(NOTE: This story appears in the July 2025 issue of ED Magazine.)
Every entertainer remembers her first time. The first step in her Pleasers. The awkward spin around the pole. The opening line that landed flat with her very first customer. For many dancers, those early moments are a mix of nerves, excitement and uncertainty. But what brings comfort is the knowledge that everyone starts somewhere — and that success in this industry is learned, not gifted.
Whether you’re a brand-new “baby stripper” finding your footing or a seasoned entertainer with years under your belt, revisiting the fundamentals is always worthwhile. As every dancer knows, there’s no official handbook for success in the club. But this seminar at the Expo offers the next best thing: real insight from women who’ve made this their career.
Stripper 101, designed by performers for performers, brings together veteran entertainers to share their hard-earned wisdom, offer practical guidance, and redefine what it means to be successful in the world of exotic dance.
At the forefront is Bambi Wilde, whose impressive résumé includes titles like Ms. Nude World and performances on stages across multiple continents. Now the General Manager of Tampa’s iconic, high-volume venue, Mons Venus, Bambi brings a direct but compassionate approach to dancer fundamentals.
“I wasn’t the ‘F*ck you, pay me’ type,” she explains. “I didn’t want to force a $10,000 night from someone only to lose $100,000 in future business. I thrived on crowd work, but I was even better at building real connections that brought guests back — to the club and to me. It’s all about how you treat people.”
Joining her on the panel is Michelle Lynn, a house girl-turned-feature performer, EDI Overall Champion (2023), and Exotic Dancer’s 2024 Feature Entertainer of the Year.
How you carry yourself directly affects your night and your money. Not every day will be perfect, but how you handle it can make all the difference.
— Michelle Lynn, feature entertainer
“Me, Bambi, the girls in the audience — we’re all performers,” says Michelle. “We’re selling a fantasy, a product — and that product is us. If you’re off your game, take the night off. If your energy is bad, don’t go in. How you carry yourself directly affects your night and your money. Not every day will be perfect, but how you handle it can make all the difference.”
Moderated by Exotic Dancer’s Kristofer Kay, the panel will cover essential topics relevant to both new and experienced dancers, including:
- Building personal systems to make every shift profitable
- Finding allies within the club to foster support over competition
- Preventing burnout and recognizing its early signs
- Maximizing champagne room sales with effective techniques
“For today’s entertainer, being pretty and present isn’t enough,” Bambi adds. “Sometimes someone is drawn to your energy, but more often than not, you have to make the move. Start the conversation. Push through the social anxiety. When I started, we were taught the three-minute rule: get in, make an impression, and remember — your time is valuable.”
Don’t miss ‘Stripper 101’ at Expo 2025, happening Monday, August 25th, from 12:45–1:30 PM — an empowering, honest and essential conversation for anyone working the club floor.
