College Admissions Essay: Life As An Exotic Dancer

Life as an Exotic Dancer
As children, it is almost programed for us to dream and explore the different careers we will one day pursue. When I was younger I imagined myself becoming a nurse, doctor, or even a teacher one day because those were the job’s that society valued most. Not once did I ever see myself becoming what I am today; an exotic dancer. “What do you do for a living?” is a question that I am always ashamed to answer. (Question 6) This is not because I am embarrassed of what I do, but because of the prejudice viewpoint that society places on the career I choose to pursue. When telling people that I dance for a living, I typically receive a reaction that consists of fascination or amazement, but when adding that I am an “exotic”

(Engen 2009) Being financially independent is a struggle when trying to pay for college, housing, and groceries at the age of nineteen. Finding a job that allowed me to cover all of the expenses I had was quit challenging. (Question 4) When exploring my options, I needed to find a job that didn’t require a college degree, suited my school hours, and provided me with an adequate income. Having a passion for dance on top of having years of experience from drill team, my decision seemed destined. After becoming friends with a girl in one of my classes that was also an exotic dancer, I became instantly intrigued and auditioned at the same club she danced

I wake up, go to class, rush immediately to work, then I come home sleep for a few hours just to wake up and repeat it all over again. On nights that my shifts are cut shorter I find time to complete my homework, and if I’m lucky I’ll grab a light snack. (Question 2) The only factor that sets my lifestyle apart from average is my job. Once I leave class I drive straight to the local gentlemen’s club and start work. After clocking in I am no longer Noelle, but I am Candy: a name that I must use to protect myself. I trade my big t-shirt and leggings in for a tiny laced two piece that compliments the parts of my body that most women tend to cover. Once I’m all in character, I take the stage and preform a variety of different numbers that require previous hours of practice and conditioning in advance. (Question 3) Most people tend to stereotype exotic dancers as women who shake their goodies for sleazy men throwing ones inside a broken-down joint but it is actually much more than that. For dancers like me, it is a form of art; similar to way the movie Burlesque portrays us. (Tauris 2008) Although there are times I do encounter greasy fingers reaching for me, and the cruel comments shouted at me, I always find the beauty within what I do. I enjoy the different aspects of dancing, the club environment, and the satisfying income too much to walk away. (Question