???One of the newest and sexiest ways to get fit and tone your abs and upper body takes place on the pole.
???Chelsea Celotto, owner of Pole Play dance studio on Hertel Avenue in Buffalo, explains the newest craze and the idea behind opening her business. According to Celotto, a successful gymnast, Pole Play gives women of all ages an outlet to dance and express themselves while getting a great workout.
???Pole dancing is a total body workout, uniting stretching techniques, strength training and fat burning cardio vascular exercise, according to Celotto.
???"I find pole dancing is more core work than anything," Celotto said. "It's not just strength, it's balance, coordination, flexibility, grace and a bit of fearlessness."
???A variety of women are attracted to the idea of pole dancing to burn calories. The classes are appropriate for any fitness level, age, body shape or size. Those who attend not only learn pole dancing, but also cardio-hula hoop dancing, strip tease and lap dancing.
???Celotto sees her unique dance studio as a way for woman to stay in shape while also building confidence. However, she admits that there are stereotypes to overcome.
???"Most women are very excited to take the class," Celotto said. "Men don't get it because of the stereotype of the pole stripper. Some are worried that their girlfriends will want to become strippers by taking this class."
???Celotto's concern of stereotypes toward pole dancers may have some merit. Lindsay Janik, a sophomore math major, admits that while she has little interest, time or motivation to work out, pole dancing would not be her first choice of exercise.
???Janik said she has heard of pole dancing as a type of fitness from television, but her opinion on the topic is undecided.
???"I don't really know how I feel about it. I think it has a negative connotation, it has a stereotype to start off with," Janik said.
???Amanda Cannon, a freshman undecided major, agrees with Janik on some aspects. Cannon admits she is not a fitness buff, but has heard that pole dancing is a fairly good way to work out. When faced with a workout however, she would be more apt to try a different form of conditioning.
???"I just wouldn't be interested [in pole dancing]. I would rather do exercise with a more positive connotation," Cannon said.
Not everyone feels the same. Rebecca Norton, a senior psychology major, sees a positive impact of pole dancing. She sees no negative associations with pole dancing or the people enthralled by the craze, but simply feels she lacks the coordination.
???"I don't think I would be good at it, but I think it could help other people get in shape," Norton said.
Taylor Kruze, a graduate student in social work, is a strong advocate of pole dancing. Kruze has been working out at Pole Play for the past year.
"It's a fantastic workout that's empowering for women," Kruze said. "It's incomparable, and it's so good for your body. I think emotionally I'm a better person. I've gotten to know myself better."
In an effort to bring more exposure to expressive dancing, Celotto has formed a burlesque dance troupe, which Kruze is also a part of. The troupe performs at local events and charity fundraisers, gracing the likes of Shea's Performing Arts Center and the annual Artist and Models event.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
