A recap of a ‘not club’ performance.
Dyke Night is hosted by Propaganda, Lake Worth and Organized by Nic- the @shapeshiftingreptile. Photos courtesy of Leo Lobo @lsquaredpics
This past weekend I had the exciting opportunity to perform pole in a not-strip club environment. It’s not often I get these opportunities, but I really lucked out with this being on a Thursday night, and not conflicting with my work schedule. I’ve thankfully been working in a club that is a safe and queer friendly space, but for living in conservative South Florida the past 5ish years, I was dying for some dedicated time with my LGBTQIA+ community.
I had previously been to the debut of Dyke Night, and what I remember was an absolutely packed dive bar, full of artists and supportive community. I was so thankful when I was approached about participating in the next one- specifically, I was looking forward to how most of the people at Queer events are so ready and willing to just have a great time. For this gig- I wouldn’t need to do anything difficult or complex to impress anyone, and no one was going to dangle dollar bills in my face telling me to ‘work for it’ like I’m used to in the club (its all part of the job, honestly). I just got to be my best-bad-self and they loved me for it. My favorite.
@kashfergold (left) and @shapeshiftingreptile
The evening was full of 15 different performers ranging from Pole dancers- like me- to live painting, traditional drag, political performance art, and a human pincushion circus side show. I KNOW. There were also vendors of live portraits, screen prints, stickers, buttons, jewelry and clothing.
@groundzeroking
Doors were at 8, and there were literally people waiting for the club to open. We were supposed to begin at 9, and we pushed back to 9:45 because people were STILL steadily walking in the door. By the time we began, the club was packed, the bar was two people deep, and we were already being asked to make sure we changed out our singles when tipped, because the demand was high. The ATM took a BEATING. That thing was exhausted when we were through with him, all out of cash and receipt paper. And yes, all ATMs are men, I will not elaborate.
@lily.vile
Something I love about performing is the audience participation. I don’t think audiences realize enough how powerful they are. They’re the ones who decide if my show is good or not, not me! The way an audience responds to my shows tells me exactly what’s working, what I can do more of, and I truly do my best to make sure each person feels seen and heard with eye contact or some form of connection. Their enjoyment fuels the show, and charges my batteries in the most unique way. It might be a 2:56 min long routine, but the energy we generated lasts for days. Sometimes, I wish I was wearing those ray-ban glasses with the camera because I wish everyone could see the show from my perspective. Their smiling faces, outstretched hands, the cheers….. they’re all with me in this moment. It’s intimate in the truest sense of the word.
@poleyypocket
Sometimes too, I see people at my shows that I have only seen while I’m in ‘Courtney’ form, and this is their first experience with ‘Coco’. Those moments are special, and I try to say that to them in the moment. It sounds like ‘it’s nice to see you in a space that isn’t a coffee shop” or ‘now you get it! Thank you for being here!’.
@passionfruitmousse
I’m so thankful for participating in this event, and even more so for the connections I made, and the community I was welcomed to. I’m looking forward to the next show, and wrecking havoc on my social media all over again for it. (I did get put in insta jail….. whoopsies).
@thevixieluna
If you were there- thank you, I love you.
If you engaged with any content posted from the show- thank you, I love you.
If you couldn’t make it, but told me how sorry you were to do so- thank you, I love you.
Mark your calendars for Sept 19th for the next one. More details to follow. Full performance below: