In season two of the hit drama series, P-Valley, we watched in awe as Mercedes (Brandee Evans) effortlessly glided up and down the pole, showing off her ultra-sexy dance moves in the privacy of her client’s home – dubbing it as the “Mercedes Experience.” If you’ve ever explored the idea of surprising your partner with a lap dance but cringed at the thought of embarrassing yourself, we’re here to help.
The good news is, you don’t have to be a pro to pull off a few sensual moves for your partner – you don’t even need a pole! If you’re interested in recreating a sexy moment from The Pynk or just looking to 'drop it like a thotty' for a lucky someone, we’ve talked to Zippora, a pole dance fitness instructor and personal trainer, for helpful tips on how to unleash your inner performer.
With over 10 years of experience, Zippora has performed stunt double work as Mercedes on the P-Valley pilot and as Anika Noni Rose’s character in BET’s The Quad. She’s also appeared in the music videos of Lil’ Baby and August Alsina, and has performed with Latto and Snoop Dogg. Keep reading for her pro tips on how to give a sexy lap dance to your partner.
1. Set the Mood
Giphy“You want your partner to be relaxed and ready to consume all of what your performance has to offer, so setting the mood for them will be a great way to help put them in that headspace. Try to cater to as many senses as possible. You can try dimming the lights and lighting scented candles,” Zippora explained.
“If they love massages, you could gently stroke a part of their body as you guide them to the location of your performance. You could also provide sweet treats and a beverage for them to graze on while you are getting ready. Remember, you are the mood so whatever you choose to create the ambiance, these are all mere accessories to help enhance your special moment.”
2. Assemble a Sexy Playlist
Giphy“The music will set the tone for your performance, so understanding what feeling you are looking to evoke and what level of energy you would like to bring is necessary in pulling your performance together,” Zippora said. “You also want to play with songs and rhythms that you find your body moves easiest to. Both an up-tempo and a slower cadence could work well, as long as it feels natural to your body. Some of my favorite artists who are setting the mood for me right now are Azee, Tanerélle, Giveon, Olafur Arnalds, dvsn, Sabrina Claudio, and the song 'SMTS' by Jeremih.”
3. Do a Quick Stretch
Giphy“Stretching plays an integral part in your performance because it allows your body to move at its fullest potential once it’s warm and loose. Dynamic stretches and movements are best to get the muscles warm and agile. Try to pay close attention to your shoulders for a variety of arm extensions, shoulder rolls, or any lifting you may include in your show,” Zippora described.
“Your waist and back are a dynamic duo that must have an honorable mention in warming up your body. Stretching these two areas will be key to bringing your upper half and lower half of your body together working in unison. After that, stretching your legs will give you the support you need to entice your viewer. Remember to keep your core engaged throughout the entire movement. Your body will thank you for this later while you’re giving all the energy in your performance.”
4. Pick a Seductive Outfit
Giphy“Choose something that accentuates your most desirable assets while also wearing something that you feel comfortable and confident in. An option could be eight-inch heels with an oversized t-shirt and a thong so that you can put those legs and glutes on display. Or you could try a revealing strappy bondage bodysuit with coordinating foot straps that allow you to flex your curvy silhouette while dominating and taming the moment,” Zippora said.
5. Perform Sultry Dance Moves
Giphy“Your body is a work of art that you are putting on display, so think of each sway of a curve, each point of an extension, each body roll, and every strut and pirouette as a brush stroke. Paint the picture of the story you are trying to convey to your viewer. Standing and facing your partner with arms extended overhead, for example, while rolling your hips then quick-turning your back to them following a deep bend over is a great way to get their attention and begin your expressively seductive story," Zippora explained.
She continued, "Opening your legs with pointed toes for a full spread and gently alternating bending each knee can make your performance more dynamic. However, you decide to create your choreography, move your body in a way that makes you feel sexy so choose movements that appear effortless, that visually give you the air of strength and makes you appear the most tantalizing.”
