Candace Cane
Candace Cane
Occupation: Pole Dancer, Burlesque Artist and Teacher
Location: Hollywood, California, United States
The Sex in My Business: I use my sexuality to appeal to my audience through movement and dance — and burlesque and pole dance, as I perform it, is sexy work.
A Typical Day: On days when I am performing or go-go dancing, I usually try to get a meal in beforehand for energy — not too much though, because one doesn’t want to perform on too full of a stomach. I start by picking my outfit(s), then I do my hair and apply my makeup. When I get to my gig, all I need to do to prepare is stretch and then I’m ready to put on a show. On some occasions, my performance only lasts for one or two songs, while at other gigs I perform multiple times throughout the evening. Either way, at the end of the gig, I hurry home to shower, count my money (if cash tips were received), and catch some Zzzs.
The Best Part: I love entertaining people, because, for those moments, I have distracted them from whatever BS or negativity they may be experiencing in their life. It gives me a feeling of purpose to know that I have, perhaps, given them a chance to witness something new, that I have or made them feel good — or maybe even feel seen — because of our interaction.
The Worst Part: My pet peeve is when people assume that a performer of an exotic nature (like me) is okay with being touched/groped/spanked. Even worse is when they think that the tip they have handed over authorizes them to do those things. In case you didn’t know: don’t touch without permission. Consent is sexy!
How I Got Here: I did my first gig as a go-go dancer at the age of sixteen. I was always a dancer. People enjoyed watching on the dance floor at parties, and once I figured out I could make money doing what I love (partying and dancing) I went full steam ahead into the industry. Around the time I started taking pole classes, go-go dancing with the pole was starting to become popular, and more gig opportunities became available.
What Society Thinks: My friends, family, and spouse are all completely accepting and understanding of my line of work. Having such great support from my inner circle makes me want to keep going, and motivates me to keep getting better. I especially love being an example to those who are learning pole dance, to show them it’s okay to be strong, and that they are allowed to own their skills and their sexuality. I know (or at least imagine) that many strangers believe my work is not a “real job” and that I am taking the easy way out by relying on my looks — but let me tell you, even the prettiest girl or the best dancer won’t have a chance to make it unless she has heart and personality. Of course, I also realize that some people may judge me, even find me disgusting, because in their eyes I am “selling my body”. That’s their interpretation, though, not mine. The way I see it, what I am selling is entertainment.
When I’m Not At Work: I enjoy R&R with a little THC and spending days at the beach, which are great when the weather is comfortable — and because my work is also a workout for my body, massages and chiropractor visits, besides being a must, are also a pleasure!
Published in Issue IV: Activism