I was invited out with some work friends to a place in the city called Dante’s Inferno. They called themselves some French word, in fact claiming to be the oldest such [french word] club in the west. I would call the place a strip club with burlesque show elements. Most of the time it was minimally clothed women (and men) dancing on stage. They added and removed the pole throughout the night. And now and again, a themed dance would occur.

It was about time I visited one of the PNWs famous and many strip clubs. I have been to burlesque shows, but nothing like this. I can now say that I have been to one. What did I think? A few points.

1. They wanted my money. Oh god they wanted it. Worse than any casino I’ve been to. $20 cover to get in the door. You were expected to approach the stage throughout and throw your bills. I don’t drink much but the half glass of coca cola I got was $4 and the tall PBR can was $8. The guys I went with must have racked up over a $50 tab at the bar alone. In between the dancing the girl who had just performed would make rounds to everyone’s seats with a tip jar thrust in your face. It was oppressive. I get it, its almost entirely the whole point. But I thought it would be a flexing thing to throw bills, or pay for a dance. To walk up to everyone, still sweaty and tatas exposed, felt a little pushy. And I get what for my dollars again?
2. Girls love the strip club. The dick to chick ratio was the best I have ever seen at any bar or similar event. (Still never been to a dance club but I’ll get there one day) Anyway, a few men did the stage bill thing and were perhaps rewarded with a smile or wave. But the young ladies in audience would run with glee up to the stage, toss a stack of ones, and get enthusiastic response from the performers. The girls watching threw more money and tipped more frequent than any man present. They were shouting and calling to the dancers and all in all, had a great time compared to the fellas watching. This still confounds me. Any remark I may make about the psychology or social situation that may be responsible for this, would probably not be accurate or polite. So I’m just making note of it. Chicks loved it.
3. I’m straight. There were two male performers. I thought it was interesting to watch them. I tipped them when they came round with the bucket. But they did not arouse me. The guys I were with seemed much put off when the male dancers were dancing and turned away. Afraid to catch the gay or what? I thought this was over reaction. I came to see what I had not seen ever before and I got that all and more. That being said there was a difference in my attention between the two sexes. It was interesting to feel my own thoughts change. The lines of thinking when a man vs a woman was dancing are entirely difference. For the men, amusement and appreciation of the show. For the ladies, that and more. This may feel obvious to you, dear reader. But have you ever really analyzed your own feelings in real time like that? Or would you just turn your back like the others. It was such a stark an interesting difference of my own thinking. Kinda cool to experience I dunno.

At the last call for alcohol, the bartender lit the bar on fire. That was cool. Favorite part was the women up in the catwalk hanging their rears off the edge and what not. That’s about all I have to recount for now. I’m glad I got to experience it and would go again if invited. Not something I’d seek out on my own I think.