Stripteases are now performed mostly in strip clubs and (especially in the UK) pubs, though theatres and music halls have also been used as venues. The "teasing" part involves the slowness of undressing, while the audience is eager to see more nudity. Delay tactics include additional clothes being removed or putting clothes or hands in front of just undressed body parts, such as breasts or between the legs. Emphasis is on the act of undressing along with sexually suggestive movement, rather than the state of being undressed. In the past, the performance often finished as soon as the undressing was finished, though today striptease artists usually continue dancing whilst in a state of nudity. The costume the stripper wears before disrobing can be an important part of the act. These could be fantasy themed: such as a schoolgirl uniform, maid's dress, policewoman's outfit etc.

Striptease and nudity have been subject to legal and cultural prohibitions and other aesthetic considerations and taboos. Such restrictions have been embodied in venue licensing constraints and national and local laws. Many jurisdictions forbid "full nudity". For instance, in some parts of the USA, there are laws forbidding the exposure of female nipples, which have thus to be covered by pasties by the dancer (though no such taboo applies to the exposure of male nipples) and certain jurisdictions have forbidden postures considered "indecent" (such as spreading the legs).fact: date=March 2008 Shoes (often high heeled) are usually kept on for practical and aesthetic reasons. Often Health codes require shoes to be worn at all times.

Along with physical attractiveness and appropriate clothing, the main asset and tool used by the exotic dancer in recent years is the stripper pole.

In addition to night club entertainment, stripping can be a form of sexual play between partners. This can be done as an impromptu event or—perhaps for a special occasion—with elaborate planning involving fantasywear, music, special lighting, practised dance moves, and even dance moves that have been previously unpractised.

H.L. Mencken is credited with coining the word "ecdysiast", from "ecdysis", meaning "to molt". He did so in response to a request from a stripteaser who requested a "more dignified" way to refer to her profession.

Off-stage

main: lap dance A variation on striptease is private dancing, which often involves lap dancing or contact dancing. Here the performers, in addition to stripping for tips, also offer "private dances" which involve more attention for individual audience members. Variations include private dances like table dancing where the performer dances on or by customer's table rather than the customer being seated in a couch. For certain events, including bachelor/bachorette parties, the stripper's job often involves holding games or contests with sexual themes.Fact: date=August 2007