In 2004 I came across a blog that half-jokingly proposed creating a stripper college. The author of the post suggested the kind of comprehensive stripper training, in which students would enrol in classes, write exams and eventually get a diploma – just like in a regular college program. Some of the mandatory classes would include stripper finance, stripper aesthetics, stripper gymnastics, psychology, sales and marketing etc. There was a lively discussion in the post comments, several people made jokes about the idea of a stripper school, which offended a Florida dancer who’d also read the post.

To a layperson, for whom stripping is a label, the idea of a stripper school might indeed sound like a joke. But to a dancer for whom stripping is a profession and a way to make a living, proper training is something that can ensure her success in the industry (paying off debts, putting herself and her kids through school, retiring early etc) in the long term.

Stripping is a sales job. No more, no less. Only when it comes to stripping, it means being in a top physical shape, utilizing knowledge of human psychology, persuasion and negotiation skills, ability to beat the competition, all while wearing 6 inch heels.  And that’s before clothes come off and money exchanges hands. So anyone who reduces stripping to nudity and ‘shaking one’s moneymaker’ and ‘easy money’ has it dead wrong.

Today, there are a few stripper training programs around and available online. Some are great and comprehensive guides written by experienced dancers, and others are nothing but quick money making schemes that seek to scam new dancers from their earnings.

I accidentally came across one of these scams earlier today. I stumbled upon a landing page for a stripper training course that I haven’t heard of before.  Naturally curious, I scrolled down, carefully read the sales letter for features, benefits and program details. The copy was vague and poorly written, built on a single promise to turn anyone into a fantastic stripper who makes a ton of money. According to the letter, the program was an online course that came with a few bonuses, among them an ebook (that’s available for free to anyone willing to Google it) and a pretty rhinestone necklace.

All for a ‘measly’ price of $2,000.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. $2,000! I Googled the author’s name and found nothing. I wanted to Google the name of the program- but it had none! No name, no background info, no blog, no course website. Nothing but a poorly written sales letter and the buy now button.

One could argue that it’s obvious that it’s a scam and no one in their right mind could fall for it…but even the Nigerian banker and penis enlargement scammers that send out millions of emails, turn thousands of dollars in monthly profits. All because those who are truly desperate (or truly naive) are sometimes willing to take that leap of faith.

But no legitimate respectable product will ever involve blind risk taking. The same rule applies to online stripper training programs. I want to say a few words about 2 stripper success programs with which I am personally familiar. They are both legit, very educational, well worth the money, and cost nowhere near $2,000.

The first program is Strip and Grow Rich. The program has been around since 2003 and in addition to an online video tutorial membership website offers live training workshops in Dallas, TX. Rebecca Avalon, who runs the program, is an active participant in several online exotic dancer communities (has been for years), there are numerous program reviews available online.

There is also 7 Step Strip Success, an ebook and personal coaching program offered by Jessica Simmonds. It’s a comprehensive guide into the ins and outs of the business, and includes a lot of great tips and techniques that help dancers maximize their earning potential. To some low-earning dancers, Jessica’s promise of being able to make $1,000 per night may seem like a stretch. Any successful stripper (me, for one) will tell you that it can certainly be done.

7 Step Strip Success is a must-read for anyone who is serious enough about making an excellent living stripping. Jessica herself is one of the world’s top earning strippers, is very professional and easy to work with, and overall a great person. Her 3 month personal one-on-one email coaching program comes as a free bonus and is indispensable to the program, as it’s done through private emails where Jessica answers  all your questions. The cost of the program is a one-time payment of $97 and there is a 30 day no risk money back guarantee. There are plenty of reviews of 7 Step Strip Success available online. Check it out!

If you are a dancer who wants to learn how to succeed in your profession- you are already ahead of most. The days when stripper training was no more than a funny joke are behind us. There are numerous great books and programs available online for you to choose from, but there are also plenty of scammers eager to sell empty promises for a hefty price. When shopping around for a program, keep in mind two things: 1) if a program seems sketchy, it is likely to be a scam; and 2) Google is your best friend.

Good luck!