Table dance
Encyclopedia
Table dance, or bartop dancing, is typically an erotic dance performed at (or on) a patron's table, as opposed to on a stage. In some jurisdictions, a table dance may be an alternative to a lap dance
, due to laws preventing exotic dancers from making contact with customers. For example, in Waterloo, Ontario
, a table dance is performed on a small portable platform the dancer takes to patrons' tables.
Similar is the bartop dance, performed for the entertainment of those seated at the bar. The film Coyote Ugly
ushered in a fad of bartop dancing establishments. Set in New York City's bar of the same name, several establishments around the city (e.g. Coyote Ugly
, Hogs and Heifers, Red Rock West Saloon, Doc Holliday's Saloon) actively encouraged women to jump on the bar and dance, contributing to an "Anything Goes" atmosphere. Hogs and Heifers encourages dancers to leave their brassiere hanging from the ceiling to commemorate their dance. It is forbidden at many events and establishments.
Table dancing by patrons (both male and female) became more common in New York after enforcement of the city's cabaret
licenses (required for dancing establishments) was relaxed around the time of the 2001 election of Mayor Michael Bloomberg
. The Hilton sisters
were reputed to be constant table dancers, but Nicky Hilton
explained that they only dance on the banquette
s. At another restaurant, Kim Cattrall
, Candace Bushnell
and Patricia Duff
were seen table dancing together. Explanations ranged from fun to being seen.
ian, Europe
an and Australian Carnival
s or in German
beer tent
s during Oktoberfest
and other similar events. However this kind of table dance is not of an erotic nature. As this dance often leads to accidents, especially if performed by intoxicated individuals or when tables collapse, it is forbidden for many events but dancing on chairs or benches may still be allowed.
Lap dance
A lap dance is a type of sex work performed in some strip clubs in which a naked or topless dancer performs an erotic dance either in immediate contact with a seated patron, or within a very short distance. With full-contact lap dances, the stripper may engage in non-penetrative sexual contact...
, due to laws preventing exotic dancers from making contact with customers. For example, in Waterloo, Ontario
Waterloo, Ontario
Waterloo is a city in Southern Ontario, Canada. It is the smallest of the three cities in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, and is adjacent to the city of Kitchener....
, a table dance is performed on a small portable platform the dancer takes to patrons' tables.
Establishments
Similar is the bartop dance, performed for the entertainment of those seated at the bar. The film Coyote Ugly
Coyote Ugly (film)
Coyote Ugly is a 2000 romantic comedy/drama based on the actual Coyote Ugly Saloon, set in New York City. The film stars Piper Perabo and Adam Garcia...
ushered in a fad of bartop dancing establishments. Set in New York City's bar of the same name, several establishments around the city (e.g. Coyote Ugly
Coyote Ugly Saloon
The Coyote Ugly Saloon is an American drinking establishment and the namesake of a national chain of bars. It served as the setting for the 2000 movie Coyote Ugly.-History:...
, Hogs and Heifers, Red Rock West Saloon, Doc Holliday's Saloon) actively encouraged women to jump on the bar and dance, contributing to an "Anything Goes" atmosphere. Hogs and Heifers encourages dancers to leave their brassiere hanging from the ceiling to commemorate their dance. It is forbidden at many events and establishments.
Table dancing by patrons (both male and female) became more common in New York after enforcement of the city's cabaret
Cabaret
Cabaret is a form, or place, of entertainment featuring comedy, song, dance, and theatre, distinguished mainly by the performance venue: a restaurant or nightclub with a stage for performances and the audience sitting at tables watching the performance, as introduced by a master of ceremonies or...
licenses (required for dancing establishments) was relaxed around the time of the 2001 election of Mayor Michael Bloomberg
Michael Bloomberg
Michael Rubens Bloomberg is the current Mayor of New York City. With a net worth of $19.5 billion in 2011, he is also the 12th-richest person in the United States...
. The Hilton sisters
Hilton sisters
The Hilton sisters may refer to:* Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton heirs to the Hilton Hotels Corporation estate* Hilton twins, conjoined twins born in 1908...
were reputed to be constant table dancers, but Nicky Hilton
Nicky Hilton
Nicholai Olivia "Nicky" Hilton is an American businesswoman, fashion model, socialite, celebutante, heiress and fashion designer. She is a great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton and younger sister of Paris Hilton....
explained that they only dance on the banquette
Banquette
In fortification, a banquette is a small foot path or elevated step along the inside of a rampart or parapet, by which the musketeers get up to view the counterscarp, or to fire on the enemies in the moat...
s. At another restaurant, Kim Cattrall
Kim Cattrall
Kim Victoria Cattrall is an English actress. She is known for her role as Samantha Jones in the HBO comedy/romance series Sex and the City, and for her leading roles in the 1980s films Police Academy, Big Trouble in Little China, Mannequin, and Porky's...
, Candace Bushnell
Candace Bushnell
Candace Bushnell is an American author and columnist based in New York City. She is best known for writing a column that was anthologized in a book, Sex and the City, which in turn became the basis for a popular television series and its subsequent film adaptations.-Personal life:Bushnell was born...
and Patricia Duff
Patricia Duff
Patricia Duff is an American actress, political activist and a United States Democratic Party fundraiser.-Career:Duff studied international economics at the Edmund A...
were seen table dancing together. Explanations ranged from fun to being seen.
Other forms
Another form of table dance is practiced at traditional events like in BrazilBrazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ian, Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an and Australian Carnival
Carnival
Carnaval is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during February. Carnaval typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party...
s or in German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
beer tent
Tent
A tent is a shelter consisting of sheets of fabric or other material draped over or attached to a frame of poles or attached to a supporting rope. While smaller tents may be free-standing or attached to the ground, large tents are usually anchored using guy ropes tied to stakes or tent pegs...
s during Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest, or Wiesn, is a 16–18 day beer festival held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, running from late September to the first weekend in October. It is one of the most famous events in Germany and is the world's largest fair, with more than 5 million people attending every year. The...
and other similar events. However this kind of table dance is not of an erotic nature. As this dance often leads to accidents, especially if performed by intoxicated individuals or when tables collapse, it is forbidden for many events but dancing on chairs or benches may still be allowed.