Wellness

Striptease Guide: How to Give a Striptease in 8 Steps

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 2 min read

Performing a striptease, whether for entertainment or foreplay, can be an art.

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What Is a Striptease?

A striptease is an act in which a person seductively removes their clothes piece by piece. Burlesque dancers perform striptease acts set to music. Unlike a lap dance, a striptease is a visual experience with no touching involved. You don't have to be a professional dancer to use this undressing technique with your partner—or by yourself.

How to Perform a Striptease in 8 Steps

Follow these steps to get started with stripteasing at home.

  1. 1. Choose your costume. The longer it takes to remove your clothes, the more anticipation you can build, especially for foreplay. You can use opera-length gloves, a garter belt, and props like fans or feather boas to conceal and reveal. Experiment with different clothes and makeup looks—your costume can reflect your personal style or a character that you want to explore. Try on stilettos or lacy lingerie.
  2. 2. Make a great playlist. Your song or playlist will set the mood and provide time cues if you have choreography. In general, a striptease can range in length from three to ten minutes long, so you'll likely need one or two songs. Select a genre that makes you feel good—remember, it's your striptease.
  3. 3. Set the scene. If you want to do burlesque at home, you might want to make some adjustments to your space. Light candles or use light fixtures with dimmers and lampshades for soft, romantic lighting.
  4. 4. Commit to it. The costume, playlist, and scenery aren't just for your audience. All these elements can help you get into character. Part of the fun of burlesque can be exploring another side of your personality.
  5. 5. Use eye contact. When performing for an audience, your eyes can be a tool for both connection and teasing. Prolonged eye contact shows confidence, and it can make you and your audience feel closer. Try staring into just one eye instead of darting back and forth.
  6. 6. Go slowly. In addition to wearing a costume that takes longer to remove, remember to take off each item very slowly to build anticipation. When working with a prop or sex toy, explore how you can play with it in different ways.
  7. 7. Learn from a professional. Exploring striptease on your own can be fun, but if you want to take your dance moves to the next level, look to the professionals for a tutorial. Take a striptease class or watch a professional burlesque dancer do their routine.
  8. 8. Practice. Don't expect to execute a flawless striptease on your first try. If you want to impress your partner or friends, you'll need to practice until you feel comfortable and have all of your moves down. Watching yourself strip in front of a mirror can be fun—and a turn-on before a self-love session.

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Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a MasterClass Annual Membership and learn more about open communication with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast Sex With Emily).