I Do Pole Fitness
I do pole fitness.
For those who don’t know (and I’ll assume that’s most of you) pole fitness is pole dancing for the purpose of keeping fit and having fun. So throw away your previous assumptions – poles aren’t just for strippers!
Pole fitness is a workout. I’ll admit it’s a little different, but it works. And it’s a good laugh. I went to my first pole fitness class after picking up a pamphlet from Vicky’s in January (back when it was still Vicky’s). I was curious (who wouldn’t be?) so I convinced my friend to come with me for the first class. That first class was taken at Santa Fe with an instructor who was working there part-time to fund her Law degree. She could also speak five languages, proof that being a stripper does not mean you have to be a bimbo. She was so encouraging and professional that our initial self-consciousness soon melded into enthusiasm and from then on we became pole fitness regulars.
Though the classes are popular, pole fitness is still relatively underground in New Zealand when compared to Europe, the UK and Australia. Are we prudish about the fact that classes are held at a strip club? If so, then in the words of bad Otago University ads: ‘Oh, get over it’. To clarify what pole fitness is (and isn’t), read on.
It would be fair to say that misassumptions of pole fitness are generally based on deep seated beliefs that pole dancing is ‘dirty’ and probably involves stripping. It doesn’t. It also does not involve:
• Rubbing one’s crotch against the pole
• Learning how to give lap dances
• Extreme strength or flexibility (although to be honest, it helps)
• A strip club
Most people assume that pole fitness (or pole dancing, I use the terms interchangeably myself) requires one, if not all, of the above. This is a false assumption probably based on the obvious relationship between pole dancing and strip clubs. The truth is that pole dancing is common in, but not restricted to, the context of strip clubs. When performed outside of this context, i.e when you take away the nakedness, the alcohol factor and the male audience, you get a very different concept. Here is my interpretation of pole fitness:
• A workout which involves both cardio and strength training
• A performance similar to dance, involving a pole, that can be sexy without being overly provocative
• A way to build confidence through performance in a safe and comfortable environment
Like any form of performance, it’s all about the style of presentation. The effect that pole dancing will have depends on a person’s own particular style and the way they present themselves. Pole dancing has potential to be seductive, impressive, graceful and powerful, but everyone develops a unique style. A stripper can choose to be provocative or seductive in her dancing. I’ve done years of ballet dancing, so my style tends to be graceful. Others in the class can put more power and strength behind the moves than I can. Pole fitness is essentially a strength-based workout. Strength will improve as you go, and core strength is a must for the more advanced moves. It’s an awesome way to get fit and tone up. You know how strippers have good bodies? That’s ‘cos they get a serious workout every time they get up on stage. You do sweat. You do get sore the next day. You do get some mammoth bruises when you start up (which is unfortunately unavoidable), but you also learn some killer moves. Each hourlong class involves stretching, instruction, practise and ‘freestyle’ self-choreography, usually done in pairs. Pole moves usually involve spinning (forwards, backwards and upside-down) but there is also a bit of floorwork, cage dancing and ‘in-between’ moves. Pole moves have names like theair spin, the backwards knee spin, the ‘V’ spin, and the superman. Pole fitness classes in Wellington are based at Santa Fe and run from 6-7 (Advanced) and 7-8 (Beginners) on Tuesday and Thursday nights. The poles are wiped regularly with an alcohol-based solution, both for hygiene reasons and to help prevent slipping –and you need a serious hold on that sucker, especially while upside-down, or we’re looking at injuries! Participants usually wear short-shorts as all the pole moves require skin-to-pole contact. Heels are optional, but recommended. The Santa Fe classes are women only, with female instructors. That said, there are some places which hold all-male classes, but there’s not so much of a market.
So know the facts before you judge. Even let your curiosity get the better of you and have a go. It’s only a matter of time before the rest of New Zealand catches on. It may take some getting used to, but pole fitness keeps you looking and feeling good. And it’s a whole heap of fun.
126 Comments
8 Mar, 2007 at 7:59 pm
Hi there
I am organising my friend’s hens night for Saturday 31st March 2007. We have 25 girls and would really like to have a pole dancing lesson. We were thinking after dinner around 10pm but we are flexible. Can anyone help??? A prompt response would be much appreciated.
