More Aerobic Than Erotic

When most people think of the art of pole dancing, they might usually envision exotic women performing in dimly-lit "Gentlemen's Clubs."

But there's a growing segment of the population who have taken the difficult physical disciplines of pole dancing and fashioned them into an altogether different beast: a way to get fit and have fun while doing it.

One place where women can learn about this alternative form of fitness is the Diva Fit Studio, on Broadway in Massapequa.

Diva Fit is owned by certified and accredited pole dance fitness instructor Ckeanna Millar, born and raised in Chicago, but a resident of Amityville since 1997.

Her teaching is based on guidelines set forth by the American College of Sports Medicine.

But despite the health benefits of her class, Millar still has to deal with pole dancing's negative image.

"A lot of women would ask me, 'Are you teaching strippers? Why would women want to learn how to pole dance?'" she said.

"My answer is that it's not to pole dance, per se, but it's using that as a vehicle for a workout. You're doing something fun, entertaining, and unique."

As an exercise regimen, pole dancing is surprisingly effective and covers a whole range of fitness needs. Millar rattled off the many benefits of pole dancing: "Core, for stability, and upper body strength. We also include a lot of legs. And during our regular classes we keep moving, so there's a cardio benefit as well. It's a great form of fitness," she  said.

Millar has even been approached by men eager to give pole dancing a ‘whirl.’ While the demand isn't currently at the level needs it to be at, she is considering starting up a co-ed class if more men show an interest.

So how did this all come about? Back in 1999, Millar had become interested in pole dancing after watching some rather impressive performances. Already a fan of burlesque and its showmanship, she found herself wanting to learn the craft herself, but school got in the way.

After getting her business degree, Millar met a woman  who hosted pole dancing home parties and she decided to pursue the art. "I picked up a pole, a couple of videos, and I taught myself."

However, mastery of pole dancing didn't come overnight. "I learned that this is not easy...it's really physical," she said.

"The illusion is that it's graceful and effortless. But it's actually the opposite. Making it look graceful and effortless is actually part of the workout."

But the difficulty set Millar down the path toward owning her own exercise studio."I would practice all day, every day," she said.

Her new skills prompted a friend to suggest that she try hosting some pole dancing parties of her own, but Millar soon longed for something different.

"I wanted more of a controlled atmosphere, that would be taken more seriously. No alcohol, no distractions, I just wanted the girls to pay attention and take this seriously as a workout."

Millar set up several poles in her home and started teaching, recruiting students via Craigslist. But she quickly needed more space.

 So Millar opened Diva Fit Studio in 2006.

The new studio had its ups and downs. The negative reputation of pole dancing caused Miller some controversy, not to mention a few minor headaches. "I get prank calls," she said laughing. "And sometimes people walking by will make little sarcastic comments."

But, overall, the studio has received a very positive reaction from the community, including the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce. "They've been very supportive," Millar said.

Business was slow at first, but has steadily improved over time.  She now teaches three classes a night.

"Diva Fit Studio is bringing awareness to the public that this is a legitimate form of fitness," Millar said. "We teach all fitness levels, all shapes, sizes. Here, you can train with your own body weight and be entertained by just feeling good about what you're doing while looking in the mirror and saying to yourself, hey, I can do this pretty little spin!"