By GEZUS ZAIRE
Rebel Life Media/www.ClevelandHipHop.net
Temptation.
We often pray to not be led into it, but in this case men from all over Cleveland dive into it, all while leaving a paper trail that features famous American men such as Benjamin Franklin and Ulysses S. Grant. Stippers, pole technicians, exotic dancers and members of the gentlemen’s ballet (whatever name works for you) normally don’t do interviews. Many don’t want the general public to know what they do, while most writers would rather not delve into what many consider is the dark side.
Temptation isn’t an average shameful stripper, she’s a true entertainer. As for myself, I’m not your average writer, I’m a rebel and I am bringing you Temptation.
Zaire: So they say that sex sells. What’s the sexiest thing that sells about you?
Temptation: The sexiest thing that sells about me is my personality. I’m just so cool, funny, laid back and comfortable with myself. I’m not afraid to sit back and speak my mind, whether people like it or not.
Zaire: How long have you been performing in Cleveland and what’s the life like being a dancer in the city?
Temptation: I’ve been performing in Cleveland for almost three years. Being a dancer is cool, I enjoy doing what I do because I like dancing and getting money. The money comes so fast and it feels so good to know that everything I have, I worked hard for and I did it on my own.
Zaire: When did you first consider the profession and what made you think about doing it in the beginning?
Temptation: I first considered dancing when I started kicking it at after hour spots and seen dancers just making so much money. They were making [what I made in] my paycheck in one day (laughs). The money had me thinking about doing it from the beginning.
Zaire: What is the hardest part about the business? What is it that people don’t know about, that bugs most dancers?
Temptation: The hardest part about the business is having to put up with people who don’t really respect us because they feel as if were degrading ourselves. Everything is a hustle. All dancers do not do drugs, prostitute etc. The whole purpose of dancing is to get this money, stack it up, invest and get out of the game. You can’t dance forever. So many dancers get so caught up in the game that this is all they know. Also, another hard part is having a relationship. We’re still women. We want to be treated with respect and of course have a great backbone for support. It takes a very strong man to deal with his woman working all night, dancing half naked on another man’s lap. Anyone can come see his lady naked and of course [there’s] the gossip, but if you were with her before she started dancing a lot of things shouldn’t be so intense as if you met her while she was dancing. Either way it goes it still is hard to maintain a relationship.
What people may not know about what bugs most dancers is them damn heels, yeah we’re trying to be cute, but trust, our feet be killing us (laughs).
Zaire: OK, so you talked about having a man to treat you right when he knows that you dance. Have you had luck with that? If you were a man, do you think that you could deal with it?
Temptation: Yes I have had luck with it. I knew him years before I started dancing and even though I’m not with him [anymore] we’re still cool and I have so much respect and love for him because he tolerated so much and never changed or treated me any different. If I was a man I think I could deal with it to a certain extent. I’m kind of a jealous type so I definitely wouldn’t come to her job. I’m not one to believe everything I hear so communication is the key. But if I’m not willing to pay her bills then I can’t complain too much. But I just know she better have something going for herself besides dancing.
Zaire: I know you have come across women who are judgmental of strippers but when they go to the club they dance just like one. Do you find humor in that?
Temptation: Yes. I think it’s so funny when I go to the club and see women dancing like strippers. If you didn’t know I danced you’d think the girl going hard (who isn’t the stripper) was the stripper and I’m just in there kicking it (laughs). [They’re often] the first ones being so judgemental about what dancers do. The only difference is we get paid to do what they do for free (laughs).
Zaire: Some people have their limitations and others don’t. Are there certain things u won’t do as a dancer. What’s taking it too far in your eyes?
Temptation: Yes there are certain things I won’t do as a dancer. [One of those things is to] sale my body for money. Money is never that important that I have to put a price on myself. If that’s how some of these dancers get down, that’s their business but I won’t lower my standards. It may take longer making money dancing than lying on my back, but that’s fine with me. I’m still going to get mine.
Zaire: Do you perform intimately with women? Some women do it and say that they are not bi-sexual or lesbian. What’s your take on that?
Temptation: Yes I perform intimately with women as well. You don’t have to be bi nor a lesbian it’s a part of my job so I don’t discriminate if women are just as attracted to me or would like a dance. I’m actually flattered.
Zaire: So what are the limitations with a woman?
Temptation: I still expect women to respect me just like I expect men to. There’s no difference.
Zaire: How similar is dancing to acting? How often is a dancer turned on by a client, or is she more turned on by her own performance?
Temptation: Dancing and acting is similar because we’re selling a fantasy. You’re turned on by a client depending on how drunk you are (laughs) . Just playing, but in this profession you don’t get personal you entertain the client and let them be turned on by you.
Zaire: A lot of married men frequent strip clubs. Some wives don’t mind but many don’t know. Have you ever entertained a person and then saw them in person with their wife, or girlfriend even?
Temptation: Yes I’m not sure if their wife or girlfriend knows they be in there, but if they acknowledge me first then I’ll speak, otherwise I won’t. It’s only respectful. I don’t want to come off as being fake or phony outside of work but I don’t want to get him into trouble (laughs). There’s been times when they come back saying, “Good looking. My girl would’ve tripped and asked where I knew you from.”
Zaire: Tell the readers where they can follow you online and what to look out for in the future from Temptation.
Temptation: Follow me on Twitter @216Temptation. I have a lot of things going on. I’m so excited but can’t speak on it. Just be ready.
(This interview is the official property of Rebel Life Media and www.ClevelandHipHop.net)
