Luna Sofia Miranda: Stripper-Turned-Actress Shares Career Insights

In a recent interview with The Times, Luna Sofia Miranda, a successful lap dancer, revealed that she can earn up to $1,500, or approximately £1,150, on a “decent night.” She has also taken to teaching masterclasses aimed at aspiring dancers, imparting crucial lessons on how to make money safely in the stripping industry.

Miranda, who transitioned from strip clubs to burlesque shows and the film industry, emphasizes three non-negotiable rules for her clients: “No kissing, no spanking, no biting.” As she explained, “I tell people they have to be gentle, and then someone will do something crazy, like pull my hair or bite.”

Her classes not only cover the financial realities and potential hazards of stripping but also offer guidance on “rating” clients, creating a roster of regulars, and upselling tips. Speaking with a sense of purpose, Miranda seeks to empower new dancers with the skills to “make money even when the club is dead” while protecting themselves from predatory patrons.

One pivotal moment in her career occurred when she was approached by director Sean Baker and his wife, producer Samantha Quan, while working at Pumps, a strip club in Brooklyn, New York. Although initially skeptical, Miranda recognized Baker, renowned for films portraying marginalized communities, including his 2017 film ‘The Florida Project.’ After a conversation, she ended up both consulting and acting in Baker’s latest film, ‘Anora.’

‘Anora,’ which won the prestigious Palme d’Or, explores the lives of sex workers using a cast primarily composed of lap dancers, with Luna Sofia Miranda playing a significant role. The project draws comparisons to ‘Pretty Woman,’ updating the narrative for a contemporary audience and challenging outdated stereotypes.

According to Miranda, the film’s honest depiction of the sex work industry is overdue. She expressed frustration over the need for artistic validation to gain respect, saying, “Let’s call a spade a spade — I’m a sex worker and I’m not ashamed of that.”

Her journey from a liberal arts college dropout to a strip club performer has led to substantial financial success, but not without challenges, including societal stigma and “whoreaphobia” in the industry. Nonetheless, Miranda is undeterred and is currently writing a movie script for herself, a slasher film titled ‘Filmgirl,’ aiming to pave the way for sex workers to tell their own stories on screen.