Are the Gaiety dancers usually stand-offish?

[Guest JONnNYC]

I went to the Gaiety twice this weekend. I am pretty new to NYC and am getting to like this place. I really wanted to hire one of the guys but felt so intimidated to approach one. I hung out in the lounge which is what I thought you did to show you were interested in a private show. Not ONE of them ever said anything to me. Should I have done something different? I even hung out front after the shows and still nothing. I thought these guys depended on 'private shows" for the money not the tips.

 

Any advice would be appreciated.

[ted]

Smile and make eye contact with them-that usually will bring one over. Its also a two way street, no where is it written that you can't start talking to them.

[Paul Revere]

Ted is right.

 

I have found that if there is a dancer that I want to spend time with, I will make the effort to start the conversation. The dancers are not mind-readers, and sometimes, they are actually shy.

 

Be friendly, and treat them with respect, and you may have a fun evening.

[Michael]

The *first* thing that you do to indicate that you are interested in a private show is to give the dancer a really good tip (say, $20) while they are on stage, and then head for the lounge immediately after their show.

 

If they don't come over to say 'thank you' for the tip, you probably shouldn't be wasting your time on them ... and if they do, then you get the chance to discuss other things.

[Boston Guy]

Oh, gosh, that's really not necessary at all, unless you really want to give away $20 bills.

 

I don't frequent the Gaiety often at all, but I've never, ever had any problem talking to one of the guys I was interested in. But it's a bit like going to a gay bar: if you see someone you like, go talk to him. If you don't, you may miss out.

 

And, of course, at the Gaiety the dancers are especially likely to smile and talk to you when you approach. Just be nice and friendly.

[johnnysneakers]

Tipping is a silly sport. It indicates generosity, but has really nothing to do with the main event at the Gaiety. Nice, but.

 

The environment in the "boutique" is busy, alluring, competitive and can be stressful for the desiree. If you really (sic) want a dancer, you cannot afford to be shy. Stand close to the door and go after him in a friendly but determined manner. Do not be agressive; a good smile and introduction should lead to what you want.

 

And there is an ATM across the street. My other recommendation is to take him to your hotel, do not go to his. Chances are he is sharing it with another dancer so it is a merry-go-round of a room. By going to your estate, you retain as much control as possible. But set the rules of engagement asap, before getting there, even before getting into the taxi. Clear is clear, a deal is a deal, and usually it is kept!!!!

[Michael]

Well, everyone has his own approach, but I really think that strip clubs are one of the places where tipping *is* appropriate.

 

I don't regard a $20 tip as excessive if I am seriously contemplating spending $200 on a private session with a dancer, and I find that the way a dancer responds to being tipped often tells me a lot about what they are like.

 

So, while tipping certainly isn't essential, I think that is can be useful ... and, besides, I enjoy doing it ;-)

[Boston Guy]

Agreed: if you enjoy tipping, then that's the best reason to do it.

[johnnysneakers]

If you think you are creating interest, fine, give them money. They certainly appreciate it. No question at all. It is great charity on your part but is not tax deductible.

 

My point is that it does not really matter. When the dating game starts after their dances, I have seen them pass up many would be suitors who no doubt gave them twenties during the dance-a-thon. At this moment, it is a matter of chemistry, assuming your ATM works! Get your best smile out, be well behaved, not a lunatic, and go for your God!!!!

[Michael]

Interesting - I had never really noticed any of the Gaiety dancers ignoring or 'passing up' any of the patrons (unless, that is, they were rushing out the door to a previously arranged appointment ...), but my experience of the Gaiety is comparatively limited, having only been there 4 or 5 times.

 

Anyway, like I said - everyone has their own way of doing things and all I know is that my way certainly seems to work for me ;-)

[Guest topbear]

I'm a regular visitor to the Gaiety from London, but though I always enjoy the public show, I rarely nowadays seek a 'private' one anymore. First of all, as noted here, its an unduly competitive market -- especially on a Friday and Saturday night, when there are more dancers on display, but also more patrons chasing them, so I simply enjoy the awesome display -- and the fantastic grand-finales, when all 12 dancers appear nude, hard and onstage simultaneously -- rather than seeking a more intimate but potentially frustrating personal encounter. It can be very frustrating if the dancer you have your heart (and hard-on) set on is nabbed by another client first!

 

But secondly, its a question of actual delivery. Many, if not most, of the dancers are straight, so the sexual options with them can be pretty limited; also, they're invariably on deadline, if not for their next scheduled dance (always check when their next one is: it's best to get someone immmediately after after their dance, as long as they're not due back either for the grand finale anytime soon, to maximise the chances of getting enough time with them), then to simply try get in another punter -- these guys mostly work on the fast food version of sex delivery, planning to get you off as quickly as possible, so that they can return to the 'fray'. (For the same reason, it's unlikely that they'll actually cum, either: they need to preserve themselves for their next punter, not to mention next stage appearance)

 

And they're not cheap, either. $200 is the quoted rate, and on a competitive night, that's what you'll have to shell out for. But here's a tip: go for the weekday matinees (ie. 1pm, 3.30pm) or late night shows (ie. 10.30pm) when business is *much* slower, if you're really intent on making out with a Gaiety boy. With less 'business' in the house, the atmosphere becomes a whole lot less frenetic, and they'll take what they can get. Sometimes this means they'll agree to much lower rates: around the $100-$120 mark. And frankly, in terms of service, that's about as much as they're worth. But its definitely a kick to be able to 'make out' with someone you've seen onstage just a few minutes before!

