It’s official: “Hustlers” is now considered a girl power film and people can’t get enough of the cast’s pole dancing skills. In fact, lead star Jennifer Lopez trained with Cirque du Soleil veteran Johanna Sapakie for two months in preparation for the film. Even Cardi B, who used to be a stripper, was impressed with J.Lo’s skills.
The obsession with pole dancing doesn’t stop with “Hustlers.” When FKA Twigs released the music video for “Cellophane,” fans of the singer were in awe with how skilled she was on the pole. In a mini documentary titled “Practice,” she showed the year-long process of training and preparing for the music video.
For the longest time, people would associate pole dancing with strip clubs. But not only is it an art form, it’s also a full-body workout that increases strength in the upper body, core, and thighs, and improves flexibility. There are also talks about making pole dancing an Olympic sport, so you know it’s a serious activity.
If you’ve been looking to try pole dancing on your free time, hit up these places and channel your inner J.Lo.
Polecats Manila
Polecats is an aerial arts and pole fitness studio that’s been around for a decade now. There are beginners, intermediate, and mixed level classes where you’ll learn simple stunts, transitions, climbs, and more. Once you’re experienced enough, you can enroll in the Spinny Pole and Pole Dancing classes. Located at 22/F Strata 100, F. Ortigas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. For more information, visit their website.
Pole Dolls Dance Studio
This studio offers Pole Fit, Pole Spin, and Pole Exotic classes, all of which will teach you basic skills and dance moves. According to Pole Dolls’ Facebook page, each class incorporates hip-hop, modern, and other dance genres to make the experience more fun. Located at 2/F FMF Business Center, 126 Pioneer Center, Mandaluyong City. For more information, visit their website.
Elite Aerial Arts
Elite caters to people of all genders, age, and fitness backgrounds for their pole dancing classes. You can choose to have a private or join a group class, and even rent the studio for workshops or bridal showers. If you want to start learning, Pole Fitness & Dance has a pre-registration rate of P450 and walk-in rate of P500. Located at 143 Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City. For more information, visit their website.
Movement Dance Studio
Movement has pole dance classes for kids, teens, and adults. (Remember that this is meant to be a fitness activity, so it’s perfectly fine for young ones to try this.) The studio also holds student recitals, and those who want to join should look out for rehearsal schedules on their Facebook page. Aside from pole dancing, Movement also offers aerial silk, aerial hoops, and various dance classes. Located at Unit 2008, 20/F AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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