Pole Dancing in the City - Valentines Special

I expressed my interest in dance classes with a co-worker.  I needed to partake in a form of dance to help me tone up, feel good and have fun.  She suggested I try pole dancing at her friend's studio.  At first I thought she was pulling my leg.  Now why would I want to pole dance with exotic dancers?



I studied the website of NY Pole Dancing School and discovered that pole dancing is now available, as an artistic form of dancing or as part of an exercise regime. My preconceptions of pole dancing had quickly diminished.

To my surprise pole dancing uses a combination of ballet, gymnastics and yoga along with music.  It's a fun workout for all ages and allows you to bring out your own sexuality like salsa dancing. The only difference is that you use a pole to pivot around.

 

Many assume pole dancing is practiced by 'exotic dancers' at crazy bachelorette parties.  Now ordinary women ranging in age and background participate in pole dancing as a form of dance.  The school has only been opened since November 2005 and is managed by Wendy Traskos. 

Traskos holds titles for Fitness America Pageants and has a successful career in the Professional Training industry.  The star studded list of client's she trained to achieve great physique include Mary J. Blige, Montel Jordan and Mya.  She was introduced to pole dancing whilst working in various strip clubs in the city.  She fell in love with this art of dancing as she noticed how pole dancers use artistic form whilst performing.  Wendy combines her gymnastic background with dance.  She quickly installed a pole in her own home and taught women how to pole dance. 
               
                   

I ventured into this area and found myself in a medium sized studio, brightly lit with warm red hues, mirrors and red theatrical curtains.  There were 2 long dance poles made out of brass and 2 stainless steel portable poles (that also swivel) spaced around on the dance floor.  To my surprise I felt comfortable right away.  I was immediately greeted by the manager Wendy.  All of the dance teachers have some form of dance background and most were trained to pole dance by Wendy herself. 

              
 

Several women gathered at the entrance.  The school attracts women in careers ranging from the professional level of doctors and lawyers to stay at home mothers.  I felt comfortable and relaxed as everyone was wearing loose sweat pants and t-shirts.  There were two teachers and Wendy herself to instruct the class of five.  So we had quality time and attention and less waiting time for a pole.  We started on the yoga mats with a full stretch and warm up session.  This segment was customized for pole dancing.  So we eased our way into it.  We did slow warm up movements, monitored by Wendy.
On our bare feet we were taught a simple routine of dance steps around the pole.  Pop/commercial music was playing softly with a no count rhythm.  So we were able to move at our own pace.  Then the volume of the music and the laughter of the participants got louder.  After a few repetitions the lights got dimmer as we put on our high heels.  New styles and movement was added to the routine.  Before I knew it I was moving faster and whizzing around the pole.  Techniques are shown to make special moves easier and safe, whilst using functional resistance training.  This form of training is using the body weight as the resistance whilst dancing. 
The atmosphere was great and everybody was having a laugh and having fun whilst trying to perform.  I noticed each dancer and teacher had a unique quality that was shown in the routines.  You could tell one of the teachers was a ballet dancer.  Everyone in the class was supportive and cheered you on.  My favorite move was swinging around the pole with my feet up.  I struggled with climbing up the pole, no surprise with my constant laughter, that didn't help.  After a break I was able to climb higher using better coordination rather then strength for the move. 

              
Most importantly the environment is fun, exciting and very supportive.  You don't have to be an extrovert for this class.  It encourages confidence for every woman.  After the class I had achieved so much from one session, which lasts an hour.  My abs and arms had a good workout and I know that they will become as super toned as my teacher eventually.  

I did the Intro to The Pole Dancing Workshops with a maximum of nine participants.  A two or four week course is available with progressive instructions of pole tricks and movements.  For an extra fee you can have a music video taped at the end of the course.  This is something I'm working towards for my husband's valentines present.  When I spoke to the women most of them were taking the class purely for themselves as a workout and enjoyment.  A high powered workout called 'Booty Camp' is offered to increase strength, agility and endurance.  Private pole dancing lessons and parties are available.  As for men there are private pole dancing lessons available.  For all parties and private bookings catering and professional photography can be provided. 

              

              

A retail store is available online for DVDs illustrating a range of workshops covering pole dancing routines and Glutes and Abs.  If you want to practice at home with your own pole a portable dance pole is available.  The great thing about it is that is wont damage your ceilings or floors and only takes 15 minutes to assemble.  Clothes for dance classes are available to purchase ranging from sweat pants to tank tops and killer high heel shoes.  Also 'Recipes for Success' book on nutritious meals and snacks is on sale for ideas on a healthy diet.  Later this year a calendar for 2008 will be created highlighting all notable dancers in the world who has made a positive impact in the industry.

              

For more information, schedules and bookings please visit www.nypoledancing.com

The studio is conveniently located at 333 West 52nd Street #806, NY NY 10019.  It is a few blocks away from Times Sq. where a variety of trains stop.  To contact Wendy for bookings call 212.352.4401or wendytraskos@aol.com

CALENDAR WATCH

February 19th Charity Intro to Pole Dancing Class from 6-7pm.  A class for $30 of maximum of 12.  This is the first charity event by New York Pole Dancing.  For every person who takes the class $20 will be donated to Ovarian Cancer Research.