Many thanks,
Nikki
8 Mar, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Hi Nikki,
We can certainly help! It will be a full house but we would provide 3 or 4 tutors for the group to make sure everyone gets adequate attention.
Rather than after dinner, I would probably do it before dinner as you will certainly work up an appetite! On the 31st I have a free space at 6pm, you would be leaving us around 7.30pm and could head to the restaurant then. We have plenty of mirrors for the girls to get their makeup sorted with and lots of space to get changed.
Pop an email to us, classes@polefitness.co.nz and I can send you an email with a list f services we can do for you and the costs. I also let you know what you will need to wear and where we are.
It pays to get your booking sorted quicly at this time of year – we are in the height of wedding season and are doing 3-4 hens parties most weekends at the moment!
I look forward to talking to you soon.
Sharyn
xx
14 Mar, 2007 at 9:15 pm
hey- Do you still do Pole fitness? I would be keen to learn – dont know if I can get any firiends along, but think it would be great. Cheers Michelle
15 Mar, 2007 at 9:25 am
We sure do! Check out http://www.polefitness.co.nz for our most up to date timetable.
We run beginner classes Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Pop me a text on 0275618428 if you would like to book, or ring the Studio on 802 5858.
Sharyn
4 Apr, 2007 at 8:42 am
Hi
Do you have classes in Ak?
A website perhaps?
I live in Ponsonby, some friends are interested in doing proper classes for fitness :)
Javana
17 Apr, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Heres an Auckland studio
http://www.polefitnessnewzealand.co.nz/index.html
17 Apr, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Heres an Auckland studio
http://www.polefitnessnewzealand.co.nz/index.html
http://auckland.apolelotoffun.com.au/
29 Apr, 2007 at 9:11 pm
hey ya me and my friend are keen to do some lessons and were wondering if there was a place in the hutt or upper hut that we could get the lessons at we would also like to know the cost thanks hun
30 Apr, 2007 at 11:06 am
hi there i was wondering if you did or knew of anybody that would do pole lessons at my home in papamoa for my sisters hens night
30 Apr, 2007 at 7:25 pm
hellooooo?!! this is a question that has been asked many times on here & no-one is shedding any light on the matter. are there ANY pole dancing lessons in chch?? iv searched through a ton of pages & its not looking too good for us down here
7 May, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Hello, Can you tell me where classes are held in Hamilton? Thanks.
11 May, 2007 at 10:44 am
Hi All,
As much as I would love to help you all out and tell you where classes are available, we do not have an underground pole fitness network and the only studio I know of personally is the one I go to in Wellington. I wrote the article but I am not some sort of pole fitness guru, I just go to classes and help to instruct at times! The website for the Wellington studio is http://www.polefitness.co.nz. Any enquiries please contact SHARYN on 0275618428 or LISA on 021454728, who know a lot more than me.
Any other links that have been posted on here are posted by independant groups. If you want to know of any classes in other places, such as Christchurch, the internet is your best search option.
Nicola
12 May, 2007 at 6:20 pm
Are there are pole dancing classes in Wanganui or Palmerston North. Really would like to give it a go. Thanks
16 May, 2007 at 10:20 am
hey there everyone. you can get lessons at the whitehouse from chloe for $200 for a group but this including the whole ‘stripping’ side of this style of dancing.. for a better workout still including the sexy side VICKY LEE (a famous pole dancer) takes classes every tuesday or thursday. get in contact with her or me on 0273212565 and i can org it for u.. her e-mail address is http://www.myspace.com/sexyfitworkout. these classes are SOOO much fun and great fitness, she also sells and hires out poles and is getting pole dancing clothing soon. she is a great instructor in central auckland mount eden. it is highly reccomended and every1 i have told about it has loved it! you learn dances aswell as the pole tricks so you can put them together into one dance. you will get better flexability and so much more confidence and feel better for it! classes are $25 or you can buy a consession card which means you get 3 or 4 classes for free!! you will not regret giving this a go and will love urself for it! we have all age groups come from around 16years old right up to 45ish. any1 can do it and most ppl are nervous their 1st time, dont be, she is soo friendly and thr is usually a few ppl there and every1 is really helpfull and nice. xx nic mwa!!
31 May, 2007 at 5:09 pm
So are there any pole dancing classes in Palmerston North? Would love ti give it a go! Or do i have to actually buy the pole to try it? Eek lol