 

Or else head up one block to Stella's, at W47th Street near 8th (next door to the China Club), where the talent is often just as high -- and the boys much more service-orientated. Many are from out-of-town, though, so you need to local accommodation available of your own.

[Guest CZ]

Michael, with all due respect, a $20 tip at the Gaiety is virtually unheard of. Yes, if you like doing that, & it 'works' for you, fine--do it. But I wouldn't like newbies or prospective first-timers at the Gaiety to be intimidated by such advice. (I don't think it's unfair to say that with only 4 or 5 visits behind you, you're not exactly a veteran. Besides, it doesn't seem likely that you booked a 'private' each of those times.)

 

The normal tip there is (obviously) a buck, but even a fiver will get you some special attention from a dancer, believe me. And while a dancer's reaction to a tip in any amount could well tell you something about his personality, it hardly substitutes for a well-conducted green room chat.

 

I also agree with the posters who said that Gaiety dancers are seldom timid. The problem is usually the reverse: an unsolicited and/or over-agressive sell. Anyone who wants to learn the ropes should just hang out in the green room, watching (and perhaps discreetly eavesdropping on) dancers as they interact both with their colleagues & the clients. Just do that a few times before your first actual 'buy' and you'll probably be all right.

[Guest JONnNYC]

Thanks for the advice guys.....a couple of things.

 

First I HAVE tipped to guys I was interested..usually a five dollar bill which seems to be the highest I see anyone tipping....and still I have had the guys walk right past me when I was looking at them.

 

I almost wonder if they go after the older guys first....I am 35..which I feel like a teenager sometimes in that back lounge. Do they tend to view younger guys as more of a problem - do younger guys expect MORE bang for their buck so to speak? I am not saying this out of meanness- trust me - I just wonder if they feel more comfy with much older guys.

 

Also - I was hanging out in front of the club after the last show and many of these guys obvioulsy did not have "privates" going on. They walked right past me as I tried to initiate eye contact.

 

Anyway..thanks for the advice....guess it is up to me to approach....that was never one of my strong qualities...but if I want a show....guess I have to change that.

[johnnysneakers]

Many of the dancers have appointments pre-arranged. So when you see them leaving alone, or what appears to be alone, it is probably as they had made a date. Most have pagers or cells so it is best to ask for their number. There is nothing illegal about that so it is much safer. A brief chat, an exchange of phone numbers, and you could be off to the horse races!! This should be saved for the weeks when they are not dancing and just waiting for your phone call. Everything is better then!

[Paul Revere]

I agree with some of the other posts. While some dancers are shy or quiet, there are many who are very aggressive about booking privates. I am usually suspicious of those who are overly aggressive. The best dancers get good reputations and have many repeat customers, so they do not have to "hustle" as much inthe "green room".

 

The other myth about the Gaiety is that it is more difficult to book a dancer on a Friday or Saturday when the place is crowded. Many dancers have told me that they do much less business on Fridays and Saturdays than on weekdays. The weekday customers are serious, and maybe on a schedule. They know what they want, and they come and get it. Many of the weekend patrons are "just lookers". The dancers are most frustrated by the lookers who want to talk to them in the Green Room, take up their time, but are not interested in privates.

 

It is good advice to hang out in the Green Room for a while and watch the dynamic. But don't be shy about approaching a dancer you are interested in. Sometimes after talking to a dancer for a few minutes you may loose interest for many reasons.

 

I agree that tipping on stage will get a dancers attention. But a $5 is usually sufficient. I have tipped $10 sometimes, but only to dancers whom I already know and are friendly with. But if you can't get a "courtside" seat tipping is difficult.

 

It also helps to be well-groomed, and not falling down drunk.

[NY Observer]

I have lots of thoughts (what a surprise)here.

 

Regarding the original question of stand-offish, I don't think that's how I'd describe the dancers. I do feel that some of them are shy, just like we are. Some of them don't want to make the initial contact. Some of them are waiting for you! Of course, as Paul Revere says, some are on the opposite extreme, very aggressive in trying to make arrangements. I'd agree that that is not a very good sign. As I often state in my column, the whole dynamic is very chemistry oriented. I don't think it's necessarily the age of the patron that determines the reaction of the dancer, but I do think that some dancers prefer older, while others prefer younger. I think the comment that younger patrons might expect more action than older ones may have some validity in the minds of the dancers, I'm not sure it's really the case.

 

I find a lot of the dancers to be quite friendly (and I don't mean because I'm NYO). They were friendly in the lounge before they ever had any clue. I don't think that it requires doing a private with a particular dancer for them to be friendly with folks in the lounge, some are naturally more comfy than others socializing and chatting. Some particular dancers come to mind, but I think it's inappropriate to mention them here.

