What’s life really like for a male go-go dancer?
Go-go dancers are a fixture in nearly every gay scene around the world. When they’re not on stage swinging their wares in your face, they’re plastered all over Instagram flaunting their bodies and wild ways.
But what of the day-to-day reality of dancing on stage in underwear that could probably pass for dental floss? In the new issue of Attitude – out now – we we delve into the scantily-clad world of male go-go dancing with four of the London scene’s biggest performers: Imma/Mess, Archangel, Ted Rogers and Fred Sausage.
Archangel (pictured right) performs weekly during beyond at Ministry of Sound, every Sunday morning from 5am. Here, he reveals the highs and lows of his profession, and how flaunting the flesh for a living colours his life and relationships…
The best thing about being a go-go dancer is…
Meeting amazing people andseeing incredible places around the world.
How did you get involved with gogo-dancing and the Beyond crew?
I had worked with Martin Princess before, but most of the other guys I met through common friends. They saw me dancing and invited me to join the team.
The most amazing gig you’ve ever done was at…
The Barcelona Circuit Festival Aquapark. Great music; the sun shining bright and 10, 000 people watching… It’s hard to compare that to anything else.
When you’re on stage you feel…
Like a star? [Laughs] I’m joking. I feel in my element. I belong there. I love seeing people happy and smiling at me. I feel happy.
Do you ever feel like people judge you because of being a go-go boy?
Definitely, yes. I have heard the most absurd things you can imagine for being a go-go dancer. Many of us have a degree and a nine to five job. We are just normal people with a slightly unconventional job. But in the end it doesn’t matter because we are surrounded by friends and don’t really want to be close to people with little, simple minds anyway.
How does it feel to be objectified by those in the club?
It can be annoying sometimes, when people come and try to touch you. Once someone came from behind and pulled my swimwear down while I was on stage. I was naked and furious.
Do you secretly enjoy it?
It is no secret. I love it! Who doesn’t like being desired? [Laughs] Everybody likes a little bit of attention, it feeds your ego. That is not enough though. I don’t get flattered by compliments to my body. I prefer compliments to my work and character.
The best thing about the gay scene is…
The incredible people from all over the world we get to meet.
… but the worst thing is…
To see how a community which suffers so much prejudice can also inflict prejudice on its own subgroups. It is sad.
Your most embarrassing stage moment happened when…
I had to wear a C-String for the WE Party ‘Erotica’ event. When I stepped on the stage it went loose.
You must get a lot of guys cracking onto you. How does that affect being in a relationship?
Well, I am newly single so it really isn’t a problem right now. But when I am in a relationship I am really faithful, respectful and loyal.
If you could be trapped in a lift with anybody else in the world, who would it be?
Does it have to be only one? I don’t know. Should I say Chris Hemsworth? Or someone I am deeply in love with?
What phrase encapsulates your view on life?
Love and life, don’t take them for granted.
Finish the sentence: ‘Love is…’
…precious and I fight ‘til the end to preserve it.
Interview: Cliff Joannou
You can read more interviews with the best of London’s go-go dancers in the new issue of Attitude, featuring Strictly Come Dancing hunk Gleb Savchenko. Also in this issue, along with Gleb’s exclusive 10-page shoot and all your usual news, reviews, fashion and real life stories:
- Celebs including Kieron Richardson, Brian Friedman, Jeremy Sheffield and Jodie Harsh share their best travel tips and experiences.
- We chat to Deadpool star Ed Skrein about swapping rap for acting and his role as the villainous Ajax in Marvel’s eagerly-anticipated new superhero installment.
- Harvey Milk’s nephew Stuart Milk reveals how he’s carrying on his uncle’s legacy 37 years after the LGBT icon’s death.
- World-renowned DJ Seth Troxler talks London’s club scene and opens up about the real man behind the decks.
The new issue of Attitude is now available as a digital download from pocketmags.com/attitude. It’s in shops today (January 6) and print copies are available to order from newsstand.co.uk.
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