Sarah Holland
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 25/00) - What do you ask when interviewing five male exotic dancers in the middle of a restaurant at 1 a.m.?

After the basic introductions, we got down to the business of talking about important issues, like egos, stereotypes and shaving.

Anthony, Keith, Denver, Darren and James, impeccably dressed in suits, are part of Wolfpack Productions, an Edmonton-based company.

So why be a male dancer?

"It's a good life," said James, who quickly showed himself to be the leader and spokesperson of the group. "We work 12 hours a week, make good money and meet nice people. We get paid to take care of ourselves."

You would think these five guys probably have big egos from being introduced as "235 pounds of solid steel sex appeal" and having crowds of women stuffing money in their g-strings and trying to cop a quick feel, right?

"I try to ensure no one has an ego," said James matter-of-factly.

"We have confidence. Confidence is one thing, ego is totally another thing."

Shaving, I had to ask about shaving.

The answer? Yes, they all shave and moisturize.

What about women who try to cop a feel in, ahem, certain places?

"We guide their hands around our bodies," said Anthony.

And what about the butt pinching? Are their derrieres immune to the hungry fingers?

"I don't feel it anymore; it doesn't mean anything," said Anthony.

"If your girlfriend pinches your butt it means something, but when we're dancing we're just entertaining," added James.

Speaking of girlfriends, just how do women react to male dancers?

"It's hard to get a girlfriend," said Anthony. "People assume you're sleazy or a drug addict..."

"Or stupid or egotistical," interjected James. "But we all have things we like to do besides strip."

On to the big question: how was their first Yellowknife experience?

"Yellowknife has been great," said James, the other four nodding in agreement.

"It was an awesome crowd."