 

As far as getting attention, I think tipping is a good start. I think 5 dollars is perfect if you want to get noticed. Of course, some of the guys don't notice who tips vs. who doesn't and keeping track of the 5 dollar tippers vs. the 1 dollar tippers vs. the non-tippers is sometimes a burden. I don't think a 10 or 20 dollar tip is necessary. My recommendation is a 5 dollar tip, followed by a visit to the lounge to try to talk to your guy. It definitely is not guaranteed to work, some of it depends on your aggressiveness. I personally have "lost" the guy I wanted to be with by not being aggressive. I am not the type to stand by the pinball machine waiting for my man to emerge, I think it's tacky. I typically hope that the guy I am interested in approaches me, but every now and then I make the first move. There's no formula for success.

 

I agree with Paul Revere that the weekends are frequently a good time to try to arrange a private. Business is often slow and there's lots of competition with lots of people there just to watch the show. It varies a lot from week to week, but in talking to the dancers, I think they generally do better during the week.

 

Let us know if you find a winning approach and don't knock me over on my way to my favorite this weekend.

[Guest luha]

I find that sometimes trying to get eye contact with the dancers while they are still dancing may help. They may or may not notice, but it's certainly worth a try. Just like most peopel on the board, I try to also steer clear of the over-agressive ones. I wonder if some of the dancers steer clear of the over agressice patrons? I have had goos experience with some dancers in the past that if they see me in the premises, they kno wi'm in for "business" so they talk to me and "reserve" the next slot for me. I myself only go there if I have plans of doing a "purchase." I normally don't go there just to watch the show - i get depressed if I see the merchandise but have no money :-)

[Guest Fin Fang Foom]

Reality Check Time!

 

The Gaiety is where strippers/escorts come TO WORK - it's not a tea at the New York Public Library with Brooke Astor as your hostess. They are there to MAKE MONEY. They are NOT there to have small talk about the weather, how they are that evening, or their thoughts on Camus. (ESPECIALLY not Camus)

 

Also, please keep in mind, these are not MIT graduates - there's a reason that they're stripping in Times Square and not working on Wall Street. Don't expect them to do any of the work in the lobby - they already shook it for you on stage so now it's YOUR job to come over there and tell them you want to hire them. Period. Not "how are you?", "what's up", "how are things goin'?", "you just chillin?", nada. What works wonders is: "When are you available to hire?" THAT is a question that will not confuse them or cause them to have to discuss something they don't give a flying fuck about.

 

Just cut to the chase ladies. It'll save you lots of time.

[johnnysneakers]

Yes, but (thats with one t): I would be very careful about using the word "hire". This is a public place and the cops are often there, or reportedly so. I agree otherwise be direct, esp if you are absolutely no one is overhearding your conversation. This is a contract you are making afterall! No torts, svp.

[ready4boi]

Gentleman, gentleman, I think many of you swayed from what I think the poster was wondering about. He admits to being a newbie so right off we know he is still learning.

 

It means absolutely nothing if you're hanging out in the green room. That is a major misconception most people have. It will not give you special attention. The dancers will not assume it's your way of saying you are looking to "hire" them. Now standing by the door in the back where they come out from backstage will get you noticed simply because you're right in front of them when they're entering the lounge. However I have discussed the matter with Denise (the "boss" as those of us know) and the dancers are actually not supposed to approach you and talk to you. Of course some of the dancers ignore that rule especially the rude ones but she has gotten stricter cause there have been complaints in the past from patrons about the boys being overly aggressive with them. Uh did someone say Kirk/Voltaire? lol. Denise values customers way more than the dancers cause she can always replace a dancer. When a customer is made to feel uncomfortable and she loses that customer, she loses money. That's why she will fire a dancer if she feels like it for any reason and believe me she has.

 

People are hanging out in the green room for various reasons besides looking to buy. Some are getting refreshments. Some are chatting with friends cause it is hard to talk while the performance is going on in the main room and can get you scolded by security. There are patrons who hate when someone in the audience is talking while the show is going on. The regulars also like to socialize with each other cause that's where they usually see each other. Like Fin pointed out, the performers are not there for that. With the weekends being the busiest it does make the room more hectic. It is unusual for a dancer to just be hanging out not doing business especially just to shoot the breeze and chit-chat.

 

If you are interested in a dancer, the best advice is to initiate a general conversation leading up to a deal. After talking with Denise about it, I feel that is the best way. By you approaching them first, they take that as the indication you are possibly interested in going with them and is the green light for them. Many of the popular ones are unfortunately never in the lounge for more than a few seconds cause they are so in demand they don't have time to stop and sit down. Those you have to stand by the door they come out of and they will usually make their way over to you. Good luck.

[adriano46]

FFF,

 

NOW THAT IS FUNNY!!!! You always manage to bring a smile here. Thanks!

[Guest Fin Fang Foom]

>However I

>have discussed the matter with

>Denise

 

Denise Rich?

[ready4boi]

Rich? I wonder just how rich. lol.

[Guest endoman31]

Not at all. They are all willing to take you back to a room and for a ride...that ride is big cash and little action. I had one pretty boy curl up in fetal position and do nothing...He did not even suck his thumb.