By: Rose
To some there is no introduction needed, they know what the Serpents’ Den is. To others the name might conjure up a place to avoid or be frightened by, but there is simply no need to be. It sits deep in Laveau and from the outside is a glowing neon beacon against many of the other dark and brooding buildings nearby. It announces clearly to all that would pass exactly what it is. A strip club, but it is so much more.
On arriving you are met with a vibrant assault of purple and red signs, lighting up the street outside. A deep red roped walkway leads the way inside. The decor is above any other strip club I have seen, giving a deeply luxurious vibe. The first thing you see upon entering it the bar, staffed by welcoming and knowledgeable people able to whip you up whatever cocktail you could think of, as well as create sumptuous creations you might never have heard of. Beside that, at the heart of the club is the dance floor, more brightly lit to draw the eye. Two poles and a chair ever present for the girls that work there to dance upon. The girls that work there are stunning, yet offer a variety of looks and all are skilled dancers. When there, I met some wonderful dancers, a new arrival that mesmerised her audience with her skills. Musicality and sensuality – a seductive masterpiece. As well as another from France that helped to train and teach the other girls.
All of this is overseen by the club manager, a woman of breath-taking confidence that commands attention as well as the deep respect of those that work for her. She goes by the names Madame, Princess and Salena. I was lucky enough to be given time to interview her.
The interview started with me being invited to her office above the club, every aspect of the place clean and finely decorated. The Madame’s office suited her manner, even down to the most beautiful snake kept safe and pampered in it’s luxury enclosed environment in the corner of the room. She was attentive, appearing to be as interested in myself as I was in her. Her accent spoke of having lived in another place, perhaps Brooklyn. The Madame’s career in strip clubs began at the age of 18, a job taken out of the necessity for money but her drive to run her own business kept her working hard and, in her own words, “I started for the money, but I loved it. The atmosphere and the women I work with and well here I am now!” When asked why the girls chose to work in an industry like this answered, “Everyone starts for a different reason, for some, who started for fame, or the love of the money they are makin’. But here, we promise both and we deliver. All the girls here would agree.”
This definitely appears to be true, over the course of the interview and with conversations with dancers and bar staff one over arching theme appeared. Family. The Madame herself spoke deeply of the how all that work there were part of a “happy family”. One that she felt a deeply personal responsibility to, to their “safety and well-bein’. It rests in my hands and most importantly, bringin’ the best outta ’em.” Not a simple task where she is still responsible for making sure the club runs at a profit and has to answer to investors and backers.
Later in the interview I asked about the rumours that it was BDSM sex club, an accusation the Madame refuted utterly. Damanding that, “We are a strip club, nothin’ more, nothin’ less. Some of our dancers might dress the part, but it is all part of the performance. We operate as a house of desire, but that’s all.” Again these assertions were backed up by every member of staff I spoke to. Then our conversation then drifted to the name of the club, I wondered why the name Serpent’s Den had been chosen and was told, “You know the story of Adam and Eve, hm? The serpent serves as temptation and I think that’s a pretty fittin’ name for a strip club of this calibre.”
As the interview wound down, I asked the Madame what it was she wanted for the future, a question that she was only too happy to answer, “I want to see this place grow. For it to become the thrivin’ heart of Laveau. We have plans to elevate the Den to the next level, A renaissance of sorts. A rebirth.”
After the interview had ended, we went back down to the main part of the club, where I met a dancer called Lea. who said that, “Only here can you see such outfits from France. I told you the other day, this place is where a bit of that artistic spirit, both bohemian and sophisticated, floats in the air.’” She was also kind enough to lend me some dance clothing to wear and gave me some pole dancing lessons. Which were not only truly invigorating but exhausting and demanding. Until having tried it for myself, I had no idea the physical demands required to perform some of the more complex dance moves. Never the less it was a liberating and fun experience.
In conclusion, the Serpent’s Den is worth a visit. Whether a resident of Laveau or Hathian, make the trip to come here. If you want work, there is work to be had. You want to while away some time in the company of fantastic and beautiful people. This is the place. It stands out, far above any of the other clubs of it’s type in the area like its neon signs in the dark Laveau nights. A supreme place for sensual seduction.
