Striptease

A striptease or exotic dance is a form of erotic entertainment, usually a dance, in which the performer, known as a 'stripper', gradually undresses to music. Stripteases are now performed mostly in strip clubs and (especially in the UK) pubs, though theatres and music halls have also been used as venues. The "teasing" part involves the slowness of undressing, while the audience is eager to see more nudity. Delay tactics include additional clothes being removed or putting clothes or hands in front of just undressed body parts. Emphasis is on the act of undressing along with sexually suggestive movement, not on the state of being undressed: in some cases the performance is finished as soon as the undressing is finished.

Though today, the stripper often ends the performance 'fully nude', in historic and contemporary circumstances not every item of clothing has always been removed: due to legal and cultural prohibitions and other aesthetic considerations. Such restrictions have been embodied in venue licensing constraints and local laws. Also certain jurisdictions (chiefly in the USA), have forbidden postures considered 'indecent' (such as spreading the legs). Shoes (often high heeled) are usually kept on, for practical and aesthetic reasons. The costume the stripper wears before disrobing can be an important part of the act. These are often fantasy themed: such as a schoolgirl uniform, maid's dress, policewoman's outfit etc.

Along with physical attractiveness and appropriate clothing, the main asset and tool used by the exotic dancer in recent years is the stripper pole which aids both as a tool and is also rumoured to have originated as something for the performer to hang on to with a too eager audiencecitation needed].

In addition to night club entertainment, stripping can be a form of sexual play at home between partners. This can be done as an impromptu event or--perhaps for a special occasion--with elaborate planning involving fantasywear, music, special lighting, practised dance moves, and even dance moves that have been previously unpractised.