A striptease or exotic dance is a form of erotic entertainment, usually a dance, in which the performer, known as a "stripper", gradually undresses in a teasing, sexually suggestive manner, to music.
Stripteases are now performed mostly in strip clubs and (especially in the UK) pubs, though theatres and music halls have also been used as venues. The "teasing" part involves the slowness of undressing, while the audience is eager to see more nudity. Delay tactics include additional clothes being removed or putting clothes or hands in front of just undressed body parts, such as breasts or between the legs. Emphasis is on the act of undressing along with sexually suggestive movement, rather than the state of being undressed. In the past the performance often finished as soon as the undressing was finished, though today striptease artists usually continue dancing whilst in a state of nudity .
Though today, the stripper sometimes ends the performance "fully nude", (see picture), in historic and contemporary circumstances not every item of clothing has always been removed: due to legal and cultural prohibitions and other aesthetic considerations. For instance in some parts of the USA there are laws forbidding the exposure of female nipples, which have thus to be covered by pasties by the dancer (though no such taboo applies to the exposure of male nipples) . Such restrictions have been embodied in venue licensing constraints and local laws. Also certain jurisdictions (chiefly in the USA), have forbidden postures considered "indecent" (such as spreading the legs). Shoes (often high heeled) are usually kept on (see picture), for practical and aesthetic reasons. The costume the stripper wears before disrobing can be an important part of the act. These are often fantasy themed: such as a schoolgirl uniform, maid's dress, policewoman's outfit etc.
Along with physical attractiveness and appropriate clothing, the main asset and tool used by the exotic dancer in recent years is the stripper pole.
In addition to night club entertainment, stripping can be a form of sexual play at home between partners. This can be done as an impromptu event or—perhaps for a special occasion—with elaborate planning involving fantasywear, music, special lighting, practised dance moves, and even dance moves that have been previously unpractised.
H.L. Mencken is credited with coining the word "ecdysiast", using a Greek phrase which means "a person who stripteases". He did so in response to a request from a stripteaser who requested a "more dignified" way to refer to her profession .
