Jo King runs the London School of Striptease. After meeting her at a Cake Soiree where she was training women how to strip seductively for their lovers, Cliterati caught up with her to find out more.

Jo set up the London School of Striptease because "I've always been asked about my career as a stripper by other women. I have been aware, for a long time, that there is an air of mystery that surrounds my craft. I just want to pass it on as mcuh as possible. I love to teach women how to tap into their unique sensuality and eroticism. I have a very holistic approach to teaching striptease. It's really as much about self-confidence, empowerment and emancipation as it is about removing clothing (beautifully)." So how did Jo start stripping? "I was working as a waitress in a private luncheon club (not a cocktail bar) where they had striptease performers every half hour or so. One lunchtime, one of the girls didn't show up and a regular customer dared me to do it. I giggled, called him a dirty old man and playfully told him to put his money where his mouth was. He took a pewter tankard from the bar, placed a £10 note in it and proceeded to ask the other customers in there to do the same. I was working part-time and just for tips so when he came to me with a big grin on his face and £80 in his hand; my bluff had been well and truly called. Not one to easily refuse a dare, I had a chat with the D.J. about it, and with his encouragement, chose some music and away I went. I danced to three tracks (as they used to back then) and I can honestly say that I have NO recollection how I took my clothes off. All I do remember is the final tack finished and I still had my knickers on! I whipped them off in a flash (literally) said "Thank you very much." and left the stage. I was £80 richer for 15 minutes work (?) and I thought...I could do this!"Jo clearly enjoys her job. She's had lots of fun experiences but what's her favourite? "I always loved doing the "Stripathon" gigs in the East End. From 11am until 11pm, different strippers perform on stage, after collecting money from the audience which they then donate to the chosen charity. It's always great fun and it makes me so proud of the women in my industry who are willing to give their time and enthusiasm to such a good cause."So has she had any bad experiences? "A guy threw a glass at me. I was naked and had just finished a show. He was drunk and an idiot. He hurt me quite badly and I was very shaken up. I didn't strip for two years after that. I loved and missed the job so much that eventually I plucked up the courage to perform again and I'm SO glad that I did!"We move on to the exploitation issue. "When I was a stripper, I was never taken advantage of or made to do something that I didn't want to. However, I would say that I was exploited when I was a personal assistant in a big city company, some years back; too much work, too many hours, and not enough pay. Mind you, to "exploit" can also mean to make the best use of something so perhaps I have exploited me! Most of the girls in the striptease industry have made an informed decision to become a dancer for a variety of intelligent reasons!"Although Jo is very much about teaching people how to strip erotically rather than get fit, she admits pole-dancing tones up the thighs. However, stripping isn't about exercise. It's far more important to "Make eye contact with your audience and transfer the feeling that you're enjoying being female (in whichever way suits you)". And what about props? ""My favourite prop is whatever's the most appropriate because I love changing my persona. Cleaner - feather duster, Glamour Queen - evening gloves, Secretary - glasses, Dominatrix - cat o' nine tails Spy - hat & gun and so many more..." So where's the best place to shop? ""It depends what you want but there's a lot more sexy stuff available now. I can give you a few names...Sh! Women's Erotic Emporium, Oh-La-La, Coco de Mer, Paradiso, New York, Paris, Soho and Camden Town!"Having taught over 400 people to strip and been featured on TV and radio regularly, Jo clearly knows her stuff. "I've received many letters and calls saying that I've changed the student's life for the better...how fab is that!? A lot of my students stay in contact with me. Every couple of months, we have group outings to strip clubs. It's a fun way to catch up and stay connected." Has she ever taught men? "Yes but now I have trained a male teacher to do so. As I am not a man, I'm not a very manly stripper. I prefer to teach the men who want to strip as a woman." Is stripping something she'll use with her partner or does it feel too much like work? "Occasionally, I strip for my partner when I feel the urge to do so. That way, it's an exciting and intimate experience for both of us and I assure you, work doesn't enter my head."At the moment, most of her courses are in London but there's good news for people who don't live there. " In 2003, I'm hoping to do some workshops all over the United Kingdom, Ireland and the South of Spain. I'll post them on my web site as soon as they are organised."