It's possible to stay safe while dancing, but be careful!  Exotic dancers are often targets of violence and crime.  How can you avoid this in your own life?  Here are some easy ways to lower your risk of running into trouble.

Watch your drink.  Exotic dancers and strippers are frequently targeted with date rape drugs such as rohypnol (roofies) and other dangerous chemicals. 

One very easy way to stay on guard as a stripper is to keep your drink with you at all times, whether it's a gin & tonic, a cup of coffee or a bottle of water.  When walking across the strip club floor, hold your drink in your hand; set it down on the stage when you're dancing on stage, or right in front of you when sitting with a customer.  Bring your drink to the restroom with you.  Don't let your drink out of your sight.  If it leaves your view, don't return to it!  Your safety is worth the cost of buying another drink, or asking a customer to buy one for you.

And when that customer buys you a drink, make sure only the bartender or waitstaff handle it before it reaches you.

Be safe when arranging transportation.  If you hire a taxi or professional driver, ask the other strippers if there's any local cab with a safer reputation than others.  If you drive yourself home, get the bouncer to walk you out - and have the location of a police station memorized!  If someone tries to follow your car, you can drive to the police station and park there while waiting for the stranger to drive away.  And don't drive drunk.

Don't draw attention to yourself.  On the way in and out of the strip club, unless you're auditioning and need to make a good first impression, wear a bulky jacket, a T-shirt and jeans and athletic shoes.  Take your makeup off before leaving the club, if you have the time.  Pull your hair up into a ponytail or wear a baseball cap.  Looking anonymous and plain can make a huge difference in your safety.

Don't give out your personal information.  An exotic dancer's real name is one of her most important assets - and its value is in the fact that nobody knows it!  Keep your name, address and phone number to yourself.  Occasionally you might meet a customer you want to approach as a friend; if this happens, keep a cool head and get their email address or phone number, and arrange a meeting at a public place with a friend present.

That's all for now.  Stay safe, and look for my fitness tips, coming soon!