There are several well-known Canadian “exports” that have become staples in the U.S. Our northern friends have given us the sweet nectar that is maple syrup, their own, delicious version of bacon, as well as such popular actors and musicians as Michael J. Fox, Jim Carrey, Keanu Reeves, Neil Young and Celine Dion, to name only a few.
The strip club industry has its own version of “celebrities,” at least when it comes to the entertainers. And over the past few years, Canada has brought us several talented feature entertainers—including Entertainer of the Year nominee and EDI multi-title winner, Justice and previous ED’s Entertainer of the Year winner, Roxi D’Lite.
Add to that list a blonde bombshell named Janine Jericho. Janine has won several titles at the Annual EDI contests over the past five years, along with an impressive array of industry dance titles including “World’s Ultimate Entertainer,” and even nominations for ED’s “International Showgirl of the Year” Award.
It’s not likely, though, that Janine will be nominated for that last award again. Why? Because — lucky us! — she’s relocated to beautiful Tampa Bay, Florida (home of ED Publications). In conjunction with Bob Chiappardi of StripJointsMusic, we talked to Janine about her move from Canada to the U.S. the differences between dancing in each country, and what 2019 has in store for her. Don’t miss her customized Spotify playlist at the end of this article!
ED PUBLICATIONS: You are originally from Canada? In what part of Canada (province, city) did you live, and how different is dancing in Canada compared to dancing in the U.S.?
JANINE: I did live in Vancouver, Canada, the “wet coast,” but have recently relocated down the States. The dancing scene, feature-wise, is very similar to the U.S. in eastern Canada, but west coast is completely different. We get completely nude on our stage shows and here in the U.S. I’m told I can’t take my bottoms off in most venues, so no great Canadian beaver down here. There also is zero contact in western Canada, where here in the States, I can pull people onstage and ride them around like a donkey if I want! And I do the ride for five or the slip n’ stick: once I’m all wet from my water show they can stick their bills on me and make it rain, which also different to Canada. The only rain there is from the clouds. I now understand what it means to “make it rain” and I looove it! Way more interactive and fun!
ED PUB: Are you in the process of relocating fully to the U.S.? If so, where are you located? Or where would you like to live in the U.S. if you have your pick of any city/state?
JANINE: I have been living down in the Tampa Bay area since September and am currently deciding on whether or not I’m spending the 2019 year here or in Miami. I do love St. Pete.
ED PUB: What is your favorite part of being a feature entertainer? How would you describe your “personality” as a feature, and what are some of your favorite shows?
JANINE: My favorite part of being a feature entertainer is the connection I have with the audience. I call it the “sweet spot” when I’m performing and everyone is engaged. I also love creating my shows, from the music to the character and the elements I want perform. My personality as a feature is FUN! I am playful and love to have a good time and for my audiences to have a good time with me. All of my shows are my favorite, but it depends on my mood. “Star Wars” is always a hit, as are “Frozen,” “Bumblebee” (my Transformer) and soon to hit the stage, my “Demon Hunter.”
ED PUB: You’ve competed in several EDIs and have been a finalist, along with winning several mini titles. Are you planning to compete in the EDIs in 2019, and if so, what do you most look forward to about competing at the EDI?
“My favorite part of being a feature entertainer is the connection I have with the audience. I call it the ‘sweet spot’ when I’m performing and everyone is engaged. I also love creating my shows, from the music to the character and the elements I want perform.” – Janine Jericho
JANINE: I would love to compete again but am waiting to see the dates and venues before deciding. My 2019 calendar is filling up and I have four international bookings included in that. What I look forward to the most is seeing the shows, they are usually above and beyond what you would see anywhere else, even Vegas! I am a huge supporter of feature shows and to watch my sisters with their creativity at their highest peak is awe-inspiring. And I love everyone behind the scenes, including Lexi and Dave. The opening night dinner party feast is a fun time, too!
ED PUB: What are your favorite types of music to dance to? Conversely, what music do you listen to when you aren’t working a club?
JANINE: My favorite types of music to dance to is always top 40, I like to keep the energy high and alive throughout my shows and love songs that most people know and can get into by clapping, banging, singing along. When I’m off work, my music selection is quite eclectic, from Spanish music which is one of my faves to rock to dance. On my playlist for example, I will have “Danza Kudro” by Don Omar, followed by Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer” to “Big Booty Bitches”!
ED PUB: If you could see a concert of any musician or band, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
JANINE: Well, I have seen a lot of concerts, a lot of GREAT concerts, like Marilyn Manson, Cher and Shania Twain, and I’m going to see the Spice Girls in London in June! So, when I think of who I’d really want to see it would be from the older era, probably Elvis Presley or Queen, an act that’s music was so profound that they didn’t need any special effects or stage set-ups to command an audience. Being in that kind of energy is electric. Though I love showmanship, I also crave that musical connection. Shania Twain and Metallica did that in their concerts and it was impressive to see how music could connect so many people for the entire length of the show. I could just image how it would be with an icon who had changed the direction of music with so many hits.
More about Janine!
Where do you hail from (born and raised): Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and raised in Fort McMurray, Alberta
How many years have you been dancing: 12 altogether. I had a big break where I did music and managed a gym and then came back to dancing about 9 years ago
How many years have you featured: I started featuring my first year of dancing, I was very ambitious!
Favorite type of music: Everything
Favorite recording artist: I don’t have just one!
Favorite song to dance to: “Scream” by Usher
Favorite song to listen to: “Rise” by Katy Perry
Favorite club manager/DJ: I don’t have only one, as I adore every single manager that I’ve worked with so far and that goes for DJs as well! Every week I am met with a team of people who are above and beyond. I am so grateful to be here and in this industry touring America.
Favorite part of your work night: Meeting the fans after my show
Pet working peeve: Loading and unloading all of my gear. No, I don’t have a roadie #featuregoals
Advice for new feature dancers: Invest in your shows and then invest in your future. Don’t equate your self worth to a show price, the money that you make or a contest title. Be kind to everyone! We are all in this business together and you get way more bees with honey then you do with vinegar. Respect the house girls, a lot of them look up to you and the clubs that hire you to perform there, if it weren’t for them, you wouldn’t have a job. Have boundaries but with respect, not aggression. Value your audiences and your following because they are why you will be continued to be booked and have longevity in this career.
Check out Janine Jericho’s customized Spotify playlist here, courtesy of StripJointsMusic.com!
For more of Concrete Marketing’s/StripJoints Spotify playlists, go here!
