Express MiE Dance Fitness Studio

Pole~ah~Tease, From a Man’s Perspective…

expressmie — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:40:43 +0000

I got the nicest letter recently and can’t wait for you to read it. This is from the sweetheart of one of our Level 1 Pole~ah~Tease students. It’s only occasionally that we get to hear about the effects of our pole classes from the “boy’s perspective,” and this mister is a gem – he completely “gets” what we are doing here. He had contacted me for help with a surprise for his lady and we got chatting via e-mail. He gave me his enthusiastic permission to share, so read on:

Pole~ah~Tease, From a Man’s Perspective:

I think what you are doing over there at Express MiE is not teaching women how to act sexy or even how to be sexy. I think that what you’re really doing is showing them that they were already sexy to begin with and peeling back the illusion that sexy has something to do with what you look like.

Part One: My wife had her second class yesterday and she cannot stop talking about how much she LOVES your classes! She thanked me yesterday for “letting” her take them which made me chuckle a little. I don’t know why she thought she needed my permission to begin with. I think my wife looks great (especially for having 3 children in the last 4 years) and I would have never suggested she take them just because I think it could be taken wrong. I’d never want her to think that I was unhappy with her body or thought that she needed to improve herself in some way. I am glad that she thought of it though because she has a low self image and I’m always complimenting her and letting her know how beautiful I think she is but she doesn’t always take me seriously though because I’m her husband and I’m supposed to say nice things about her. So for her to get positive reinforcement from someone else and especially to hear it coming from other women is just awesome. She loves the teacher she has too and has said to me that she likes how they teach and work with her. She has never been the most coordinated or the most athletic (she is brilliantly intelligent though which is super sexy) and I was a little worried about how she would feel about doing technical dance work in front of other people. She just keeps telling me how great the teachers are and how patient and willing they are to work with her and how much that aspect of it helps her to be more confident and encourages her to try harder. That I think is really the key to these classes, the confidence. The sexy dancing part is nice and showing off a beautiful body through dance is great but secondary to learning to be confident in yourself the way you are. I’ve told her before that sexy should not be measured by how nice your body looks or by how well you use it. Sure a nice body can be a sexy thing but I think that confidence is by far THE sexiest trait that a woman can have.

I already told her that I don’t want to see any moves that she’s learned until she’d finished with her full 6 week course and that’s mainly because I know that the more classes that she’s taken the more confident she will be in herself when she decides to open up and show what she’s learned. Based on what she’s told me so far I am already confident that she will be a much better person having taken this class and although it may look on the outside like she’s taking a class to learn how to be more sexy for her husband what she’s really learning is how to better appreciate herself and how to be happy with who she is as a person. I think what you are doing over there at Express MiE is not teaching women how to act sexy or even how to be sexy. I think that what you’re really doing is showing them that they were already sexy to begin with and peeling back the illusion that sexy has something to do with what you look like.

Well I said all that to say thanks for the info and for the philosophy that you operate by. I think it’s great and I feel like you are innovators that are helping to re-educate people on what it really means to be sexy one woman at a time. I hope the word spreads and that more women are able to learn the truth and more importantly that men can learn it too.

My response: Awe, thank you SO much! Express MiE is truly a center for the development of self confidence in others. And, it warms my heart like nobody’s business to hear that you can feel the effects of what I have worked so hard to create. You absolutely “get” exactly how things work and have such a terrific perspective – she is super fortunate to have such an awesome partner. Beauty absolutely is from the inside out and confidence is a blessing like none other. And, I agree, I wish the experience for every woman! I went on my own journey to find confidence in my sensuality almost 10 years ago, and when I figured it out I just had to share.

You have no idea how the timing of this note has made me smile. Whenever I get to see that the passion and work I have (and the ladies who work for me do such a terrific job carrying out) helping other people it re-inspires me greatly. Thank you so much!! Do you mind if I share your note in my newsletter or on my website to help other women?

The most incredible part is that I’ve noticed a difference in my wife’s confidence and outlook after only two classes

Part Two: If you would like to use my note in part or in whole you have my permission to post on your website or in print form or however you see fit. I meant every word. You really have a good reason to be proud of what you are doing and you certainly have gained a customer for life. The most incredible part is that I’ve noticed a difference in my wife’s confidence and outlook after only two classes!!!! That’s what probably blows me away the most is that I can see the difference already and like you said it’s not about dance. I mean, I’m noticing this difference and I haven’t even seen my wife do a single dance move yet. She hasn’t discussed with me anything pertaining to the dance part of the class except to say that she would like a pole to practice on. Everything that she has said to me pertained to how the instructors made her feel about herself, how excited she was for the next class and how much she absolutely loved it. All in the span of two classes.

Thanks again Christie, I am so glad that she can get out there and enjoy herself and her excitement is contagious. It’s great to know that you were able to find your own inner beauty and confidence and that you were willing to share it with others. You are an awesome woman and please let me know if you need anything at all.

