Our girls are the heart of the Stringfellows brand, they are the centre of our entertainment and what keeps our guests coming back for more and more. Each show might only be a few minutes long but the planning and training which goes into these performances is extensive and requires hours of hard work behind the scenes.
Continue reading to learn more about two of our dancers’ experiences and their time at Stringfellows.
When did you start your dancing career?
Dancer 1
I began dancing when I was around 12 years old, and I pursued ballet and various other styles of dance throughout high school. Although I’ve only been pole dancing for a month, my experience in ballet, contemporary dance, and jazz has greatly aided my pole training.
I also participated in aerial, which required a lot of strength, so I used all of my prior training to pole dance, which helped it come naturally.
Dancer 2
I also have experience in ballet and contemporary dance. I’ve been dancing for the majority of my life, and I’ve also been doing aerial for around eight years. I began pole dancing around six years ago and have continued to do so ever since, which is how I entered the working club scene.
What attracted you to Stringfellows?
Dancer 1
I’ve wanted to work at a Gentlemen’s Club for years, but other opportunities kept coming up, so when my contract ended, I decided to take the plunge!
I’d been travelling for six months before settling in London, but I wanted to stay and thought this was my time. I did a lot of research on the best Gentlemen’s Clubs because I wanted to go somewhere high-end, and Stringfellows kept coming up.
I read reviews and liked the sound of it. I had other auditions lined up, but I decided not to go because it just felt right, and I definitely made the right decision.
Dancer 2
I only moved to London two months ago from Cornwall, but I’ve already danced in clubs all over the country. I heard about Stringfellows through word of mouth. I moved to London to begin performing in larger, more interesting venues, and that is why I am here!
What are the fitness benefits to pole dance?
Dancer 1
So many… You gain strength in places that you wouldn’t gain strength by going to the gym, if you do it consistently you get so strong.
Dancer 2
You get a good balance of strength, flexibility and lots of other things. It’s a full body workout and you use muscles you didn’t know existed!
Are you happy to tell people you’re a pole dancer or is there a stigma?
Dancer 1
There is definitely a stigma, and because I’ve only recently begun, I’ve only told a few close friends, but I’m determined to change that. I’m not here because I have to (though there’s nothing wrong with that); I’m here because I love it and it’s amazing!
I absolutely love dancing, and I adore dancing at work because it boosts your confidence. When you meet new people and they ask what you do for a living, it can be difficult. I need to figure out what to say because I want to teach people about the industry while also being open about it.
Dancer 2
Although I’d like to share what I do with everyone, I’ll phrase it differently depending on who I tell because people react differently.
Does pole dancing empower you?
Dancer 1
Yes, so much! It doesn’t just feel like a workout when I’m dressed up in lingerie; the entire experience is amazing.
I’ve been taking classes for years, so it’s especially exciting for me to be able to apply what I’ve learned in a club with beautiful lighting and lingerie, as well as with my hair and makeup done. It feels amazing and accelerates my dancing progress.
Dancer 2
When you’re on stage, you have 10 minutes to make an impression. You put in so much effort, and it pays off when all your hard work pays off and you can be more creative with your moves. You can experiment with it, discover new ways to do things, and take control of the stage.
You can perform tricks or simply stand there moving your hips slowly; whatever you want, the stage is yours!
What’s your favourite thing about working for Stringfellows?
Dancer 1
I love the girls; I’ve made a lot of friends, and I enjoy the part of the night when we’re all backstage getting ready. You’re all silly, and when you get out on the floor, you’re all doing it together.
Dancer 2
I really like the entire team. The venue is also fantastic; it’s so classy and professional; it’s lovely! I’ve never worked somewhere where I looked forward to going to work, but I do here. Everyone here is extremely approachable and genuine. It’s amazing, I love it.
What advice would you give to someone that wants to start pole dancing?
Dancer 1
Just give it a shot; if you don’t like it, don’t come back! I’ve had an advantage because I’ve been performing in other shows for half of my life, so I’m already confident in front of an audience.
Dancer 2
For someone who has never performed, try some pole dancing classes. Talk to industry professionals and ease your way in, but go for it!
Don’t put it off, you have to do the things that scare you and you’ll find that in the audition process. But after you’ve done your first few shifts it will just come naturally.