what is the history of male stripper?
The history of male stripping is much shorter than that of female stripping and burlesque. Male stripping can be traced back to the 1970s in the United States, when it emerged as a response to the feminist movement and women’s growing sexual empowerment. The first male strip clubs were created to cater to women, who were looking for a way to express their own desires and explore their sexuality in a safe and controlled environment.
The male strip show Chippendales, which debuted in Los Angeles in 1979, is credited with popularizing the male stripping industry. The show featured male dancers who performed choreographed routines in a variety of costumes, including tuxedos and police uniforms, and gradually removed their clothing to reveal their muscular bodies.
Male stripping continued to gain popularity throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with male strip clubs opening in cities around the world. However, male stripping has often been viewed as a secondary or inferior form of entertainment compared to female stripping and burlesque, and male strippers have faced criticism and stigma for their profession.
Today, male stripping remains a popular form of entertainment, with male strip clubs and male revues continuing to attract audiences of all genders. The industry has also evolved to include a wider range of body types and styles, with performers of different races, ages, and body sizes now becoming part of the industry.
Chippendales is a male strip show that was founded in Los Angeles, California in 1979 by Paul Snider and Somen Banerjee. The show was named after the famous Chippendale furniture brand, which was known for its elegant and sophisticated designs. The idea behind the show was to create a similar sense of luxury and sophistication around male stripping, which was a relatively new and untested concept at the time.
The early Chippendales shows were modest affairs, featuring male dancers in tuxedos and bow ties who performed choreographed routines to music. However, the show quickly gained popularity, and soon expanded to include more elaborate costumes, props, and special effects.
One of the key factors behind Chippendales’ success was its focus on female audiences. The show was marketed as a way for women to explore their sexuality and enjoy a night out with friends, and it quickly became a popular destination for bachelorette parties and other celebrations.
In 1980, Somen Banerjee sold his share of the company to Steve Banerjee, a former car salesman who became the driving force behind the show’s expansion. Under Banerjee’s leadership, Chippendales expanded to include several locations around the world, including in New York, London, and Tokyo.
However, the success of Chippendales was marred by controversy and tragedy. In 1987, Banerjee was arrested and charged with ordering the murder of Nick De Noia, a former Chippendales choreographer who had tried to start a rival show. Banerjee eventually pleaded guilty to the murder and was sentenced to prison, where he committed suicide in 1994.
Despite these challenges, Chippendales continues to operate today, with regular shows in Las Vegas and other cities around the world. The show has also spawned a range of merchandise and spin-off products, including calendars, clothing, and DVDs.