Blokes muscle in on pole dancing

by Jasmin Rule

April 10, 2008

NORMALLY the exclusive exercise realm of lithe females, pole dancing could also sculpt the abs, pecs and glutes of burly blokes, says an inner-Perth dance instructor.

 “We don’t get a lot of men that inquire,” said Gloria Rodda of Collars and Cuffs pole dancing emporium in Wellington Street, Perth. “But we are one of the only ones that don’t have a problem with it.

“For either sex, it’s great exercise.  You can burn more calories than going to the gym.”

Three heterosexual males had previously participated in Collars and Cuffs classes, and apparently the females there enjoyed the spectacle.

“The females don’t care,” Ms Rodda said. “They think it’s fun.

“Females even try to help teach the males.”

However, this was not the case for all women attending pole dancing classes, regular exerciser Chloe Ricupero cautioned.

“It is really fun, but I’m not sure I would feel comfortable with men there,” she said. “You wouldn’t get into it as much and it wouldn’t be as much fun.”

Kimberley Foster from She Moves dance studio in Lord Street, Perth agreed.

 “We have never offered classes for men,” she said.

Ms Foster added She Moves has had men inquire, but does not accept blokes because classes are designed to build confidence for women.

“Classes build women’s strength, flexibility and confidence,” she added.

Ms Foster said She Moves offered a “non intimidating environment for females [where] they don’t have to worry about men perving on them.