If any woman wants to learn pole waxing, a.k.a. pole dancing, without stigma, she should kick off her shoes at Pole Waxers University located at 1647 Canton Road. No men are allowed at this licensed dance studio which opened three years ago.
“If you’re not comfortable with your own body or your weight, we can help you feel sexy,” said owner Robin Olson, a former professional dancer who worked in Atlanta for 10 years.
“Our classes sculpt the body, trim the waistline, tone the arms, and you can have fun with other women who enjoy the same things.” During the hour-long workouts, Olson said the minimum calories burned are 350. Students represent women from all walks of life.
This location, which is not a franchise, has two dance halls and offers space for private parties, including Girl’s Night Out each Saturday and bachelorette celebrations when guests can be painted with glow-in-the-dark stripes activated by black lights.
“No one is ever naked here; that’s not permitted, and we don’t condone it,” Olson said.
There are no thongs or see-through clothes either. There is a basket filled with dollar bills near the stage, though.
“We offer a 90 day Pole Dance Challenge where students who improve the most win a box of money that has been contributed during classes,” said Olson of her inventive marketing tool.
Olson said some students have lost an average of 37 pounds by coming to class three times a week.
The music is loud but not annoying. Strobe lights and mirrored globes fill the studio with stars. Students straddle, stretch, and bounce to these musical lyrics: “I can’t believe it, you’re so amazing…check it out!”
On exiting the building, some students said, “I’ve got to master that booty bounce! We feel good. I’m ready to run a mile,” and, “I feel uncoordinated, need to practice more, and must strengthen my calf muscles.”
Four additional instructors – Hillary, Heidi, Jazzy, and Domino - are regulars at the school, and some enjoy high ranks in the Pole Dance Federation.
“We do have some professional dancers who teach weightless, in the air, Stripper Pole Tricks 101 classes that feature combination spins and 10 levels of tricks.” A full curriculum is offered, and certificates are awarded. Classes are held six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday.
The Stripper Pole Tricks 101 class is $99. No more than six ladies to a class.
“Once I was done with my professional dancing, I got sick. I then started selling fabricated Hardcore Poles and started teaching,” Olson said. After losing 66 pounds herself, she said it is rewarding seeing woman struggling the way she did with weight control feel sexy again.
“It’s hard to teach ‘sexy’ to women who don’t feel sexy,” Olson said. “Pole dancing improves self confidence, especially when you can lose significant inches.”
Students must sign waivers saying they are at least 18 years old and able to exercise with a doctor’s permission.
And as far as being a stripper or dancing naked in public, Olson doesn’t recommend that profession for the faint of heart. “Yes, it’s quick money, and I understand one has to pay bills, the economy sucks, it’s fast cash, it helps you get caught up with your water bill and get other things paid; but I don’t believe exotic dancing for under 21 year olds should be allowed.
“You have to have a certain mentality and be thick skinned to be an exotic dancer and to put up with a lot of things that go beyond what everyday women have to put up with at a normal 9-to-5 job,” Olson said.
For more information on this business, go to http://northeastcobb.patch.com/listings/pole-waxers-university.
Photo Credits: demo, entrance, and mainstudio -
Others: Tomi Johnson
