Dirty Dancing: Women Learn the Art of Striptease While Getting an Aerobic Workout

By Shannon Pease, The Miami Herald

May 22–Pole dancing is not just for strippers anymore.

The high-energy activity is taking place at clubs and at gyms, appealing to women in all walks of life, from housewifes to high-powered executives.

On Sunday, a group of women, clad in yoga pants and tank tops, learned the basics of pole work at Scores, an Oakland Park strip club, which hosted its first-ever class — taught by three of Scores’ professional dancers.

“Not everybody is cut out to go to the gym,” said Andrea Amenta, director of public relations for Scores. “With this, it’s a little bit more fun.”

Participants who began the class shy and reserved were rotating around the neon poles by the end of the two-hour session, which took place during the club’s off-hours.

“I think it’s intriguing, and it adds a certain level of exotic element to a relationship,” said Darlene Kaufman. “It’s fun and it’s new. It keeps things fresh.”

The 10 students began the class by learning to walk seductively. They then slowly took on the challenge of striptease, slowly peeling off layers of garments worn over their exercise gear.

Those with the upper body strength and stamina decided to follow the lead of the instructor, and took a shot at climbing the pole.

PRIVATE DANCING

Mayrav Bond said Sunday’s class wasn’t the toughest workout she’s ever had; she was in it only for the fun.

“What woman doesn’t want to entice her man?” said the 32-year-old lawyer.

Similar classes are offered at local gyms, and even at home parties.

Crunch Fitness in Miami Beach touts a clothed cardio striptease with focus on upper body and core strengthening, while Mind Body Connection in Cooper City boasts a cardio “strip” aerobics class.

‘I always tell people ‘You’ll have a newfound respect for strippers after you take this class,’ ” said Mind Body Connection owner Eileen Owoc.

“It looks easy, but try to get yourself off the ground one inch — it’s hard,” Owoc said.

NEW TREND

The pole dancing trend was made popular by Sheila Kelley’s S Factor workout. The S Factor offers classes in several states and sells a series of home tutorials.

For those who prefer to practice in the privacy of their own home, A Pole Lot of Fun delivers. The Davie-based business advertises women-only parties that come complete with a pole, music and champagne.

While some of the ladies are toning up, others do it to spice up their private lives, Scores’ Amenta said.

Those who wish to “show off their new talents” will be given an opportunity to perform for their significant others in a private VIP area at the club, Amenta said.

“I think it is an opportunity for female empowerment,” Amenta said. “It’s about building inner strength. Just boosting one’s confidence.”

Owoc agreed.

“When in their life will these women in Cooper City be this close to the pole?”

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Miami Herald

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

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