The risky business of BDSM?

RT travels to several BDSM dungeons to speak with pro-dommes and masters about the troubles their business faces in a recession.

From using devices most wouldn’t allow anywhere near their naked parts, to whipping, to humiliation on vacuum beds – welcome to BDSM.

“I get really turned on when I beat somebody, for sure," said professional dominatrix Julie Simone.

A practice enjoyed by some of the rich and powerful, looking to be punished for their bad deeds – in a sexier way.

Despite what some may think, BDSM is far from being a set of kinky games. Professionals have recently discovered that economic and social realities taking place in the U.S. get reflected in what clients ask for behind closed doors.

“The economy has given them some tough times, and they still want someone to whip them into shape. But with more of a softer hand,” said professional dominatrix Nina Payne. 

“Every time there is another Abu Ghraib or Guantanamo outbreak, we get people who want to be interrogated. Now it’s corporal punishment. Canes, rods. Punishment is called for! And now the same people are coming in asking to be caned,” said Master R, Head Master at La Domaine, a BDSM Chateau, about Wall Street bankers’ changing preferences.

No actual sex is performed.

“We are legally constrained from doing anything sexual. We always tell people, if you don’t like that, write your Congressman,” explained Master R.

Dungeons such as this one have a lot to offer.

“Hands can be cuffed by the side of the head. For people who come in here with a great deal of facial piercing, we can tie them up by their face,” said Master R showing one device to RT.

The practices are not talked about in public.

“I don’t know if ever in my lifetime BDSM is going to become something so accepted that a corporate banker can go into his office and be like “Schedule my session with my dominatrix today at 3, Cindy!” said professional dominatrix and fetish model Bella Vendetta.

This means, getting new clients can be tricky.

“Most men don’t like to let their friends know that they’re seeing someone who is spanking them," said professional dominatrix Nina Payne.

Sessions – at several hundred dollars a pop – have taken a nosedive in a tough economy.

“BDSM tends to be something people treat themselves to, like a fine meal, like a show, a piece of art, so when money becomes tight, luxuries are the first things to go,” said Bella Vendetta.

Making it tougher for some professionals to keep making good money.

“It’s usually not consistent work. One week you might do really well, the next week could be dead,” said Nina Payne.

BDSM Pros say their business is better for the long haul, unlike adult films or stripping.

“I can be a dominatrix for 20 years, it’s very difficult to be a porn star for 20 years,” said Julie Simone.

And in a rollercoaster economy, what more than a long-lasting career can one ask for?