Thanks,

Mister Awesome* (not his real name, but rather fitting, don’t you think?) ;>

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How very cool, huh? I sure love Express MiE and appreciate all the awesome women who work here who are committed to helping others gain confidence through all the fun styles of dance we offer. Seriously, working out has never been so much fun or had so much heart. :) Thanks for letting me share!
Hugs,
Christie

Sensual Dance ~ so intriguing yet strangely intimidating!

expressmie — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 06:59:12 +0000

Written by Christie in May 2008 ~ yet still a current message…

So, word is spreading fast about our Pole~ah~Tease classes. And, they are just as fun and incredible as we had hoped! Each week a handful of women gather for each class to burn some major calories working out while simultaneously learning to move their body in super-sassy-and-sexy ways.

A little history for those of you new to Express MiE and to Pole~ah~Tease. This class was created to meet the need for the many people asking for lessons on how to bring out their sensual side with dance, specifically the current novelty fitness craze of pole dancing. We are lucky enough to have an obsessive dancer at the helm of our ship who has experienced and taught dozens of types of dance. So, creating a blend incorporating the most feminine pieces from many styles of dance was a fun and easy task. We are not the studio where you will learn to do crazy incredible pole-tricks, but rather the place where you can go to learn how to express your crazy incredible feminine beauty through dance… while still including dozens of fun pole tricks, of course… ;>

Many of the women who are so excited about coming to this class have actually been too intimidated to try it!

As the classes have been running we have noticed an interesting phenomenon. Many of the women who are so excited about coming to this class have actually been too intimidated to try it! This opened up a window of opportunity for us to share a little more about the nurturing beauty of this type of dance, and to acknowledge the sensitivity we women have around something as close to our heart as our femininity.

First, a quick description of a typical class. The evening classes are my favorite – we all settle into a sitting position on our mats in a softly lit room. Peaceful music plays in the background while we release the tensions of the week through guided kundalini yoga meditations. Kundalini yoga is a beautiful, constant reminder to remember the divinity and worth within each of us as individuals. After we relax our minds and bodies we start into a unique workout routine including many stretches, ab exercises, bootie exercises, arm exercises and leg/hip exercises. The amazing thing about the stretches and exercises is that they are simple and relaxing yet those same moves become the very foundation of our dance routines. Sneaky… huh?!? ;>

…the workout we do incorporates exactly what you need to develop the right muscles at the right pace to be successful

Once we finish the work-out portion of the class we all head over to take a spin around the pole. Admittedly, it takes a little strength to hang on for the ride. But, the workout we do incorporates exactly what you need to develop the right muscles at the right pace to be successful. Plus, we offer very technical instructions… sort of an a+b+c type of thing. We’ve taught ages 17-71 to do this! After everyone gets a chance to try the pole we do a little dancing. For the first 4-6 months no one is asked, or even really allowed, to do their own freestyle dancing. We teach you simple moves strung together in a routine so your body can start getting used to how to move and you don’t have to stress about how to create a dance on your own (no experience required – we are great with beginner dancers!). Over time we do teach you how to peel off different types of clothing (tshirt, pants, man’s shirt, boxers, etc), but you are always welcome to wear layers so the peel doesn’t reveal anything. And, I know you are wondering… there is never any sort of nudity in class!

The classes really end up being a relaxing workout and a very fun bonding experience between women. We all cheer each other along and share in the successes each woman has as she becomes more and more comfortable and confident. There is no doubt that is a very vulnerable and somehow taboo-feeling thing for women to put themselves out there to learn to move in feminine ways. But, we make sure to create the best possible environment for you to feel nurtured and safe. There is no judgment, and we all start with no experience!

We all cheer each other along and share in the successes each woman has as she becomes more and more comfortable and confident.

It never ceases to crack me up that when I mention that I teach dance people tend to respond with “Oh – I don’t do that because I don’t know how.” Hmmm… I suppose maybe I’m being a little to logical here but doesn’t it make sense that one would take the lessons to learn if they don’t know how? Otherwise it’s similar to telling a dentist that you can’t possibly have their teeth cleaned because they are not clean yet. You catching my drift here? We all find it threatening and vulnerable to let someone see us so deeply, yet once we take the brave step and make it through that awkward transitionary stage we only have giant rewards to reap.

I can’t even begin to tell you how much dance has changed my life. I had always been quite confident in business, social settings, etc, etc, yet I didn’t feel quite whole as a woman and was completely lacking in body confidence. I remember people even commenting on my shyness that seemed so out of line with who I was in every other area. Through dance I was able to connect to my own personal beauty and learn to express it through movement. Dance turned out to be the best therapy I’ve ever had!

So, what have you got to lose? Take the risk – set your inhibitions aside and just try it once. I promise you’ll be hooked!! And, I can honestly say I’m sure it will change your life. I would love nothing more than to be a part of helping you along in your path.

