The EXOTIC DANCER Invitational is the number-one showgirl competition in the world. Two EDI competitions — the EDI East and EDI West — showcasing some of the most talented entertainers in North America and beyond.
EDI East and West
Established 2014
The EDI Story
The Exotic Dancer Invitationals
Established in 2014, the Exotic Dancer Invitational (EDI) is the most predominant showgirl dance competition in the world. By showcasing the top tier of feature entertainment, the EDI offers the most visible, and most credible, arena for touring showgirl entertainers in North America. Taking place twice a year during two, separate three-night events in some of the most popular adult nightclubs in the U.S., the EDI East and EDI West are the only place where showgirls vie for the crown of EXOTIC DANCER Publications’ coveted “EDI Overall Champion” title that is presented annually at the ED EXPO, the only convention in the world for the billion-dollar adult nightclub industry.
"The EDIs bring the industry's top touring feature entertainers together"
Touring feature entertainers — the 'showgirls' — have been a staple in the adult nightclub industry for over three decades. The EDI Contests are not only a celebration of their talents, but offer them the opportunity to boost their careers and entertain the crowds at the illustrious clubs who host the EDI East and West.
A: The EDI (EXOTIC DANCER Invitational) was established by ED Publications in 2014, as a way to showcase and celebrate the industry’s top “showgirls” (aka, touring feature entertainers). ED Publications produces the Annual Gentlemen’s Club EXPO, the only convention in the world for the adult nightclub (strip club) industry. ED Publications also produces the only business-to-business magazine for those who own or work in the adult nightclub industry.
Manack
ED Publisher, Dave Manack, is the Founder of the EDI. “The EDIs are a celebration of the ‘showgirl’ and are our way of showing the entire industry who the top touring feature entertainers are,” says Manack. “The EDIs are also a way for up-and-coming entertainers to make a name for themselves and network with other established feature entertainers. We firmly believe this is the number-one competition in the world for ‘showgirl’ entertainers and we are proud to support these amazing women!”
The EDI is a three-night competition. The Starlet Division competes on the first night of the competition, the Showgirl Division competes on the second night of the competition, and the Finals are held on the third night of the competition. The top three scoring entertainers from each division advance to the Finals.
The EDI is held twice a year, once in the West (EDI—West) and once in the East (EDI—East), and each presents two divisions: Showgirl and Starlet. The Showgirl Division is for the more ‘advanced’ entertainers, who have been performing and/or competing for more than four years. The Starlet Division is for more ‘up-and-coming’ or new entertainers who have been performing or competing for less than four years.
All entertainers are introduced each night to the judges and club guests. On the first two nights, the entertainers wear bikinis for these introductions. On the third night, all entertainers are required to wear gowns for the introductions.
A: EDI competitors are eligible to win several “main” and “mini” titles. Each division (Showgirl and Starlet) has three title winners; Champion, First Runner-Up, and Second Runner-Up. The Champion in each division wins a sash, crown and trophy.
The EDI also presents eight “mini-titles” (with accompanying sashes) that acknowledge specific areas of performance, appearance or abilities. They include:
Best Overall Show, Best Dancer, Best Costume, Most Extreme Show, Most Ambitious Performer, Hottest Body, Audience FavoritePLUS, CASH! The winner of the Showgirl Division wins $2,000 in cash, while the winner of the Starlet Division receives $1,000 in cash. All EDI contestants also receive a ‘goodie bag’ including exclusive apparel.
A: The EDI is coordinated/produced by veteran showgirl entertainer and event producer Roxi D’Lite. Roxi brings a wealth of experience, not only as a veteran showgirl and burlesque performer but also as the producer and artistic director of such large-scale events as Theatre Bizarre’s Dirty Devil’s Peepshow and The Whoopee Club Cabaret. Roxi took over the production of the EDI Contests in 2024 (the contests are co-produced by ED Publications).
“After 20 years in the industry I am elated to co-produce the EDIs with my dear friend (ED Managing Editor) Kristofer Kay and (EDI Founder) Dave Manack,” says Roxi. “I started in this industry as a humble house dancer and found my way into featuring in gentlemen’s clubs, which eventually led to performing burlesque in theaters all over the world. I’ve enjoyed working behind the scenes creating spectacular productions that I’m very proud of, and I’m excited to apply my experience as not only a former EDI competitor but also as a cabaret producer. I really appreciate the work both Dave and Kris do; they are always fair and run a great competition. I’m honored and excited to have been asked to be part of their team. I look forward to working with all the amazing performers and club owners in the next year!”
Additionally, the EDI is hosted by veteran industry DJ/emcee Danny Meyers, who also is the co-producer of the industry podcast “What’s Hot in the Strip Clubs.”