6. Be Confident
Giphy“The most important thing is to have fun. Try not to take yourself too seriously as this experience should be enjoyable without any stress. Be mindful of your breathing to relax your mind and body. The more relaxed you are, the more free and confident you will feel to truly be you,” Zippora noted.
“With regards to your partner, try to make the moment interactive to help sustain the engagement by giving your partner queues of when and where to look and touch. Knowing your partner is completely present and attentive, will provide you the strength and boldness to easily beguile and command the mood with indelible confidence.”
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With her unique style, powerful presence, and bold way of approaching anything she does, no one can deny that Taylor ain't nothing to play with.
Her recent collab with Jordan---an Air Jordan 1 Zoom CMFT 2 “A Rose From Harlem” sneaker---broke records and sold out within minutes of its June 1st release. She also directed a fairytale-inspired video, giving a nod to Bridgerton, Cinderella, and Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing for the launch, co-starring her daughters, Junie and Rue Rose, Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts, and DJ Khaled, and featuring cameos from hip-hop stars Maino, Fabolous, and Remy Ma.
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She's proven her creative tenacity, talent, and wit time and time again, from her early 2000s self-affirming anthem, "Google Me," to landing deals with music labels including Pharell's Star Trak and Kanye's G.O.O.D. Music, to her iconic Internet-breaking role in Kanye West's "Fade" video, to dominating stages giving sultry, authentic, and rousing within rock, hip-hop, soul, and funk-infused experiences for fans. (You really can't just call her shows "concerts" because Ms. Teyana is truly a divine performer who offers her all from the soul and gut.)
Many of us who have been following her journey are well aware of the chart-topping albums filled with collabs with legends including Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu, and her stand-out supporting roles in comic cult classics. I mean, let's really put some respect on her fabulous portrayal of Bopoto Izzi---a reimagining of the '80s classic Imani Izzi character played by Black Hollywood royalty Vanessa Bell Calloway---in the 2021 sequel, Coming 2 America, which came in at No. 1 in streams its opening weekend. Or how about the $25 million hitMadea's Big Happy Family that wouldn't have been the same without the unforgettable, "Byyyyyyroooonnnn!.
And let's not forget how she always un-alives the game with any fashion runway or brand collaboration she touches. From the Met Gala to global fashion weeks, she always adds a touch of glamourous urban spin to haute couture, representing all that is multifaceted and golden about being a Black woman.
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Confidence And Resilience Leading To Longevity And Growth
After more than a decade, the wife and mother of two has faced her fair share of challenges, snubs, and obstacles in her music and film career. There was those infamous reports of the online feud with Rihanna and the subsequent news of Adidas dropping her from a sneaker deal back in 2013. There was also her public acknowledgement of the impact of career disappointments when, citing feelings of being "unappreciated," she announced her retirement from music in 2020.
She reemerged on stages in 2021 with "The Last Rose Petal" tour and in 2022 with "The Last Rose Petal 2" run. The shows sold out and Janet Jackson surprised her with an appearance at the London stop.
Taylor also shifted to honing her acting craft and working on other creative projects after giving music a break."When I retired, I really wanted to focus on directing and acting, so this is the first project that I did since stepping into that world, " she told Elleof her renewed focus and work with A Thousand And One.
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She's clearly pushed through, not letting anything or anyone stop her from thriving in the journey, setting her career goals, being intentional, and making her business dreams a reality. The results of that are as clear as day: her work via The Aunties production team, the recent collab with Jordan (a brand that has reportedly earned Nike $19 billion by the way), her recent creative direction gigs with top artists including Latto, Summer Walker, and Lola Brooke, and her recent breakout role in a Sundance grand jury prize-wowing film helmed by two powerful Black women (A.V. Rockwell as writer and director, and Lena Waithe as co-producer), and the continued slaying of red carpets prove that she's in it to win it.
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