Wow. We never thought we'd be saying this (we really, really didn't), but here it is: We have a completely new-found respect for strippers.
After having frequented several strip clubs in our day, we had never really thought about the athleticism involved in riding a pole. Our lack of observational prowess could be due to the fact that our blood was 80 proof and our eyes were covered by some stripper's nipples. But, we digress. Last night at the Kitty Kat Pole Dancing Studio, we got schooled.
The class was taught by Felix Cane, a champion pole dancer (we didn't know there were competitions either until yesterday), a limber, crazy-strong, Cirque de Soleil performer, who might also be a ninja. The way she climbs up and down poles without any seeming effort would make her a stealthy assassin. Instead she is a remarkable pole dancing teacher. She had the eclectic group of ladies laughing and sharing in the experience with her--and they all loved it.
The class we observed was a pretty advanced class, so these women were riding these poles like nobody's business, but the odd thing was that it didn't seem sexual--it seemed astonishingly acrobatic. These girls have mad skills. There were students holding their entire bodies up and away from the pole--by using only their hands. The fact is that strippers really do work hard for the money, and we will never ridicule them again. Unless we are too drunk to care. We promise.
We spoke to Felix briefly after the class and these are our favorite quotes:
On how she got into pole dancing: My mom took a class. I basically got into it to one up my mom.
On teaching during her breaks between shows like Cirque de Soleil: I love teaching, traveling, meeting new people. And I just love being with my girls.
