Tipping at Thunder From Down Under is a bit of a tricky subject. As with many adult entertainment shows, there are no hard and fast rules about tipping the performers. However, tipping is certainly appreciated by the dancers and encouraged by the venue. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at tipping etiquette, customs, and advice for Thunder From Down Under specifically.
Quick Overview on Tipping
In short, tipping at Thunder From Down Under is:
- Not required, but highly encouraged and appreciated
- Typically done by placing bill tips onstage or giving directly to dancers
- Allows guests to show appreciation and support the performers
- A major part of the dancers’ compensation
With an energetic and interactive show like Thunder, tipping is a great way to show the dancers some love and thanks for their performance. The dancers often rely on tips as a significant portion of their earnings, so keep that in mind when attending the show.
Is Tipping Expected or Required?
Tipping is never required or formally expected at Thunder From Down Under. There is no tip included in the ticket price or added to your bill. However, tipping is customary for this type of adult revue show. The Thunder dancers appreciate and welcome tips to show support for their performance.
It’s similar to tipping after a meal at a restaurant – not technically mandatory, but considered standard practice. Since the Thunder dancers depend on tips as part of their compensation, generous tipping is definitely encouraged and appreciated. But guests should never feel pressured or obligated to tip a certain amount.
What’s the Recommended Tip Amount?
There is no set tip amount for Thunder shows. Tips can vary greatly depending on the guest’s budget, how much cash they have on hand, and how generous they wish to be. $1-$5 per tip given directly to dancers is common.
For onstage tips, $5, $10, $20 or higher are often placed on the stage to show appreciation during or after a dancer’s set. Some guests go as high as $50-$100 tips for dancers they especially enjoyed.
A rough guideline would be to tip whatever you feel comfortable with, while keeping in mind that tips are an important source of compensation for the dancers. If you can’t decide how much to tip, $5-20 total in 1’s, 5’s, 10’s, and 20’s is a safe bet.
When Should You Tip?
The best times to tip are:
- During individual dancers’ sets – Place cash tips on the stage while they perform
- Right after big moments like a sensual lap dance or audience interaction
- At the end of the show, as a final thank you
Tipping as soon as you see a worthy moment provides instant positive feedback. End-of-show tips let dancers know you appreciated their entire performance. But feel free to tip whenever the mood strikes!
How Should You Tip?
There are two main methods of tipping at Thunder:
- Onstage: Fold or roll your cash tips (singles, 5’s, 10’s or 20’s) and place them on the stage near the dancer while they perform. Make sure to weigh them down with a heavier bill so they don’t blow away.
- Directly to dancer: When dancers interact with the audience, hold your cash tips out as you shake hands or chat. You can also politely give them tips as they exit the stage area.
For large tips, you may want to fold the money around a business card or slip of paper with your name on it. This gives the dancer a memorable souvenir and shows you went above and beyond.
When tipping directly, be polite and respectful. Let dancers initiate any touching, rather than grabbing at them. A simple friendly handshake, eye contact, and a smile as you pass over the tip goes a long way.
Other Thunder From Down Under Tipping Tips
- Bring a mix of small and large bills ($1’s, $5’s, $10’s, $20’s) to allow for both onstage and direct tips.
- Be discreet and classy when tipping – no throwing wads of cash at dancers.
- Avoid yelling demands or behaving rudely if dancers don’t notice your tip right away.
- Don’t take it personally if a dancer doesn’t accept your tip. They may be focused on completing a routine.
- Consider pooling tips with your group and taking turns tipping different dancers.
- Pace yourself – no need to blow your entire budget on the first few dancers.
- Applaud and cheer for dancers, in addition to tipping.
- Have fun and don’t stress too much about tipping. Your enthusiasm and smiles are appreciated too!
Do the Dancers Keep All Their Tips?
Thunder From Down Under dancers keep most of the tips they earn during the show. A portion of tips may go towards covering costs for things like cleaning and maintenance.
But rest assured, the bulk of your tips go directly into the dancers’ pockets as thanks for their effort and performance. So tip generously knowing it makes a real difference for the hard-working men of Thunder!
Tipping for Private Dances
For exclusive private dances with Thunder dancers after the main show, tips are also customary. These private dances may cost $100-$300 on average, with an additional tip of $50-$100 or more at the guest’s discretion.
Again, be classy by politely holding cash out for the dancer or placing it on their costume after a private dance rather than throwing it or being handsy.
Can You Tip With a Credit Card?
Tips at the live show are usually only accepted in cash form – singles, 5’s, 10’s and 20’s. For private dances or special add-ons, credit cards may be accepted for convenience.
But for the onstage show experience, bring plenty of small bills to tip dancers. Cash tips make the biggest impact since the money goes straight to the dancers in-hand right away.
Non-Cash Tipping Ideas
If you want other creative ways to show appreciation besides cash, consider:
- Giving dancers gift cards with notes of thanks
- Tipping with gaming chips, if allowed by the venue
- Thunder From Down Under merch like t-shirts, photos, etc
- Food, drinks, snacks, or other sponsored gifts
- Handwritten thank you cards or fan mail
Gift cards, merch, or food and beverage gifts allow dancers to enjoy your tip even after the show. But remember that cash tips have the biggest immediate impact.
Is Tipping at Thunder From Down Under Tax Deductible?
The IRS considers tips at strip clubs and male revues like Thunder From Down Under to be non-deductible expenses for tax purposes, even for business outings.
Tips at the show are considered personal expenses rather than deductible business expenses, due to the adult entertainment nature of the venue.
So while tipping may be customary and appreciated, federal tax rules prohibit writing it off. Patrons should consult local state laws as well, since taxation of tip expenses can vary in some cases.
Show the Thunder Down Under Stars Some Love
Tipping is the best way to show your enthusiasm and appreciate the sensational Thunder From Down Under dancers. While not required, generous tipping based on your budget is certainly encouraged, customary, and always welcome.
With sexy, high-energy shows that often interact with the audience, Thunder is the perfect place to tip generously. So bring some small bills, go wild for your favorite dancers, and help make sure their hard work and performance is rewarded.
Tipping Situation | Suggested Tip Amount |
---|---|
Onstage tips during solo/group dances | $1-$20 bills |
Tip for direct dancer interaction like lap dances | $5-$50 |
End-of-show tipping | $10-$100+ |
Per private/exclusive dance after the show | $50-$200 |
Keep an open mind, have fun, and show your appreciation for the world-famous Thunder men through your enthusiastic energy and generous tipping. Both the dancers and you will have an incredible time!