~ Christie

PS: I often get women in their 50′s and 60′s who tell me, after a course or two, that they are feeling confident and sexy for the first time in their lives. They comment on how happy they are for the women in their 20′s and 30′s who are learning the same thing at such an early age – they will get to have a completely different experience of life as a result of it. It’s never too late, but why wait? We look forward to seeing you in class. :>

Danielle Loves Express MiE

expressmie — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:36:14 +0000

Danielle sez:

The best thing about Express MiE? For the first time I really truly love m(i)e!

Why Danielle Loves MiE:

There are SO many awesome things that I can Say about Express MiE! The owner is absolutely down-to-earth. She makes every client feel like she is their best friend. The staff is clearly there to remind you that you are beautiful, fun, unique, and worthy. Life can get hectic and personally, I tend to ignore my own needs when life gets stressful, like many women. My weekly sessions at Express MiE remind me that if I don’t properly tend to my needs, I can’t help anyone else. They taught me to slow down, and to enjoy being in my own company a little every day. I am able to improve both my physical and mental health in a comfortable, light hearted environment. You never feel like you can’t keep up, and I’m doing things that I never believed I’d be able to do physically! I feel more empowered than ever before, and am completely addicted! The best thing about Express MiE? For the first time I really truly love m(i)e!

Janelle Loves Express MiE

expressmie — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:19:41 +0000

Janelle sez:

Express MiE celebrates women of all levels, ages, shapes, and sizes. I love coming to class and feeling completely comfortable
with exactly how I look and who I am.

Why Janelle Loves MiE:

From fitness to costumed performances, Express MiE celebrates women of all levels, ages, shapes, and sizes. I love coming to class and feeling completely comfortable with exactly how I look and who I am. In fact, I feel beautiful for just being MiE.

Janet Loves Express MiE

expressmie — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:13:41 +0000

Janet sez:

“I love Express MiE for giving me an excuse to own a dozen different tutus and a place to dance in them!

Why Janet Loves MiE:

“I love Express MiE for giving me things like ~confidence~ a strong body ~lots of new friends~ & ~an excuse to own a dozen different tutus and a place to dance in them!~ Thank you for being the most fun ever!

Jeanie Loves Express MiE

expressmie — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:05:32 +0000

Jeanie sez:

“Whether you have danced for years or never danced before: technique is NOT required- just a pasion for fun, music, laughter, and all things feminine!

Why Jeanie Loves MiE:

“Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.” ~ Martha Graham
These great words by Martha Graham sum up the spirit of Express MiE. Whether you have danced for years or never danced before: technique is NOT required- just a pasion for fun, music, laughter, and all things feminine!

Tina Loves Express MiE

expressmie — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:56:02 +0000

Tina sez:

“From the first time I stepped into the studio I felt an instant attachment; it was like coming home. Long story short, I absolutely LOVE Express MiE.

Why Tina Loves MiE:

Oh my goodness, I love Express MiE for so many reasons! The fabulous staff is so welcome and inviting all the time; they are always smiling. I adore the dance fitness classes with the often silly but sweat inducing dance moves. I love the sultry dance moves and charm in the burlesque and pole classes but mostly I love how the studio makes ME feel. The general feeling in the studio is one of positivity and inspiration. From the first time I stepped into the studio I felt an instant attachment; it was like coming home. The feeling was very strong and almost emotional; I had to keep coming! One year and four (smaller) pants sizes later, I cannot miss a week here. The spirit of the studio has allowed me to reconnect with myself and others, as well as given me a sense of being grounded that I have not felt in a long time. Long story short, I absolutely LOVE Express MiE, and hope our relationship never ends!

Rhiannon Loves Express MiE

expressmie — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:42:03 +0000

Rhiannon sez:

“I love, love, love Express MiE! The classes are designed to work for all women. I have never considered myself a dancer and I am able to keep up in class because of the fabulous instruction, and it feels great.

Why Rhiannon Loves MiE:

The teachers are the coolest ladies, the classes are so fun, and you become friends with all the other girls in your class by the time you are done. I feel so fortunate to have found this studio and plan on taking classes here as long as I can. My husband is very happy with the results of my hard work and is so happy to see all of the things that I have learned :)

Devorah Loves Express MiE

expressmie — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:33:56 +0000

Devorah sez:

“Pole~ah~Tease at Express MiE has helped me gain confidence, has taught me how to love myself for me – the real me… & for that I am truly grateful.

Why Devorah Loves MiE:

After each Pole-ah-Tease class I feel like the sensual woman that I always knew I could be. The students and teachers are so supportive and encouraging, Express MiE is one of my favorite places to be.

Nancy Loves Express MiE

expressmie — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:02:08 +0000

Nancy sez:

Express MiE is so much more then just a great place to workout. It is a place where they help you find your inner strength and beauty… and then they show you how to use it.

Nancy’s Message to Newbies:

You are going to love it. Everyone is so friendly. And the transformation that will happen to you is amazing. I wouldn’t trade my Express MiE experience for a million bucks.