Dirty Dancing

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.

1. Introducing the Ethnography - Working and Researching in a 'Deviant' Occupation 2. Lap-dancing and the Night-time Economy 3. Rules, Contracts and Players 4. Introducing Starlets: A Lap-dancing Club Setting Karen's Story - Part 1: Starting Out 5. Becoming a Dancer Karen's Story - Part 2: Working at Starlets 6. Learning to Lap-Dance: An Apprenticeship 7. Experiencing Lap-dancing 8. Being Established Karen's Story - Part 3: Leaving Starlets 9. Leaving Starlets 10. Lap-dancing - Complex and Contradictory. Epilogue: The Last Dance ...