[photo: David Laffe]
By Scotty Em
Thotyssey contributor Scotty Em’s weekly column profiles the hottest gogo dancers in NYC. Today he speaks to Jamie Rossi.
How long have you been gogo dancing?
I’ve been in and out of the scene for the past few years, but my gogo career really started to take off this past February.
How did you get into it?
I went to visit my friend Adi, who is one of the bartenders at Icon while he was working one Saturday night. One of the owners was also at the bar that night. The three of us ended up chatting for a while, and he asked if I had ever gogo’d before. I said yes, for a few small events when I was younger, but nothing recent.
A week later I got a phone call: “Hey Jamie, I know its last minute, but one of our dancers just called out, would you possibly do us a favor…” Next thing I knew, I was one of their resident dancers, dancing every Saturday. Since then, I’ve been blessed to work at some of the most iconic bars and circuit parties in the city…
What has been the most exciting event that you’ve worked at in the short time you’ve been dancing?
I danced at the opening of MEAT at BB Kings in October. That party was HOT! DJ Aaron spun some sick beats and Alex Maravilla put on an incredible stage show, which was so much fun to be a part of.
What sets you apart from other gogo dancers?
I’m like the mom of the group, always checking in with my loves in nightlife to see how they’re doing, celebrating their new gigs and victories, giving them a shoulder to cry on if needed. I really think of us all as a big (albeit sometimes dysfunctional) family.
In your day life, you are a personal trainer. Tell me what that’s like.
I love being a trainer! I work with clients ranging in age from 6 to 82. Helping people lead healthier lifestyles is so rewarding. There is nothing better than watching the expression on a clients face when they find out they fit back into their “skinny jeans” or they hit a new personal best on a lift.
What is your favorite exercise?
SQUATS! They build so much overall body strength. Oh, and who doesn’t love a man with thick legs and a booty!
Do the long nights ever take toll on your early morning workouts?
Oh, absolutely! There are definitely mornings when the alarm goes off at 5am and I just want to roll over and hit the snooze button, but I compete in fitness shows, which keeps me motivated.
What are some easy tips that people can introduce in their lives for a healthier living?
Start small. Little things like drinking water instead of soda and replacing one unhealthy snack a day with a piece of fruit or a veggie actually go a very long way.
Goal setting is also really important. Make sure there are realistic goals with lots of little milestones to celebrate along the way so you always feel like you’re making progress.
How can potential clients get in touch with you?
They can contact me via email – JamieRossiDance@gmail.com, or by messaging me on Facebook or Instagram
☕ Tea Time. Without naming names what’s the shadiest thing you’ve seen or experienced in nightlife?
Leaving a bar after a shift one night with one of my favorite gogo bros… we were followed by a patron for seven blocks. We thankfully spotted him early and ran to my car, but it was definitely a wake up call!
Has there been anything you’ve learned about yourself in the time you’ve been dancing?
Yes! That anything is possible with about an hour of sleep and whole lot of coffee!
Do you think that nightlife personalities are under harsher scrutiny then others in the NYC Gay community?
I think we are held to a higher standard, but as nightlife personalities, we become leaders in the community and can do amazing things if we own that. For example, seeing the community brought together by nightlife personalities to support each other after Orlando was truly inspiring.
Have you found it hard to date when your well-known in nightlife and on social media?
I think finding love in general is hard for everyone in our community. When you’re well-known in nightlife and on social media, the hardest part is finding the time and place for those intimate moments that are so crucial to any relationship.
How do you battle peoples pre-conceived notions of you?
I just try to put really good energy out there. I’m a firm believer that you have to give out what you want back. I also keep a close watch on my social media, and try to only associate myself with parties, brands, and other nightlife personalities who hold themselves to high standards.
What’s the funniest thing you’ve heard about yourself?
I was dancing at a bar over the summer and a patron came up to me and said, “I’d love to give you my number but I heard you only date porn stars.”
Saturday night. You’re not working. *GASP* what’s Jamie doing on his night off?
Hopefully an early dinner at a quiet restaurant with close friends. I’m so in love with those little hole in the wall restaurants that are just so New York – the ones on little side streets you’d never find unless you were actually looking for them.
What are some upcoming gigs people can see you dance?
You’ll see me at Eden (Fridays), BNO (Saturdays), Trick (Sundays), and SKINZ (Wednesdays) – all amazing parties!
If you could Freaky Friday with anyone in NYC nightlife for a day who would it be and why?
I would love to trade places with my girl Honey Davenport for a day. She’s a dear friend, and I think she is just so incredibly fierce and talented. I’d also love to have her ability to multi-task. She has so many projects going at once its unreal!
What’s next for Jamie?
Well, my first two magazine covers are coming out this month, which I am so excited about! There’s more of that to come, and I’m working on a few projects including a new Sunday party. I’m also in talks with a few venues outside of NYC right now, so there may be some travel coming soon as well.
Halloween is a week away! What will Jamie be dressed up as this year?
For one party I’ll be dressed as a devil, and for the other, a dark angel. Both costumes are a lot of fun, and I just hope this warm weather we’ve been having keeps up for next weekend so I don’t freeze!
Follow Jamie on
Thotyssey 