Some would say that dancing in a topless show is degrading to women. What would you say to that?
Absolutely not! I am sure this is a heavily debatable question by some – but here is my take on it and why. The naked body is beautiful and should be tastefully celebrated and has been ever since the beginning of time. The female body, specifically, is beautiful and should be admired and celebrated by both men and women. We were born naked, and some of our greatest works of visual art by Michelangelo, Schiele, Picasso, and more celebrate this as do most other countries where nudity and sensuality isn’t seen as anything but normal and a beautiful art form. We here in America have a different view at times of nudity and sexuality, understandably so. In certain situations, nudity can be taken down a different road where it can be greatly degrading and also very abusive for women, and I do not condone that.
Specifically talking about dancing in a topless-style genre show—no, it is not degrading to me at all, if it is tastefully done. If I thought it was degrading or if what I was producing was degrading, I wouldn’t be in this business. The “topless” portion is just one part in most producer’s and choreographer’s repertoire. I think many have a preconceived perception of what they think a topless show is about, and that is where I believe it is my job, as a choreographer and producer, to break that barrier and wall. Much like most people only associate pole dancing with strip clubs—if you do your homework the art of using a vertical pole originated in 12th century India typically performed by men, as a sport, and through the years it obviously evolved like anything else. And, like modern pole dancing, it requires a serious amount of strength, agility and stamina to perform. Women just had the capability to take that and make it sexy too.
In a “topless” show, I feel we are celebrating and exploring sensuality, desire, passion and sexuality in partnership with nudity, and our mindset is such to do so where we have respect for ourselves, others, and what we are doing. We are able to take the audience on a journey where they can leave their Inhibitions at the door. I think my team at Sexxy does an incredible job of portraying that to the audience and taking them on a journey.
Look at Jubilee, or Crazy Horse Paris, these are topless, classic masterpieces. Dance is an art form, no matter what you are or are not wearing. Dance is one of the most beautiful and truly mesmerizing forms of art. We speak and tell stories and interpret every emotion through the movement of our bodies. What most people don’t realize is there has to be a certain and very different level of confidence one has to possess, I feel, to put yourself out there—bare with no safety net, and that’s where the sexiness derives from. It’s about being confident in your own skin and owning who you are, and even more so because we are scantily clothed. To me, just a nice body or a pretty face is not what it’s all about. Specifically in my show, Sexxy at Westgate Las Vegas, each and every performer is hot to trot, yes of course, but more importantly is fiercely talented! Each of these women also has a vulnerable, sexy, seductive, passionate, confident, intriguing, playful and empowering quality about them that draws you in, whether you are male or female.
We have to take pride in not just our craft, but of our bodies, because that is our tool. The daily regiment for most is the full-time job, the show and performance is what gives us life. We must eat healthy, workout, stretch, rehearse, (go through) the process of getting ready, watch our weight, always look the part, and train, and train. Did I say training? We must also have tough skin. We are athletes—every single woman at Sexxy has trained for years, as ballerinas, dancers, gymnasts, aerialists, singers, and worked all over the world. And for most of these girls performing is just one of the things they do aside from being moms, entrepreneurs, business owners, teachers and more.
I believe that most entertainers have an undying passion for their art, no matter what you are or are not wearing. This is how entertainers tell their story – we sleep, eat, breathe and dream our craft, it’s not a job it’s a way of life. We are a unique breed! So you ask me if dancing in a topless show, or producing one, is degrading to women—hell no! We are a group of empowering, talented, strong, inspiring, confident, passionate women. Own who you are and be forever “your own kind of Sexxy!”
Jennifer Romas is the producer and star of Sexxy: The Show at Westgate Las Vegas.
Click here for your free subscription to Las Vegas Magazine’s digital edition. Keep up with everything happening in Las Vegas, including reopening information. You’ll also receive the “Lost Issue” of Las Vegas Magazine, published right before the shutdown.
