Strippers, with their toned and shapely figures, are capable of attracting hordes of ogling men, willing to empty their wallets just to see some pole-dancing magic.
What those gawkers don't know is that everyday women can use the pole as an exercising apparatus. Strangely enough, some of them have begun to do just that.
The pole dancing and cardio striptease craze sweeping the nation has finally arrived in Western New York. Along with it come questions of whether these racy routines have real physical benefits.
Pole Play, a fitness studio specializing in the new exercise form, has recently opened in Kenmore.
Chelsea Celotto, owner of Pole Play, is a Kenmore native and has been performing and coaching gymnastics for 25 years. She recently became interested in pole dancing and cardio striptease after seeing founder Sheila Kelley's appearance on "Oprah" and "The View."
Celotto decided to open Pole Play because she prefers working out when it is fun, a concept she was sure would be popular. Combining fitness and pleasure is Pole Play's bottom line, so to speak.
This cardiovascular regimen is already familiar to women in New York City, Los Angeles, London and Australia. It all started with S-Factor, a pole-dancing studio located in California.
"Sheila Kelley is the pioneer of cardio striptease and pole dancing," said Cheton Anderson, spokesperson at S-Factor in Los Angeles.
Kelley started experimenting with the routine in her home in 2000 after her role in "Dancing at the Blue Iguana" and dropping 50 pounds.
"Now she has two studios and another one opening soon in New York City. Famous celebrities such as Terri Hatcher of 'Desperate Housewives' and Debra Messing of 'Will & Grace' have taken Kelley's course and are strong advocates of the workout," Anderson said.
Chelsea Celotto is hoping this trend will also catch on here in Buffalo.
"Not only is it good for you on a healthy lifestyle level, but it also boosts confidence; whether you just want to feel good about yourself or want to make your boyfriend feel good by adding a little spice to your relationship," Celotto said.
"This is not a training center for strippers. However, we do offer an industry class just for exotic dancers who want to polish their skills or work out outside of the club," Celotto said. "I want women to know it's a workout and this is a fitness studio. I want real women to walk into the studio and know that they are not walking into a room full of Barbies."
For those with a case of stage fright, Pole Play has private lessons available as well as a party service for a girls' night out. Celotto has already hosted one party and the response was clearly positive.
"The party was very fun, it was a good workout and very helpful. Now I can dance for my boyfriend and I feel confident," said Kelly Abramski, one attendant of the party from Corfu, N.Y.
The main dance room at Pole Play consists of five poles that can accommodate up to 20 girls.
"Two or three girls are on one pole because after one song, you are sucking wind," Celotto said.
Supporting all one's body weight for an extended duration with just the arms or legs is the driving force behind the cardiovascular effects of the workout.
"It is a great upper-body workout as well as some lower-body, and it is all about the moves. Once you learn the moves, you put them together in combination and that is when the cardio workout starts. It is hard to make it from beginning to end with one song," Celotto said.
So for any ladies who want to get into shape and possibly impress boyfriends, Pole Play has something to offer. Not only can the routines stimulate confidence, but some also estimate that up to 400 calories are burned in a single two-hour session.
Pole Play's classes are priced reasonably when compared with similar studios. Introductory courses at Pole Play are $20, which is half the cost of those at "S-Factor." The introductory six-week session at Pole Play is $100, while the LA counterparts charge $440 for an eight-week period."
UB students are eligible for 10 percent off their first pole party or five dollars off their first six-week session with their ID cards. Pole Play is located at 1444
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
