Friday
Give it a Whirl
"The Art of Pole Dancing."Oprah did it when she released the inner sexpot of a pumpkin-sweater-wearing mommy on her show. Hollywood celebs like Desperate Housewives Teri Hatcher have been linked to it, and A-listers like Kate Hudson became so addicted they installed equipment in their homes to accommodate their new hobbies.
What’s the latest craze spinning around major cities across the country? Pole dancing – and it’s coming to a cozy, suburban living room near you.
Already well known in hot spots across the country, pole dancing is getting a leg up in Charlotte, N.C. What was once seen as naughty adult entertainment is getting a different spin as both a good workout and positive way for women to get in touch with their sexier side.
When Kelly Adams heard a friend at work start off her sentence with “You’ll never believe what I did last night,” her ears perked up. This married, mother of four who worked in accounts receivable for corporations like Coca Cola and Baker & Taylor, knew she had to hear more.
“I started out doing traveling pole parties with A Pole Lot of Fun, Adams says. "I received so many requests I decided to branch out on my own.”
Adams, who studied ballet under choreographer Michael Peters (directed Michael Jackson’s Bad video), opened Pole Dance Charlotte, which offers a studio for private lessons, and a home party component.
The 1100 sq. ft. studio offers 45 minute lessons where women get a crash course in learning how to “prance” around the pole, along with a mini routine which involves basic swings, floor work and sliding.
“You’ll get an upper body workout with some basic moves,” explains Adams, who starts each session asking women what their expectations are.
“Most come to satisfy their curiosity. They’re looking to feel sexy and get a workout at the same time.”
Half of her business is generated from referrals, with 50% of women looking for home parties, which consist of up to 15 women who don themselves with boas, sip champagne, create stage names and learn new moves throughout the night.
“It’s just girlfriends getting together to hang out and have fun,” says Adams. “It’s for women who are tired of the dinner out and birthday cake, and have done the stripper and romance party thing. They’re all great, but this is something that you have to try once.”
The husband’s reaction when Adams arrives?
“I get a lot of ‘I love you’ from husbands,” Adams says, who acknowledges some men are shocked when they peek in to see their wife dancing on a pole in their living room.
She admits her husband, of 13 years, was initially turned upside down when he heard the idea. “I remember he said he was taking out extra insurance because he was afraid of how often I would fall,” she recalls with laughter.
Women who book parties are typically in their late 20’s and 30’s, although Adams remembers a participant in her 60’s who got the move “drop it like it’s hot” better than anyone.
It may sound like a bunch of fun, but what happens when it’s the shy girls turn to take the stage?
“There are women that just want to observe, or that have a difficult time doing a sexy move, which is OK. Everyone can still experience the fun side of it, nothing comes off but shoes and socks – this is not risqué.”
“It’s really about the empowerment of it all,” Adams explains. “Knowing you have a little secret and can do something that other women don’t know how to do. It’s about trying something new and exciting.”
She acknowledges there’s sometimes a misconception that she’s in the adult entertainment business. In the past she’s shyed away from telling certain people in her community, going as far as removing her car magnet signs before pulling in for Sunday service.
“Their brain triggers them to the dark side. Some people don’t know how to react, but I’ve gotten past that. I’m in the best shape of my life, and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished."
There may be signs that Charlotte is starting to warm up to this steamy idea. Adams is scheduled to host two informational open houses at Peak Fitness locations at the Arboretum and South Park.
“They sent cards to gauge people’s interest and received an overwhelming response at the location in Winston Salem. I’m already scheduled to be there on March 3.”
Adams caters to Charlotte, and the surrounding areas of North and South Carolina, traveling to Greensboro, Columbia, Winston Salem and as far out as Raleigh.
Visit these sites to learn more:
Sheila Kelly’s S Factor
Pole Dance Charlotte
