Pole(ing) Station

You know you’ve stumbled into a brave new world when your latest fitness kick includes the Cat Pull, Fireman Swing or Pole Crouch.

Until recently, pole dancing (also called vertical fitness or vertical dancing) was the exclusive domain of specialized clubs in Canada. These days, it’s boldly making a mainstream debut as a fun form of fitness in dedicated facilities such as PoleJunkies.

Centrally located on 17 Avenue SW, just west of Crowchild Trail, PoleJunkies is a simple, private (you can’t watch classes through the windows) studio dedicated to safely teaching the art of pole dancing. Classes are small (maximum eight students) and taught by studio founder, retired stage performer and mother of two teens Alena Downs.

Downs’ strength, skill and artistry are impressive, and we only witnessed a small sampling of her abilities. More importantly, Downs is up front and disarming to new (and often nervous) students unaccustomed to swinging, sliding and slinking around the pole.

We dropped in and suited up for a level one class (the final class of the term) and found students armed with newfound strength, grace and confidence as well as a short, sexy pole routine that could actually be performed if desired (or not). The moves we cautiously attempted were challenging (and fun) but doable, even for a novice.

With eleven levels of progressively challenging pole positions and routines, pole dancing is not likely to become easy or boring to even the fittest patrons. Registered classes last one hour, once per week for six weeks ($159). Spots are available in level one classes kicking off Friday, March 12.

PoleJunkies also offers private classes and pole parties in the studio or at a private location. 

Embrace your inner goddess (and core muscles) with a trip up, down and around the pole on your way to a fit body and confident attitude, just in time for summer.

Comments