Heart and pole (From Bournemouth Echo)

Heart and pole

7:00pm Tuesday 22nd July 2008 in

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I RECENTLY had a rather liberating experience at popular entertainment venue Centre Stage, in Westbourne, Bournemouth.

I went to a pole dancing class. And, suprisingly, I was quite good. I know this, because Abi, the instructor, said so.

"You shake that booty girlfriend!" she shouted, nodding encouragement from across the room.

"Oh yes!" I shouted back. "I do shake that booty."

Abi, a professionally-trained ballet dancer and instructor, started teaching a year and a half ago.

She explains that, despite its popular image, pole dancing is not at all seedy. It can be a very important part of your exercise regime and builds confidence. But, most of all, it's fun!

"Our classes are for women only, and we go through the stages at a slow and safe pace so that everyone benefits," said Abi.

"Not only do you shed the weight, but you tone every part of your body."

Initially clinging on for dear life, I learned to, "get the grip", "arch that back" and "hang tough."

And, although not naturally gifted with rhythm (my boyfriend normally ushers me off the dance floor in embarrassment) I felt like I really got the hang of pole dancing.

To start with, we warmed up, which involved shaking our legs around and touching our toes, and then rolling around the floor in the most peculiar fashion.

"Well this is fun," panted my friend.

When nobody else offered to go first, I volunteered. Feeling like a trouper, I clung to the pole with a fixed grin on my face.

After a few attempts, I finally swung around and then - oh dear! - bumped the pole with my nose.

Then I bumped my chin.

Soldiering on, I learned how to walk in time with the music, and slide to the floor with one leg arched high (but wobbling) in the air.

This was then finished with an elegant twirl, a little sidestep and wiggle of the bum.

Halfway through the lesson, my Nana rang to ask how I was coping.

"Did you wipe the pole before you got on?" she whispered.

"Yes Nana."

"That's all darling."

"Right. Thanks. Bye."

The instructor then went through the motions - ie how to look "sensual" on the pole. This involved waving the body, and having good posture.

We had to pace up and down the room in turns, all the while being told to straighten our backs, point our derrière and "busts out ladies!"

Ending the session, we took part in a "cooling down" period. Yet again we rolled around the floor, shook our fingers and toes, ending with a slow body stretch.

As it neared nine o'clock, I felt sad that my two hours of fun was coming to an end, but exchanged numbers with a few of the other girls in the class. We promised to ring each other if another pole opportunity came up.

Leaving the class, I put on my iPod, floated down the street and stopped at various lampposts to swing round and blow kisses to no one in particular.

I imagined dancing in a club, under the name Exotic Ed or something equally vulgar, then saw a mental picture of my Nana's face and thought better of it.

A few days later, I noticed the pain.

Every time I laughed, my stomach hurt and my arms felt stiff. My boyfriend noticed my belly looked a little flatter, but also asked why I was walking so strangely.

Feeling slightly deflated, I returned to my normal posture, but still kept the wiggle for every now and then.

And guess what? It's my birthday soon, and, spotting a receipt on the kitchen table, it looks like my boyfriend has brought me a pole!

Fact File:

• For more information or to book lessons, contact Polestars on 020 7274 4865 or visit polestars.net
• Taster sessions begin at £20 and private parties are £285. A course is six weeks long, lasts for two hours a week and costs £140