Source: Rose Garten
By: Company Press Release
I was scanning the pages of Adult Industry News today and discovered it had been far too long since I posted updates, or answered emails from readers that were kind enough to drop a few lines and ask questions. Please forgive me for this extended absence—I promise to reply to your correspondence in upcoming articles. As for the editor of this website (Steve-baby) Sir, I will assume the position and gladly accept the punishment. (You know that pain releases me and allows me to grow to a dew-kissed blossom of perfection. Please, add another thorn to the Rose. *Wicked laughs)
Since September 11th—I’ve watched the seasons change outside my window, as seasons do. A couple of weeks ago, I was constantly complaining about the rain that seemed to last forever. One morning I woke, and the rain had stopped. Birds were chirping. They were pleased to find earthworms lying in enormous puddles in the backyard. I stood there watching them for a moment, and decided I had no right to complain about the weather. I thought about the words of Maya Angelou: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.”
I have a dear friend that was forced to close her costume business this past year due to the sharp decline in our suffering economy. Her company supplied strippers with dancewear, and was featured on the pages of Playboy Magazine. It’s a sad day when a successful small business that grew steadily over ten years suddenly fails.
Exotic dancing friends all over this nation have reported a major decrease in tip earnings. If that’s not enough—the political crusades against, and police raids of the strip clubs have driven the customers away. I’ve read numerous articles about strippers taking legal action against the clubs, disputes concerning wages, and the fact that they’ve been forced to share tips with other staff members. This practice has been going on for some time now, but since “The pie” has gotten smaller—no one wants to share. I often wonder… is this the end of the exotic dancing industry? How do we turn things around, make a change for the better? Can we?
A storm was brewing while the fantasy became nonexistent… I was concerned 2 years ago when I learned how things had changed for the worse in this industry. A tempest was forming when the strippers were irritated with the reality that it took more than exotic dancing to satisfy a customer. It was reported that the majority of customers were no longer content with watching a beautiful woman dance for them seductively, or tease them by removing articles of clothing one piece at a time. It seemed that patrons were being conditioned to not tip dancers while performing on stage, but rather to hold out for the private dance. They were being promised more for their money in VIP rooms while they sipped on costly bottles of cheap champagne.
“If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.” ~ Gail Sheehy
Can you hear the thunder? House dancers (i.e.exotic dancers/strippers) should not walk in the shoes of prostitutes. House dancers should not walk in the shoes of porn queens or feature dancers. House dancers are the troops that bail the clubs out on a daily basis. They are the ladies that build regular clients for the strip clubs. The club and its owner is the umbrella, the protective covering that weathers the storm. The porn queens and feature dancers are the ladies that bring the thunder (big crowds and endless applause) to the strip club.
I believe that in the adult industry there are different degrees of entertainment. House dancers are there for the club owners to keep the club filled and full of fun entertainment. Let the house dancers be creatively sexy! If the customers wanna get wet and wild let them buy water balloons and play tag with the house dancers. (Please don’t forget to let the house dancers get revenge.) of course there are rules. Everyone needs to understand how the game is played. Men and women still love sports activities—am I right? So, whatever happened to topless volleyball? And by all means let us be a little more creative when we divide the girls into teams. One side can be “Dancers Without Tops” and the other “Dancers Without Bottoms”—that way no one gets confused which team they are rooting for. (Please pardon the pun.)
Feature dancers and porn queens are called in to make a big splash, by drawing in record crowds. They should be held to a higher degree because they’ve earned that right and paid their dues, so put them on their respective pedestal. Let them be in charge of the games (the show). They make great MCs and Refs. Let those famous gals market and sell their videos and audios, talk about their naughty websites, and tease the customers with steamy-hot autographed images and photos.
Who have I forgotten??? Oh, the prostitutes. Yes, they need to be kept out of the strip clubs. I agree that they have to earn a living too, but let them “entertain” where it’s permitted. (If you’re into that form of entertainment… I’m not judging you, everybody likes to have fun—well, I don’t have to tell you where to find it.)
Can you still smell the rain? Watch out for those puddles! (Please put on your wading boots, the water could get very deep.) if we’re not careful, we’ll all be floating to the top (like those earthworms) to be gobbled up by the birds (our local governments and politicians).
I’ll leave you with these final words of wisdom. “It seldom happens that a man changes his life through his habitual reasoning. No matter how fully he may sense the new plans and aims revealed to him by reason, he continues to plod along in old paths until his life becomes frustrating and unbearable – he finally makes the change only when his usual life can no longer be tolerated.” ~ Leo Tolstoy
Nuff said!
XXOO’s to All,
Rose Garten
Rose sends in her sometimes thorny views, quotes and opinions from the Atlantic coast where she covers the clubs and well-being of dancers behind the scenes. If you have questions, or need advice please contact her with your information and feedback at RoseGarten@AINews.com
