Highlighting Carol Doda: A Sexual Pioneer and Courageous Entertainer

By: Dr. Denise Renye

The day I met Carol Doda. Dr. Denise Renye stands outside her shop in San Francisco, embodying the spirit of empowerment and sexual expression associated with iconic figures in the city's cultural history.

Have you heard of Carol Doda? She’s a prominent figure in American cultural history who revolutionized the nightlife scene of San Francisco in the 1960s. Speaking as a Marin County sex therapist, Doda's journey embodies courage, resilience, and a pioneering spirit, making her a significant figure in the realm of sexuality and entertainment.

There’s a documentary about her called Carol Doda: Topless at the Condor that I highly recommend. She started as a cocktail waitress and then began gyrating atop a white, baby grand piano that descended from the ceiling at, you guessed it, the Condor Club in San Francisco. It became the city’s second most popular tourist attraction after the Golden Gate Bridge! She performed 12 shows a night so the management could keep crowds moving in and out!    

What makes Doda a pioneer is that she was the first topless dancer in the U.S. in the early 1960s. As a reference, this is before the “peace and love” movement. The “Summer of Love” took place in San Francisco in 1967 and Doda was dancing topless years prior.

The early 1960s often confined sexual expression to the shadows so in an era marked by conservative norms and societal taboos surrounding nudity and sexuality, Doda fearlessly challenged these conventions, embracing her body as a form of artistic expression and empowerment. Her willingness to defy societal expectations and embrace her sexuality in a public forum was a bold act of self-determination, reflecting deep-seated courage and confidence.

I want you to think about it for a minute – this is before webcams, before OnlyFans, before all of it. Women couldn’t even get credit cards in their own name before 1974 and here Doda was dancing topless before a crowd. And it wasn’t merely titillation for its own sake (although that’s fine too), she crafted a sophisticated performance. She did comedy, sang, pulled people up on stage with her, and had them undress her. Her performance was designed to appeal to a diverse audience, including couples who sought a novel form of entertainment. She offered a space where couples could explore and celebrate their sexuality openly and without shame.

In my work as a Marin County sex therapist, I focus a lot on supporting my clients to release any sexual shame they may carry, whether that’s around masturbation, kink and fetishes, or something else. I appreciate that Doda did the same albeit in a very different way. Her shows weren’t merely spectacles – she created an experience that was provocative as well as liberating.   

Doda recognized the potential of her unique act and was a savvy businesswoman, transforming herself into a sought-after entertainer and celebrity. As you can see in the documentary trailer, she made guest appearances on talk shows. Her performances at the Condor Club drew crowds of eager spectators, both curious onlookers and enthusiastic supporters. Doda's ability to command attention and captivate audiences speaks to her talent as a performer and her keen understanding of the entertainment industry.

Unfortunately, Doda's story is not without its darker undertones. As her fame grew, she became a target for exploitation by the men who owned the clubs where she performed. In their relentless pursuit of profit, these club owners sought to capitalize on Doda's name and notoriety, often at the expense of her autonomy and well-being. She worked long hours and while she was compensated, the club owners knew she was the person drawing in the crowds and overworked her, pushing her physical bounds. Then after she left The Condor, her name continued to be used so that the club owners could keep profiting off of her. Her experiences serve as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of fame and the ways in which powerful forces within the entertainment industry can exploit and manipulate vulnerable individuals for financial gain.

Even with all that, Carol Doda's legacy as a sexual pioneer and courageous entertainer is undeniable. Through her boldness and resilience, she shattered societal taboos and blazed a trail for future generations of performers and artists. However, her story also serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in the intersection of sexuality, entertainment, and commerce, as well as potential unresolved trauma. Despite the challenges she faced, Doda's impact endures, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of San Francisco and beyond.

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References

Freedman, Richard. “Celebrity San Francisco Stripper Carol Doda Led Quiet Early Life in Vallejo.” San Jose Mercury. November 20, 2015. https://www.mercurynews.com/2015/11/20/celebrity-san-francisco-stripper-carol-doda-led-quiet-early-life-in-vallejo/

Hamlin, Jesse. “WHERE ARE THEY NOW? / Doda's Body of Work Only Got Bigger / Now she sings in a rock band, runs a lingerie shop and keeps stripping.” San Francisco Chronicle. August 1, 1999. https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/where-are-they-now-doda-s-body-of-work-only-2917358.php

McKenzie, Marlo; Parker, Jonathan. 2024. Carol Doda: Topless at the Condor.

Saks Frankel, Robin. “History Of Women And Credit Cards: 1970s To Present.” Forbes.com. December 5, 2023. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/when-could-women-get-credit-cards/#:~:text=1974%3A%20The%20Equal%20Credit%20Opportunity%20Act&text=With%20the%20passage%20of%20this,name%2C%20regardless%20of%20marital%20status.