not a secret, that even in the 21st century, women are still only earning 80% of what a male counterpart makes—even less, if they have limited professional skills or formal education (with any degree these days, pay is still stunted for both sexes, just for the record). So, it’s no wonder that strip clubs never have a shortage of beautiful dancers on stage. Stripping can provide high financial rewards, in addition to multiple benefits not provided by typical employment— schedule flexibility, less traditional management structure, etc. In addition to making a living, strippers often use their income to supplement other areas of life—financing school or paying off student, medical and personal debts. But, a growing number of dancers have parlayed stripping into other careers, where stripping was just the stepping stone.
Atlanta-based stripper, Lux Atl (@lux_ atl), conceived Stripcraft, a stripping workshop, which allowed her to cultivate a fanbase of "pole dance hobbyists." According to Lux, a 16-year stripping veteran, the workshop was a "career-maker," where she combines her knowledge as a feminist scholar and her experiences as a life-long stripper, into a two-hour preaching- and-dance session. Eventually, Stripcraft morphed into specialized retreats Lux hosts all over the world— Stripcabana in Costa Rica, Stripcoast in North Carolina, Stripcoven in New Orleans and local Stripcabin. So, exactly what happens at these retreats?
"Women from all walks of life come together," says Lux. "For several luxurious, all-inclusive days and nights of sexy dancin’ and fancy dressin’, soulmoving and ass-shaking workshops, local adventures and excursions, but, most of all, some of the most beautiful and intense bonding with other women they’ve ever experienced. I have been running retreats at banging- ass mansions all over the world since 2016, and at this point, I have had over 170 unique guests, over half of whom return again and again to future retreats. Women from all walks of life are welcome and diversity on all levels is encouraged. However, I have made it a point to hire my co-teachers almost exclusively from a pool of current or former sex workers."
A former professor with a PhD in American Literature and creative writer, Lux also used the Stripcabin platform to create her podcast, Stripcast: True Stories From A Stripper with A PhD.
"I created Stripcast with the purpose of sharing my art with the world," says Lux. "And, moreover, sharing a stripper’s perspective, that might surprise many in its relatability and humanness. My whole life, I wanted people to read my stories. This was the perfect opportunity and Stripcast remains one of my favorite works of art of my life."
Locally based Portland stripper and writer, Elle Stanger, has also parlayed her sex work experience into job experience as the co-host of the podcast, Strange Bedfellows. Now in its third year, Elle hosts the podcast with a fellow stripper and private investigator named Jen, where the duo talks about sex, politics and relationships. Strange Bedfellows’ most recent podcast featured conversations about labor status, STDs and eco-feminism.
"I grew up listening to Loveline with Dr. Drew and Adam Carolla and it taught me so much," says Elle, whose first podcast was nominated as Best Local Podcast by Willamette Week. "There’s no reason why a show about sexuality that is informed by sex workers and educators shouldn’t exist. Podcasting fills a void for me, because I have so many opinions and I like to share them because people tell me I’ve been helpful, life-changing, relationshipsaving by my advice alone."
Managing stripping, secondary careers, family, relationships, self and body care is a balancing act for dancers like Elle and Lux—both women have proven it can be done and successfully.
"I am driven, ambitious and consumed by my art and my vision," says Lux. "And, that makes it hard for me to be present and grounded with my family, sometimes. I meditate my ass off, and take regular hikes with my husband and son. I make great effort to be present in the here and now, instead of dreaming of whatever else is out there that I need to be creating."
"I have about thirty-two separate alarms on my phone," says Elle. "I have to drive a lot, I answer about thirty emails a day. I’ve been going to therapy once a week for the last four years and use that space to vent, cry, be human and to receive objective advice from an unbiased provider. My best advice is to try to maintain your integrity, even when you work a stigmatized job (or two). I do that by communicating pretty directly. That means I don’t make time for people who treat me badly or try to make me guilty for the work I do. I don’t have abusive boyfriends anymore—I just tell other people how to leave theirs!"
Elle also has some advice for fellow strippers and entrepreneurs.
"I hope you are saving money," says Elle. "Even if you don’t make much to save. Even ten dollars a day, stuffed in a safe, can make the difference if you are suddenly unable to earn any money due to injury, illness or bad booking. Consider how much of your personal life you want to share and determine how to start setting boundaries. Most strippers that I know have multiple jobs, because there are too many clubs and most of them don’t encourage—or, enforce— tipping from patrons. If you’re a new stripper thinking of quitting your conventional job, consider if you’ll be able to fill that hole in a resume for future employers. Discrimination against adult entertainers and sex workers is very real, even in our progressive city. Don’t let that stop you from being successful, but be prepared to navigate the stigma—it’s exhausting and very real."
Though Lux still strips for her retreats, she no longer dances in clubs (except for rare occasions) and spends most of her time producing social media content, choreographing ways to ever- improve retreats that keep her clientele satisfied, writing her memoir and playing piano. Stripping still pays the bills, albeit indirectly, in the form of revenue from her retreats.
"I do not come from money," says Lux. "I’ve struggled my whole life. I struggled my ass off in these clubs for sixteen years—I accepted sub-standard wages as a grad assistant for nearly a decade. At last, I found a way to alchemize my skills into something that both benefits women, as well as provides a comfortable living for my family, so fuck yeah, I’m here to own this house I just bought—I’m here to spend a few extra days at the beach. I am also here to make the world a better place in the meantime, and of all the ways I’ve ever made money, this one bene fits the most women in the realest of ways. I’m proud of the work I do, and I am also proud of my success. Understand where your greatest talents and passion lie, and invest your time, energy, and money, accordingly. Use sex work to save investment funds for your dream."
For more information on Lux’s retreats, visit: LuxATLSpellbook.com/Stripcast/. You can see Elle Stanger on stage locally at Lucky Devil Lounge (check her Instagram account, @StripperWriter, and website, StripperWriter.com, for info) and tune in to her weekly podcast at StrangeBedfellows.com.
