- Lap dances originated in the early history of strip clubs. Once clubs paid dancers a set wage to dance for the audience. Some clubs implemented the idea of strippers who were nude or nearly nude to sit on patrons laps for $1 tip. Not only did this pay the stripper but it let the club cut the strippers' wages, since a stripper could augment her salary in tips. In the 1970s this was considered audience participation at some theaters where strippers danced. During the 1980s more customers were brought into clubs from this type of audience participation, and the strippers, realizing that they made good tip money, evolved the lap dance. From the 1990s the laws regarding lap dancing in clubs have grown more strict. At the same time, clubs no longer offer strippers a wage and charge them to use the clubs facilities for dancing on stage or even using private rooms set up for lap dancing. Restrictions were set up in the U.S. and Canada during this time period due to allegations of sexual activity and sexual intercourse between dancers and patrons.
- Every club will have its own set of rules and regulations regarding lap dances. A dancer should be well aware of the rules in the state and city in which they are performing to protect themselves from legal trouble. Some of the regulations that may be in place are touching limits between patron to dancer, body contact regulations, type of dances allowed and whether the stripper is clothed, naked or half clothed. There are various types of lap dances, and they have distinct names depending on where the patron is seated. Couch dances are done with the patron seated on a couch, chair dances on a chair and bed dances on a bed. Professional dancers who provide lap dances in clubs determine the amount of contact with the patrons. This is left up to the dancer's discretion even if the club says 12 inches of space must be left between the dancer and the patron. Bodyguards may turn a blind eye on a signal from the dancer.
- A lap dance can be priced by the hour, half hour or by song. A dancer will determine the cost, as well as the length and the type of dance. The patron can request a type of dance, but the ultimate decision is up to the dancer as the provider. Some dancers will provide closer dances with body contact for a higher fee. Complete nudity may cost more or the stripper may work on a flat fee. As foreplay an erotic dance or a lap dance can be a visually stimulating arousal between sexual partners. It can add to a sex life, be a novelty or something one partner wishes to do for another. Often in this situation no money is exchanged unless it is to add to the fantasy.
- Women wishing to provide lap dances can make $30 an hour or better in some clubs but it has been found that this money can increase or decrease depending upon their menstrual cycle. Women who are ovulating just before their menstrual period have reported an increase in tips and a decrease during their period. The biology suggests that when women are fertile men somehow know and will pay more. Science suggests that men smell pheromones produced by women's bodies.
- Lap dancers need to be firm in setting limits for patrons. This information should be relayed to the club, patron and the bodyguard designated to watch the dancer. This way no boundaries will be crossed between the patron and the dancer. The rules and regulations for each club should be followed to ensure the safety of the dancers. A dancer may also want to consider that there are perverts who will do and wear strange things to clubs in the hopes of having a real sexual experience if body contact is allowed. Any time a stripper feels threatened the bouncer or bodyguard should be told and the patron removed from the club.
