Caressa of Pole Position — the app that serves as the “middle man” between clubs who are looking for entertainers and entertainers who are looking for clubs to dance in — polled literally thousands of entertainers who use their app to get their valuable input on several critical subjects. It’s the first time that the EXPO has had access to this type of data!

(NOTE: This story appears in the Nov 2024 issue of ED Magazine.)

Editor’s note: Caressa of Pole Position asked their entertainer clients (which number approximately 50,000) a series of questions about why they’d dance at one club over another, or why they would (or would not) recommend a club to a fellow entertainer. The following text reflects the answers that Caressa provided during the “dancer retention” seminar at EXPO 2024.

What specific actions should clubs take to ensure entertainers’ safety?

Security walking out entertainers: All entertainers are always walked to their car by male staff.

Active monitoring: Management, VIP floor hosts and security consistently walking the floor, monitoring and knowing what is going on. Having staff step in when things seem off.

A clean club: Maintaining a clean, well maintained club environment is essential for comfort and safety. If broken things get fixed regularly, this is likely a reflection that important things, behind the scenes are also managed accordingly.

Female representation: Entertainers feel better when there is at least one female manager on the staff, specifically a female manager that is supportive and knowledgeable.

Cameras: Ensuring cameras are operating properly and in all the dance rooms, VIP and appropriately placed around the floor, entry/exit points, other important points of the club.

Managing combative behavior: Managers need to ensure that combative dancers are not allowed back, promoting a good vibe among entertainers and setting the standard for a drama-free, safe space.

No pressure to tip: Entertainers should not feel pressured to tip management.

Kicking out inappropriate customers: The club must be proactive in listening to entertainers if there are concerns about a guest and removing inappropriate patrons. This sets the standard for a safe environment.

Trustworthy staff: Ownership is paying their staff appropriately to attract more professional management. It’s crucial to avoid having shady management or club staff.

Responsible serving: Ensuring people are not over-served or out of control.

Safe reporting: Having a method to safely report concerns if there are managers being inappropriate.

What factors would have you choose or recommend one club over another?

Supportive culture: Having supportive women at the club and a positive, drama-free culture is important.

Easy communications: Is communication clear and positive among management and entertainers at the club?

Good house moms: Having effective, caring, attentive house moms.

Good management and staff: Effective and professional management is key.

Consistent earnings: The ability to make money regularly influences where entertainers choose to return consistently.

Clientele and professionalism: A respectful clientele enhances the club experience.

Dressing rooms and showers: A well-kept club, including dressing rooms and showers, is vital.

“Clean” club: Clubs not allowing or looking the other way with illegal activity, specifically allowing or encouraging entertainers to do things they are not supposed to.

Safety: All protocols and resources are in place to provide the safest environment possible.