Exotic forms of dancing became popular in the United States because of carnivals and burlesque theaters meant to entertain men.

These exotic forms of dance included stripping and pole dancing – in the present day pole dancing has become more than a means for men but instead an exercise for women.

Rosemarie Dauz, junior art major, said pole dancing has become a new form of exercise that is emerging in gyms and studios everywhere.

One pole dancing studio in the Sacramento area is I Pole Dance Studio, located on Arena Boulevard.

Lisa Hellman, owner of I Pole, said the studio is a place where everyone can go to learn the art of pole dancing while improving their bodies.

“Pole dancing is definitely not limited to just strippers anymore,” Hellmann said. “This is a new workout that not only educates women on a seductive dance but builds strength and confidence.”

Stripping is not on the agenda for any of the instructors at I Pole, they are clearly focused on the art of pole dancing, Hellmann said.

“None of our instructors are or even have been strippers. I have experience in ballet while the others have backgrounds in gymnastics,” Hellmann said.

Dauz is one Sac State student who enjoyed the beginning pole dancing class at I Pole.

“It feels kind of awkward at first, knowing that you are doing something that a stripper would do,” Dauz said. “Then halfway into it, you just start having fun and do not even think about those preconceived notions.”

Hellmann admits dancing on a pole is definitely harder than it seems. She said the class is not just stripping – it is a real routine that takes time and skills to learn.

“This is a hardcore workout that actually challenges your whole body – your abs, core and thighs – you will definitely feel it the next day,” Hellmann said.

Dauz said she immediately felt the positive effects pole dancing had on her physique.”While you are dancing, you do not feel like you are working as hard as you are,” Dauz said. “The day after you take the class is the worst.”

Ruchi Vasudeva, senior communication studies major, took a pole dancing class and said she realized that pole dancing is more than stripping.

“You have to use all of your muscles – this means your upper- and lower-body strength,” Vasudeva said. “I definitely felt the effect the day after; my whole body was sore.”

Vasudeva said before taking the class, she felt somewhat uncomfortable in knowing that she was exercising to a routine that a stripper would perform.

“The instructor taught us a routine in a professional manner, so I did not feel as if I was doing anything inappropriate,” Vasudeva said. “The atmosphere was actually very comfortable.”

Having a comfortable place where women can feel at ease while improving their body is very important to I Pole, Hellmann said.

“Everything about the woman changes after they take classes here,” Hellmann said. “Their body changes, their confidence changes, their attitude changes – even the way they walk changes.”

Hellmann said before women come into the studio, they always have a preconceived notion that they have to be in perfect shape to take the class.

“Everyone thinks that the only girls who take the class are blondes who only weigh 100 pounds,” Hellmann said. “But in reality, we have girls of all shapes and sizes who are very successful at mastering the art of pole dancing.”

Hellmann said besides sizes, age is another factor that is overlooked. She said the ages range from the youngest clients in their teens to the oldest woman in her 70s.

“We have had women in their sixties who were going upside down on the pole and were very successful in doing so,” Hellmann said. “I even had a 71-year-old woman strutting her stuff in my studio and we loved it.”

Drop-in classes last one hour and cost $10. Call the studio for its complete schedule at (916) 419-6464.

“What I love about my job is that I am teaching something that is unique but is so rewarding at the same time,” Hellmann said. “Everyone can benefit from pole dancing.”

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