Stripped

What kind of woman dances naked for money? Bernadette C. Barton takes us inside countless strip bars and clubs, from upscale to back road, as well as those that specialize in lapdancing, table dancing, topless only, or peep shows, to reveal the startling lives of exotic dancers. Going behind the stage and into the dressing room, Barton discovers a group of complex women performing, to say the least, a difficult job. From the six inch heels to the mastery of the pole and the couch dance, Barton provides a fascinating insider's account of what it's like to perform this sex work. Based on over five years of research at clubs around the country, particularly in San Francisco, Hawaii, and Kentucky, "Stripped" offers a rare portrait of not just how dancers get into the business, but what it is like for those who choose to strip year after year. Through captivating interviews and first-hand observation, Barton recounts why these women began stripping, the initial excitement and financial rewards from the work, the dangers of the life - namely, drugs and prostitution - and, inevitably, the difficulties in staying in the business over time, especially for their sexuality and self-esteem. "Stripped" provides fresh insight into the complex work and personal experiences of exotic dancers, one that goes beyond the 'sex wars' debate to offer an important new understanding of sex work.