Goddess, sex worker, therapist or whore? There's the 'Miss Whiplash' stereotype that is portrayed by the popular media, yet the realm of dark erotic fantasy inhabited by the dominatrix is infinitely more complex, encompassing all facets of human desire and imagination. In an article originally published in issue 40, four British-based dominatrices told of their often bizarre lifestyles. And here we publish the experiences of one of those, Mistress Antoinette.
Of mixed Spanish and Danish parentage, Mistress Antoinette has been a professional dominatrix in the UK for five years.
In Spain, I found people were quite into 'religious' punishments. Here in England, tastes are a little more, how shall I put it, 'traditional'. Overall, I would say there is far more demand for my services in this country. Also, the number of men here who have a knicker fetish, continually amazes me. Interestingly enough, black knickers seem to be the big turn-on with men in England, whereas in Spain it is nearly always virginal white knickers that are the most popular.

I really discovered S&M by accident. Let's just say that, during a rather heated exchange of opinions, I got rather aggressive and then saw the astonishing effect it had on my male friend. It must be said though, that I've always had a dominant nature, even as a child. But I didn't realise, until this particular incident, that it could be used so positively!
My experience developed when I got introduced to the subject of spanking. That is, with me being the subject! I was very lucky because it was with a person who was very experienced and very skilled. I wasn't thinking of myself as either dominant or submissive at this point, because spanking in itself isn't like discipline. For me, what was interesting was the sensation. I don't think a person can be a proper dominatrix unless she knows what's going on from the receiving end.

I never take anyone on who I don't find interesting. After doing this for some years now, I pretty much know within the first few seconds whether I'm interested in the person or not. I would also refuse anybody who wanted scenarios that I didn't enjoy myself. Lately, a lot of people are ringing up and asking if I do castrations or tooth pulling and things like that. How serious they are, I don't know. I never get that far with them to find out!

I'm very professional in what I do, and try to establish a good relationship with my slaves from the outset; that way there is mutual respect. It's also important that people realise I am sensitive to their requirements and will do my best to explore their fantasies with understanding and invention. Sometimes they come along with fairly complete fantasies in mind. However, I'll always try to add something of my own to the proceedings. I am never predictable!

When I practised in Spain, it was not at all uncommon for single women to visit me for domination. I think it's an interesting comment on the social pressures in this country that, despite the occasional call from submissive women, only a handful of them have ever made an appointment! The couples I see are usually both submissive. They're often interested in the use of my dungeon and my experience with things that maybe they haven't thought about doing together before. When you are a couple you're often too close together, so it's quite nice to watch each other in bondage and see each others' reactions.

For me, at least, when I'm together with a slave it's a very special thing. Each session is so totally different, which is what I like. My clients tell me that's what they like about coming to see me; that every time is different. And that's not because I sit down and think about it all the time or analyse it too much. It's because when the person is reacting in a certain way, I follow that route and it becomes an exploration for both the mistress and the slave.

I enjoy roleplay very much. I have a large wardrobe, so I try to become the authority figure of their dreams. Schoolroom scenarios seem very popular in this country. There's no one role that is my favourite, though I must admit I do quite enjoy the policewoman's role. In fact, I've got a Spanish policewoman's uniform and I've done a few interrogation scenes speaking Spanish. It's fun because you enter completely into the fantasy and shut out the real world.

I do 'white room' therapy also. This is a tiled room with medical equipment where I do examinations, colonic hydrotherapy and electrics. I'll never do anything that I'm not confident about or I feel is not safe. The medical room creates the same feeling of fear and anticipation as the dungeon. It brings back all those feelings of going to the hospital or the dentist.

Discipline is also very interesting subject, because there is the challenge of not leaving marks. You have to be quite skilled to do that. The cane has got a very special pain with it. One or two of my clients just want to see how much pain they can endure, which can be quite interesting. I haven't got a particular passion, though. I enjoy a whole range of activities. After all, this is my hobby as well as my job. I'm genuinely interested in it. But it is a very expensive hobby!

Extracted from the book, 'You Beat People Up For a Living, Don't You Mummy?' Edited by Roy Turner (Absolute Elsewhere) £12.99 or from www.dominamagazine.com