Unleash your inner burlesque dancer with pole dancing, the hottest new craze

For women looking to get fit, pole dancing is fast becoming a popular way to burn calories while having fun unleashing their inner burlesque dancer. It's all the rage and now it has come to a dance studio in Clayton Park.

"Different women come for different reasons," said Trena Graham, owner of Trena's Studio of Dance. "It's a great way to change up your work out and have fun. Women tune into their sensuality (and) build up a rapport with classmates over time."

Pole dance takes muscular endurance and co-ordination. It works the core muscles in the back, the leg muscles and arms. Dancers can get creative in their movement and may simply hold the pole or use it to perform more athletic moves, such as climbs and spins.

Graham, 26, began teaching the class last year after seeing it on the Oprah Winfrey Show. She travelled to Los Angeles for intensive instruction in central movement and pole dance with Sheila Kelley, who had been featured in that episode.

"I thought it would be something great to add to the studio for women," said Graham, who also teaches ballroom and Latin dance.

The class consists of a 45-minute stretching and toning session. Moves incorporating the wall and floor are taught and a maximum of nine people per class allows the instructor to focus one-on-one with dancers.

Graham's career began as a child in front of her mirror, dancing to Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson.

"I was an only child so I had to amuse myself," she laughed.

Now, she enjoys helping women gain confidence while having fun.

"Every woman has this sensual creature inside. (Pole dance) is not risque or raunchy. It's more sensual," said Graham. "When women leave here, they feel like they can do anything. It's so much fun and they look forward to doing classes every week."

Clayton Park resident Alexis Mahar looked at various forms of dance before deciding on pole dance."I'm really enjoying it a lot, and the fitness portion is great," said Mahar, who was at her seventh class.

Graham also offers stagette parties at the studio or people's homes.

For more information, contact Trena Graham at 445-6319 or check out the website at www.trenasstudioofdance.com

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