 Moore played the main female character , Erin Grant . For the film , she was paid $ 12 @.@ 5 million , which was at the time a record for an actress . To prepare for her role , Moore visited strip clubs in New York City , California , and Florida , and she met with strippers . Moore really did dance topless in the part , and this was the sixth time she showed her breasts on film . She also read the novel , exercised , and practiced yoga . Moore was cast before other important parts were cast , creating some interest in the project . In the first attempt at filming Moore stripping , two hundred actors were used to portray the audience . Although their salaries were small , many accepted the role to see Moore nude . After waiting for a while , when Moore finally appeared and started dancing the crowd turned so loud and wild that the shooting had to temporarily cease . As Moore said , " After my experience , I felt very confident . " 
