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.

About our style

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.

About our classes

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.

Curious, but nervous?

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. :>