For someone as talented as Ms Parker is on the dance pole, it’s hard to imagine that there was a time where she would have had an easier time navigating a voting poll than a dance pole. It’s taken years and thousands of hours of training to become a true physical talent when it comes to pole theatrics, but Ms Parker has put in that time — and then some!
After winning the EDI West’s Newcomer Division in 2018, she brought home the “Most Ambitious Performer” mini-title after competing in the more advanced “Showgirl” Division at the EDI East in 2019 (The Pony Club, Memphis). Now enduring the long industry shutdown due to COVID, we had the opportunity to catch up with Ms Parker to find out more about what she misses most about featuring. And don’t miss her personalized Spotify playlist, courtesy of Bob Chiappardi and StripJointsMusic.com!
ED: How long have you been a dancer in strip clubs? Where was the first club where you danced, and what was it like the first few times you went on stage in a club?
MS PARKER: I started dancing in clubs right after I graduated HS at 18. The first club I ever auditioned at was Nathan J’s in Flint, MI. It is now Little Darlings and that is my home club when I do not have a booking. My first few times on stage were a little nerve-wracking just because I didn’t know any pole tricks and I was extremely eager to learn. All I knew at that time was how to shake my butt, but hey that’s works, too!
ED: What do you enjoy most about being a touring feature entertainer? Conversely, what are the most challenging aspects of featuring?
MS PARKER: What I enjoy most about being a touring feature entertainer is getting the chance to meet my fans. It always tickles my heart when I’m at a booking and people approach me to say they’ve been following me on social media and how excited they are to finally meet me.
The challenging aspects of featuring would have to be how thrown off your sleep schedule gets. I’m a mom of three so catching up on sleep after a tour doesn’t happen for me!
ED: You’ve competed in multiple EDI contest and won the Newcomer Division in 2018 at the EDI West. How would you describe the experience of competing in the EDI, and how has it helped your career as a feature entertainer?
MS PARKER: I was invited to compete in EDI West I believe three weeks before the event. I was extremely excited but also nervous beyond all hell. This was my first EDI not only competing in but even attending. I had no idea what to expect. I’ve been competing since a young age (obviously not in these type of things) and I’m used to “every man for himself” sort of attitude. That was nothing of the sort at EDI. I was blown away by how helpful all these women were. Women who were competing against each other at that! The amount of love, support, and good sportsmanship was so overwhelming. The type of atmosphere EDI produces makes me so happy and honored to be apart of! EDI has helped my career by opening my horizons. When you watch someone perform you might see them do something that then sparks your creative juices.
ED: What are your favorite types of music to dance to? What music do you listen to when you aren’t working a club?
MS PARKER: The type of music I dance to will definitely depend on my mood. At work I mainly dance to EDM because I love bass and EDM is always happy and upbeat which makes for a perfect atmosphere (in my opinion). When I’m at my home club the DJs know they can throw me up to virtually anything and I will still deliver. As a joke I was put up to “Macarena”, but joke was on them because I tore it up! Lmao
At home while I’m practicing I’ll dance to anything from Tool, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Britney Spears, even Gucci Mane. I’m all over the place when it comes to music
ED: If you could see a concert of any musician or band, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
MS PARKER: I would have to say AC/DC. I would always listen to them when I was growing up helping my dad in the garage working on cars, welding, and sand blasting. Safe to say I know and love almost every album they have made.
And here’s more about Ms Parker!
Where do you hail from (born and raised): Born Albany, Ny Raised small town near Flint, MI
How many years have you been dancing: 28 years. I started competitive dance at age 3, exotic dancing at age 18
How many years have you featured: 3.5 years
Favorite type of music: I love all genres of music. The type of mood I’m in will influence what I feel like listening to.
Favorite recording artist: I don’t think I can pick just one.
Favorite song to dance to: Currently, “Ménage A Trois” by LIZOT, Holy Molly (Skeler Remix)
Favorite song to listen to: “Pump up the Jam” by Technotronic. This song ALWAYS puts me in a GREAT MOOD!
Favorite club manager: There have been so many amazing club managers I have met in the industry. I honestly can’t pick just one.
Favorite DJ or industry pro: I’m going to have to say the same thing here as I did for above.
Favorite part of your work night: Being on stage! I feel most alive and in my element while I’m performing. I’m a stage whore!!
Pet working peeve: I’m sure I speak for many when I say this: “I’m just here for a beer.” There’s nothing more irritating for us entertainers than when people come in just to have a beer and watch a free show. Now if you’re sitting there tipping while having your beer that’s totally fine.
Advice for new feature dancers: Have fun, be YOU, and don’t be afraid to reach out and ask other features questions. We are all here to push one another to be our very best. #OneIndustry
And don’t miss her personalized Spotify playlist, courtesy of Bob Chiappardi and StripJointsMusic.com!
