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.
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.