Hamilton H. Hicks '01, a Currier House psychology concentrator, has recently augmented his Harvard education with a bold agenda of amateur strip-tease competition. His second-place win at Landsdowne Street's Axis Club, in addition to a short stint at drag-dressing, has earned Hicks quite a reputation for immodesty around campus as well as among the Boston area clubbing scene. Straight from the mouth of the boy who really "dares to bare," FM uncovers the true experience, inspiration and secret to successful stripping.

FM: Tell us about the stripping contest at Axis. When is it held?

Hicks: Well, the competition has been held weekly for a few months now. First there is a drag show during which people can sign up for the amateur striptease. After the professionals finish their lip-sync routine, the hostess drag queen announces the seven to 10 audience members that will compete and calls them up one by one. (S) he puts on some thumpy music, usually fuzzy techno but it can be anything appropriate for hip shaking. The contestants begin to dance and disassemble their outfits. Afterwards the hostess dances an extravaganza finale.

FM: What are the rules? Did you go the Full Monty? Would you, if permitted?

Hicks: You can strip down as far as you want but girls aren't allowed to show nipples, and no one is allowed complete nudity. Most guys strip down to a g-string. I got down to a pair of black briefs, but no g-string for me. But give me a month and ask again! If full nudity was allowed I don't think I'd do it, but I'd definitely be watching from the front row.

FM: How is the winner decided? Are prizes awarded?

Hicks: The audience chooses the winner; after all the amateurs have stripped the hostess decides which contestant received the most and loudest applause. Except for a few randoms who can't leave the bar, the audience is really attentive and sometimes people give money to their favorite performers. The competition usually comes down to a first and second place winner, and the grand prize is $50 from the club.

FM: Who won first place the night you won second place? Can you and will you compete again to claim your rightful title?

Hicks: Contestants can compete more than once. I came in second to a girl who had been competing for a while. I gave her a kiss and told her congratulations. I may compete again but first I need more "at home practice sessions."

FM: What motivated you to enter the contest the first time?

Hicks: I think the first competition is always the hardest and I just did it in a moment of boldness, or perhaps a lack of shame. I had also been encouraged by a big group of friends from Harvard and MIT, some of whom I came with that night. I knew a lot of the people in the audience--the Monday night regulars, a mixed crowd of gays, straights and bisexuals.

FM: So what is the trick to being an excellent stripper?

Hicks: There is no real trick that I'm conscious of. You just have to be able to feel the music and please the crowd. It helps to have a nice body. My physique is barely surviving on the remainder of years of gymnastics training.

Actually, I recommenced working out recently but I only started lifting weights three days ago.

FM: What other experience do you have in the whole dressing and undressing arena?