I believe that, deep down, every woman wants to be a stripper," says Mary Taylor. She should know. After spending 21 years as one of Toronto's foremost burlesque performers, Mary left the bump and grind behind and founded Peel and Play, a workshop series that teaches Gypsy Rose wannabes how to take it all off in the comfort of their own homes. "I get classes full of women to play with their boobs," she tells Playboy.com with a laugh. "Whether you're getting onstage in front of hundreds of people or performing for your partner, it's the same rush. I think a lot of women want to know what that feels like."

Want your Valentine to channel her inner Chesty Monroe for you? Mary's new book, Bedroom Games: Stripteases, Seductions, and Other Surprises to Keep Your Partner Coming Back for More, will have her pole-dancing in no time. Or just leave these tips out for her to find. "Even if she doesn't want to do a whole performance, learning to strip will give her ideas about different scenarios that she can use to entertain you." After blowing your paycheck on roses and chocolate, we figured you could use a little entertainment.

"Taking your clothes off in front of others is everyone's worst nightmare. Professionals visualize the positive results of their dance rather than dwelling on the things that could go wrong. In my case, before I went onstage, I thought about the adrenaline high performing gave me, rather than the knot in my stomach."


"The bigger the boobs, the better, right? Wrong. Men like lots of things besides breasts. When I started dancing I had 32A breasts and weighed about 90 pounds, and all the local clubs in town used to fight to hire me. Every man has a type, and clearly, you are your man's type. So forget about what you don't have and work your assets. They're what your partner likes about you."


"The holidays are always a perfect theme for a striptease. For Valentine's Day at the club I'd pass out candy, then lay down and put a little candy heart right on my G-string for one lucky audience member to devour. But maybe you want to play a naughty nurse, a French maid, or even a feminine feline. Check consignment stores in upscale neighborhoods for accessories in your budget. Remember that rhinestones and studs can dress up an otherwise ordinary piece, so get creative. For all of your natural-born actors, this is your chance to play your biggest part yet."


"Decorating your seduction room can be as much fun as putting together your costume. From a Victorian boudoir to a space station, the sky's the limit. This is also your chance to break the bedroom habit. If you're surprising your partner for his birthday and have dinner set up in the kitchen, why not finish the seduction right there and let him have you for dessert?"


"You don't have to be an acrobat to entice a man with your movement. Here are some of the classic moves. To stir the pot, move your hips in a counterclockwise, circular motion like you're stirring chicken soup. For the queen's wave, put your hands on your knees, arch your back, and swing your butt back and forth. Then there's 'Boobs on Bob.' Stand in front of your partner and play with your breasts. Shift your weight onto your arms and gently lean into his body. Your breasts should be touching his chest as you stare lovingly into his eyes."


"Place your man in an armchair or a comfortable spot that faces you -- what I like to call 'The Throne' -- and stand back far enough so he has a clear view of your body. Tall women should stand farther back than short women. Keeping your distance will also keep you away from his clutching hands. It'll seem like he has about five of them."


"This will put you in the right frame of mind for your performance. Strutting involves your whole body. With your head held high, set your hair in motion by moving your head or by fluffing it with your fingers. Show your pleasure in every gesture you make and every look on your face. Walk in time with the music and emanate sex in your every move."

"When you're performing at home, keep constant eye contact with your man. Even when you're undoing a button on your blouse, you don't want to be looking at what you're doing. If you're looking at the ceiling while he's sitting there, he'll feel uncomfortable. But if you're batting your eyelashes at him, you'll seem confident and sexy."

"A good striptease goes for at least three songs. Your first song is upbeat and fun. You're dancing around and you've still got most of your clothes on. On the second song you actually expose your top, and the third might inspire you to do a soft, slow number on the floor. That's when you take off your panties and do the 'G-string fling' -- hook it on your heel and fling it right at him."

"When I tell women that their striptease should last three songs, they say, "I wouldn't last three minutes before he'd be ripping off my clothes and wanting to have sex!" Well, this is your chance to have all the foreplay you want. Tie his tie around his wrists and make him sit there until you've finished your performance. Remember that you're doing this for you, too, and giving a good striptease will turn you on. So wait until you're good and ready to involve him. Then grab his shirt and invite him down for a little floor show of his own."