As a former exotic dancer and now ' just' a pole dancer I believe that I am qualified to give the opinion that the two are COMPLETELY different. Yes it is true… there is lap dance, a pole, sexy costumes, 'stripper shoes' involved BUT the difference lies not just with the audience- it lies within the dancer themselves. When I was working as an exotic dancer, I danced for SOMEONE ELSE. I danced for money. I danced to be sexy- FOR THE MEN who were paying me. Now as 'just' a pole dancer I dance for ME. I dance because I love it…because it makes me feel sexy, confident and free. I finish a workout sometimes and truly feel like I could fly. Pole dance has reshaped my body after having a child and given me incredible strength and confidence. Working as an exotic dancer is a JOB, And obviously there is an element of nakedness involved. Pole dancing does not involve nakedness- we need the minimal clothing to stick to the pole. There is such a massive difference, I wish I could put it into words better.

I dont think there is anything wrong with the ladies (or men) on here from wanting a stage name. We are PERFORMERS. PERFORMERS HAVE STAGE NAMES. Think about it- most singers have stage names- actors etc…..Many of the pole community film themselves and create videos for here or on youtube- they are PERFORMERS….A good example is Jenna Marbles on Youtube. She is a very famous youtuber, but her real name is hardly Jenna marbles right? why? because she is an entertainer and performer!! In addition to this, some of us want to get our name out there as pole dancers or have aspirations to turn pro in the future and this will protect our privacy.