Safety is a critical issue for dancers. Some men do not understand that what Dancers sell is a fantasy, and feel that this profession makes them fair game for unwanted attentions. The six dumbest words that can leave a woman's mouth are "I can take care of myself". No, you can't -- get any notion that you're some kind of tough girl out of your head. Men are bigger, stronger and meaner. They've been beating and raping women for thousands of years now and have pretty much got it down pat. Your little kickboxing lessons at the health club will not help you. If a grown man hits you full force you will be knocked unconscious and very likely break the bones in your face. Do not ever make safety decisions based on your opinion of your ability to defend yourself.
Weapons
For personal safety, carrying weapons or taking martial arts or self-defense classes are a bad idea for most women. The most effective way to survive is to be scared -- anything that makes you brave makes you more likely to walk into a dangerous situation. If you have a gun in your purse you might be more likely to take that shortcut home, or take a ride with a man you don't know very well or any number of risky things. If you're scared you're careful, if you're careful you don't get into trouble. If you are a feature dancer, have a very public presence (website or modeling), or have had problems with a stalker, a gun may be something you want to consider purchasing. You need to be trained in it's use and practice with it at a firing range at least once every few months. Don't bother carrying one unless you're comfortable with the idea of killing someone -- that's what guns are for, you're not going to be shooting knives out of anyone's hands -- you're going to be trying to make a hole in the center of their torso.
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Generally speaking, most women are far better off not carrying a gun. Only if you are in a position of constantly
being exposed to unavoidable danger, is it ever an option.
Safe and effective alternatives that you may want to consider are pepper spray or stun guns. Check the Resources section (under Security) for more information. |
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Be Smart
Although the victim is never to blame, the girl that gets in trouble is usually the one that is doing something most women would consider risky or just plain stupid. Don't take chances -- the stakes are too high. As a dancer, leaving the club after work is the time when you are most vulnerable. Watch out for occasions when an overly enthusiastic customer decides to wait for you outside the club after closing. Normally these are men who are just confused about the nature of what a dancer does and these guys can be quickly dealt with by security.
Transportation
This being said, transportation is a critical safety issue that you really have to think about. Going to work is not a problem -- they can't really see where you are coming from. Leaving is when you have to be most vigilant. Public transportation is out of the question, it's too easy to be followed and is rarely safe at the hours you'll be riding.
It's always a good idea to share a cab with one of the other girls. If you decide to drive, make very sure that your car is reliable, last thing you need is a break down on an empty road at 3AM. A cell phone is a good thing to have and if you just use it for emergencies it only costs about $15 a month. Make sure when you register you car you do it to another address (friend, parent, etc.). That way if some creep takes down your license plate number he can't find out your home address.
For obvious reasons never give any personal information to anyone who knows you as a dancer -- including other dancers. There are dancers and bouncers who will give the information to customers for money or as a favor. There is no reason anyone needs to know anything BUT your stage name. Don't tell them where you live or what school you go to no matter how trustworthy he or she may seem. Once that information is out it's very difficult to put back in the box.