Walking By Myself Alone at Night in Detroit...

The first time I danced in Detroit, Michigan as a stripper was an eye opening experience that I had not expected; but I did adjust to it. The burlesk theater was downtown. Late at night, the only businesses open were the theater and a little restaurant next door. But the restaurant closed before the theater; so when the theater closed, everything was desolate and bare - nno traffic - or people.

The first night I worked it there - after the show - all of us on the show walked out of the theater. Everyone went their separate ways. I was left alone on the street in front of the theater. It was dark and desolate with nothing around me but big buildings - closed businesses. I decided right then that if I am going to be afraid - I will not be able to work on the road.

I just took off walking to my motel which was only about six blocks away. But they are long blocks when you are all alone on the big mean streets of a big city at night and the dark sound of silence surrounding you.

If someone would have attacked me, I would have been at their mercy. It would have done me no good to even holler because no one was around to hear it. I was really scared; but I knew I had to get through the week and hope that I would live through it.

I had no protection at all such as a gun or knife. Later on in my burlesk career, I learned to carry a knife or ice pick up my sleeve ready to use. Also, a hot cup of coffee to throw in the assailants face if attacked. I, also, tried to program my self to be ready all the times for an attack; so I would better be able to protect myself if attacked.

But no matter how prepared one is - when the actual time comes - that is the big test. A person can say what they would do if attacked but might be too scared to do anything.

When I worked in New York City in Time's Spuare, I was never afraid to walk on the street at night because there were always people on the streets. If someone would have attacked me, there would have been a chance for me to holler for help and maybe get help.

I had to take a lot of chances with my life when I was on the road. I am glad I lived through it all and hope I never have to take chances like that again.