This October, strippers, sex workers, and pole dancers will come together in Portland, Oregon for a five-day celebration of movement, community, and expansion. Curated by Nirvana in honor of her 10-year anniversary as a pole dancer, the Stripper Summit uplifts the very community that shaped her journey and continues to inspire so many around the world.
What’s Happening:
Workshops (Oct 26–28) – Three days of immersive learning featuring nine workshops led by current and former strippers who are leaders in the field. Each 90-minute session shares skills, practices, and perspectives that support both professional dancers in the club and civilian movers in their artistic expression.
Community Panel (Oct 29) – A 3-hour gathering for dialogue, reflection, and connection. Panelists and participants will explore solution-based conversations around the realities of our work and lives, focusing on growth, resilience, and collective empowerment. Breakout groups will create space for more intimate exchange and community building.
Showcase (Oct 30) – A powerful evening of performance featuring 22 dancers — including local and traveling strippers, and special guests from Nirvana’s community. This showcase honors the artistry, innovation, and presence of strippers, with the stage as a space for reverence and celebration.
Why It Matters:
Stripping was the foundation of Nirvana’s journey as a dancer, teacher, and soul in progress. This event is a tribute and a resource to the people who have built and carried this culture. By creating spaces for learning, dialogue, and performance, the summit honors strippers while also offering tangible skills, deeper connection, and renewed inspiration.
Who’s Invited:
The summit welcomes strippers, sex workers, pole dancers, and allies who support this community. Whether attending workshops, joining the conversation at our community panel, or cheering and tipping at the showcase, participants will leave with a richer connection to the artistry and humanity at the heart of this work.
* if you are an instructor, speaker, performer, vendor, and/or volunteer who would like to join this experience, we encourage you to submit an application. Portland locals are prioritized, however all community members are welcome to submit!