ABSTRACT

Based on ethnographic research conducted in 'Starlets', a lap-dancing club in the North of England, this book delves into what is often seen as the 'deviant', and 'stigmatized' world of lap-dancing. As well as the relationships between dancers, the author offers a unique insider's account of lap-dancing club culture, having worked as a lap-dancer both prior to, and during, the study. The book tells a fascinating tale of the author's experiences working as a lap dancer and the insights this has provided. This book projects a textured picture of working, socializing and living as a lap-dancer by following the dancer from the beginning of her career, to her eventual exit; providing a fluid and comprehensive examination of the occupation of lap-dancing. As well as building on the popular themes of 'dancer motivation', 'dancer exploitation/empowerment' and risk already embedded in existing literature, this book also offers completely new insight into this industry by drawing attention to the occupational subculture of which lap-dancers at 'Starlets' were found to be a part. This book is recommended for anyone studying or researching in this field.

chapter 2|11 pages

Lap-dancing and the night-time economy

chapter 3|14 pages

Rules, contracts and players

chapter 1|3 pages

Karen’s story – Part 1: starting out

chapter 5|18 pages

Becoming a dancer

chapter 6|18 pages

Learning to lap-dance: an apprenticeship

chapter 7|20 pages

Experiencing lap-dancing

chapter 8|15 pages

Being established

chapter 9|24 pages

Leaving Starlets

chapter 10|6 pages

Lap-dancing: complex and contradictory

chapter |2 pages

Epilogue: the last dance …