<p>Dance studios are seeing an increased interest in pole dancing and fitness classes. This is indicative of a growing preference for unconventional yet effective workout options.</p>.<p>Those in their teens to their mid-30s, are turning to the dance form, which is considered ‘sexual or sensual’, say studio owners. It improves upper body strength and boosts their confidence.</p>.<p>Tanya Ballal, founder-director of Ekisa Institute of Pole and Aerial Arts, offers classes across three levels at Dhurii, a dance studio in HAL 3rd stage.</p>.<p>“While beginners take 15- hour courses, the elementary and intermediate courses are around 25 to 30 hours long. Students progress according to their strength and flexibility,” she says. Each of her classes includes “an off-pole warmup, on-pole warmup, spin of the day, choreography, and cool down”. </p>.Mango mania kicks in.<p>In 2022, she started with 10 students. In the last six months, 350 students have enrolled. “In the last 3 years, social media and word of mouth has brought much attention to the form. I do pole dance showcases often which helps spread awareness about the classes,” she explains. From receiving 30 to 40 calls in 2022, Tanya receives around 80 to 90 calls per month now. Her classes are open for men and women. “Amidst the increasing interest, there are still students who have apprehensions and doubts about the form. Some are even apprehensive about wearing shorts (required for better skin grip on the pole) while practicing. As they practice with peers, they become more confident,” she says.</p>.<p>Koramangala-based boutique pole fitness studio, Mirrors Studio, opened in July 2023. Rebecca Zodingpuii, owner of the studio, says that Bengaluru has seen a higher interest in pole dancing than other Indian cities. Enquiries have increased five-fold at her studio, since inception.</p>.<p>“Learning and practicing pole dancing can be empowering,” she says. “People are always looking for new ways to get fit, which has also put the spotlight on the form,” Rebecca adds. </p>.<p><strong>Extending classes</strong></p>.<p>Chennai-based studio The Pole Camp has started holding classes in Indiranagar following a demand for workshops from Bengalureans.</p>.<p>Anusha Swamy, founder-director, teaches around 30 to 40 students every month. “Our students range from 8 to 50 years of age. Pole dancing is seen as a dance form that allows people to be free while making them fitter,” she adds. </p>.<p><strong>Male students</strong></p>.<p>There is no difference in training men and women, says Tanya. “However, most men have better upper body strength, which helps them pick up a few postures faster,” she adds. Tanya has taught 10 male students so far. </p>.<p>Rebecca has had four male students in the last 2 years. “There are separate classes for men and women. Comfort and safety are important,” she adds. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Anusha has restricted her classes to women and children to “create a safe space”.</p>
<p>Dance studios are seeing an increased interest in pole dancing and fitness classes. This is indicative of a growing preference for unconventional yet effective workout options.</p>.<p>Those in their teens to their mid-30s, are turning to the dance form, which is considered ‘sexual or sensual’, say studio owners. It improves upper body strength and boosts their confidence.</p>.<p>Tanya Ballal, founder-director of Ekisa Institute of Pole and Aerial Arts, offers classes across three levels at Dhurii, a dance studio in HAL 3rd stage.</p>.<p>“While beginners take 15- hour courses, the elementary and intermediate courses are around 25 to 30 hours long. Students progress according to their strength and flexibility,” she says. Each of her classes includes “an off-pole warmup, on-pole warmup, spin of the day, choreography, and cool down”. </p>.Mango mania kicks in.<p>In 2022, she started with 10 students. In the last six months, 350 students have enrolled. “In the last 3 years, social media and word of mouth has brought much attention to the form. I do pole dance showcases often which helps spread awareness about the classes,” she explains. From receiving 30 to 40 calls in 2022, Tanya receives around 80 to 90 calls per month now. Her classes are open for men and women. “Amidst the increasing interest, there are still students who have apprehensions and doubts about the form. Some are even apprehensive about wearing shorts (required for better skin grip on the pole) while practicing. As they practice with peers, they become more confident,” she says.</p>.<p>Koramangala-based boutique pole fitness studio, Mirrors Studio, opened in July 2023. Rebecca Zodingpuii, owner of the studio, says that Bengaluru has seen a higher interest in pole dancing than other Indian cities. Enquiries have increased five-fold at her studio, since inception.</p>.<p>“Learning and practicing pole dancing can be empowering,” she says. “People are always looking for new ways to get fit, which has also put the spotlight on the form,” Rebecca adds. </p>.<p><strong>Extending classes</strong></p>.<p>Chennai-based studio The Pole Camp has started holding classes in Indiranagar following a demand for workshops from Bengalureans.</p>.<p>Anusha Swamy, founder-director, teaches around 30 to 40 students every month. “Our students range from 8 to 50 years of age. Pole dancing is seen as a dance form that allows people to be free while making them fitter,” she adds. </p>.<p><strong>Male students</strong></p>.<p>There is no difference in training men and women, says Tanya. “However, most men have better upper body strength, which helps them pick up a few postures faster,” she adds. Tanya has taught 10 male students so far. </p>.<p>Rebecca has had four male students in the last 2 years. “There are separate classes for men and women. Comfort and safety are important,” she adds. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Anusha has restricted her classes to women and children to “create a safe space”.</p>