In a room dimly lit by red lights, several women spin, slide and dance around poles. Over the music, their laughter can be heard. They are not exotic dancers, just friends taking a pole dancing class in the back of local adult store Passionate Kisses.
Pole dancing is a great upper body workout that appeals to women of all ages and is fun, said Ann Sowers, owner of Passionate Kisses. Sowers decided to offer the class after she saw it on workout videos and television shows like Oprah.
The class teaches the basics of pole dancing, which include spins around the pole, balance and strength moves, said Sandra Flipse, the instructor of the class.
Flipse, who works as an exotic dancer in Parkersburg, learned how to pole dance from her coworkers. She later started teaching classes on the side.
Sowers said that the class attendance has been fairly strong. Most weeks, the Monday time slots are filled and sometimes the Tuesday ones as well, she said.
One reason why pole dancing classes are popular is because of the mainstreaming of adult entertainment in popular culture, said Kimberly Little, a visiting women's studies professor. Little cited Carmen Electra's strip aerobics videos and Britany Spears' dance moves on tour as examples.
Also, adding to its acceptance has been the change in feminist thought. A component of the new wave of feminism is choice. If a woman chooses to present herself in a sexual way, it's considered okay, Little said.
However, Little sees a downfall of this sexual revolution. As an exercise class, activities like pole dancing don't cause harm, but the acceptance of this adult culture is not necessarily a sign of women's liberation, Little added.
(Many women) tread a fine line between exploitation and empowerment because they are still fitting the stereotypical role that their bodies are more important than their minds, she said.
Flipse
on the other hand said she finds exotic dancing empowering.
If you are uncomfortable with your body then I could see how it might (feel demeaning). I enjoy it though. I love my body, she said.
Pole dancing classes are offered from 6 to 7 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday at Passionate Kisses 21 Kern St. and need to be signed up for in advance. Classes are limited to five people and cost $15 per person.
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23271,2008-02-19 00:00:00,Ordinance would regulate policies for new adult stores,",City codes might restrict the operations of sexually-oriented businesses in Athens if City Council passes an ordinance introduced at last night's meeting.
The proposed ordinance and the zoning resolution recommended to the Athens Planning Commission last week would work together to regulate sexually-oriented businesses that might open in Athens
said Councilwoman Debbie Phillips D-4th Ward.
These are some tools in our tool box to balance the different rights of people in our community in an attempt to reduce any potential negative impact, Phillips said.
These proposed code changes would not affect the strip club that might open on Stimson Avenue because Chris Stotts submitted an application prior to the ordinance's effective date
said Councilman Jim Sands
D-at large.
The ordinance would classify sexually-oriented businesses as adult arcades
adult bookstores or video stores
semi-nude model studios and adult theaters. These businesses are frequently used for unlawful sexual activities and raise concerns about sexually transmitted diseases
according to the ordinance.
If the ordinance is passed
future business employees and operators must keep the facility free of sexual activity
establish a management station with an unobstructed view of public areas
