Avoiding Occupational Injuries as an Exotic Dancer, Part 1

As many dancers know, exotic dancing or stripping can take its toll on the skin, muscles, joints, and tendons of the dancer. Especially for female performers, occupational injuries are common and remain largely unaddressed by employers.
Here are a few simple ways to improve your dancing experience and help maintain your health and wellness while working as an exotic dancer. A little preparation today could save you years of pain long after you’ve left the profession. 

1. Talk to your employer about ways to pad or cushion areas of the dance space floor.
Of all the occupational injuries reported by dancers, knee injuries and chronic knee pain are the most common. Because we spend so much time extending and rotating that joint on a hard, uncovered surface while using it to support a great deal of our body weight, the joint undergoes a great deal of stress in the course of just one evening.
Many club managers are receptive to the idea of padding areas of the dance space, especially those areas where most dancers are likely to do “floor work.” You can use rubber floor mats or yoga mats to shield your knees during this part of your dance routine, and most customers will never notice. Also, remind your manager that the most he or she protects the dancers’ knees, the less pain they will experience on the job, the better and more high-energy the performances will be, and the longer those dancers will be able to perform.