The 2025 EDI Contests are sponsored by adult film superstarlet and noted adult film director, Lauren Phillips. Lauren has steadily become one of the hottest adult stars, and her LP brand made a splash as the sponsor of the EDIs in 2024, as well as the Annual ED EXPO’s Tradeshow Mainstage.
“I cannot express enough how excited I am to be a part of the EDIs once again this year as a sponsor for female empowerment,” says Lauren. “My goals are to shine attention on the strong women in the feature community. I can’t wait for this experience!”
A: The EDI Contests are an invitational pageant series and not open to general participants. You must be invited by ED (Exotic Dancer) Publications to compete.
If you are interested in competing in a future EDI Contest, please complete this short questionnaire
A: You are expected to do a feature-quality show of your own design, this can vary greatly depending on the entertainer. In order to maintain a clean stage , a precut tarp must be used for any messy shows involving liquids, feathers, whipped cream, or any other particle or substance that is not part of your costume. NO oils or glitter is permitted! Even if you use a shower and a baby pool, a tarp must be used. This facilitates the clean-up of the stage after your show is over.
The vast majority of competing entertainers utilize high-end costumes, props and well-coordinated music.
Please see below for a list of “rules” from the 2024 EDI Contests:
A: Fire will be allowed at the 2025 EDI West at Platinum 84 in Denver. However, aerials will not be permitted at the EDI West.
Aerials are allowed at the 2025 EDI East in Memphis at The Pony Club. However, no fire/pyro is allowed at the EDI East.
Any aerials, fire/pyro or other props MUST be approved in advance by the show producers.
A: East Club stage info:
Stage length:
Stage width:
From center pole to length edge:
Left pole to edge:
Right pole to edge:
Center pole to back edge:
Center pole to stairs:
Center pole to ceiling:
Right & left pole to ceiling:
B: West Club stage info:
Stage length:
Stage width:
From center pole to length edge:
Left pole to edge:
Right pole to edge:
Center pole to back edge:
Center pole to stairs:
Center pole to ceiling:
Right & left pole to ceiling:
A: The EDI Contest offers a stage crew that’s headed by industry veteran Rob Aiken. Contestants are also more than welcome to bring their own assistant, keeping in mind that they must follow the direction of Rob Aiken and the EDI show producers.
A: EDI competitors have two options when it comes to their hotel accommodations. If an entertainer wants to share a room with a fellow competitor, their room is FREE. If an entertainer would like their own room, then they pay half and the EDI producers pay half. All payments are handled prior to the contest.
A: The EDI contests are an invitational pageant series and not open to general participants. You must be invited by ED (EXOTIC DANCER) Publications to compete. If you have been invited and would like to fill out your release from, you may do so by
CLICKING HERE
If you would like to be considered for future competitions, please contact us directly.
A: The Annual Gentlemen’s Club EXPO, also known as the ED EXPO, is a four-day convention and tradeshow held every year (usually in Las Vegas). This year’s EXPO will be held at The Flamingo in Las Vegas, August 24-27. The ED EXPO was established in 1993 and remains the ONLY convention for this billion-dollar industry. The EXPO includes a two-day tradeshow showcasing products and services for the industry, exclusive evening parties, educational seminars for owners, operators and entertainers, and the Annual ED’s Awards Show, the ONLY national awards show for this industry. Anyone who works in this industry may attend, for more information
CLICK HERE
A: Music will need to be submitted ahead of time to the show producers (in MP3 format), and we also ask each competing entertainer to bring their music to the contest with them on a thumb drive as a back-up. You will be required to provide instructions for your music, such as intros and track changes on the stage crew sheet provided to you during registration at the event.
A: Below you will find the EDI score sheet. The EDI utilizes between 6 and 10 judges per night, on average. For each entertainer, their highest and lowest scores are eliminated, and the remaining scores are tallied producing your ‘final’ score. Entertainers are scored in four separate categories, with ’10’ being the highest score in each category.
PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to make the EDI Contests as transparent as possible, each entertainer will be given her scores as soon as she finishes her performance.
Judges also note which ‘mini-titles’ each contestant should be in consideration for.
“After 20 years in the industry I am elated to co-produce the EDIs with my dear friend (ED Managing Editor) Kristofer Kay and (EDI Founder) Dave Manack,” says Roxi. “I started in this industry as a humble house dancer and found my way into featuring in gentlemen’s clubs, which eventually led to performing burlesque in theaters all over the world. I’ve enjoyed working behind the scenes creating spectacular productions that I’m very proud of, and I’m excited to apply my experience as not only a former EDI competitor but also as a cabaret producer. I really appreciate the work both Dave and Kris do; they are always fair and run a great competition. I’m honored and excited to have been asked to be part of their team. I look forward to working with all the amazing performers and club owners in the next year!”
Additionally, the EDI is hosted by veteran industry DJ/emcee Danny Meyers, who also is the co-producer of the industry podcast “What’s Hot in the Strip Clubs.”
