Paul Zoeller/Journal Scene

News Editor Jenny Peterson takes instruction on proper technique from Elizabeth Pike.

Paul Zoeller/Journal Scene

Ashley Las Marias, an instructor, mother and former Marine, spins around the pole.

Paul Zoeller/Journal Scene

Candace Shaver laughs as she tries to hold her pose during an advanced pole dancing class at Goddess Dance Studios.

I didn’t wear the tall platform shoes. It was OK, because I was a beginner.

Many of the other ladies, on the other hand, wore very tall platform shoes, which made their dance moves look much sleeker. They were also having a lot of fun strutting in them; I think I’ll try them next time.

My beginning pole dancing class at Goddess Dance Studio in downtown Summerville started out with stretching on yoga mats laid out among the studio’s ten gold poles stretched from floor to ceiling.

Once we were warmed up, it was pole dance time. Instructor Elizabeth Pike led the class in the same style as a step or aerobics class, with a routine. Dancers learned different pole moves, one after another, and the moves formed a sequence. We then started repeating the moves back from the beginning.

By the end of the hour-long lesson, we had learned nine moves and walked a little “strut” around the pole in between each move. Each swing, spin and dip was reflected in full-length mirrors on three sides.

Pike, the owner of the Goddess Dance Studio’s Summerville location, taught the moves in a clear and simple way. She was very complimentary to the class and her enthusiasm for her work was genuine and comfortable. For this beginner in the beginner class, at least, it was easy to follow.

When everyone understood the moves, the music was turned up, lights were turned down and everyone let loose a little more.

After five minutes, it was nearly impossible to feel insecure. The dancers were having a good time, giggling at the dances, laughing at how much the moves hurt their arms — even helping each other with the harder moves.

For the last ten minutes, we could do whatever moves we wanted. We listened to pop music like Britney Spears and Katy Perry, which matched the dances quite nicely. Pike said there is a variety of music, depending on what the ladies request.

When the class was over, we did strength-training exercises like sit-ups and push-ups, and giggled some more.

Christine Neff and Jackie Boyd are friends who have been attending the class for seven weeks. Both are married, and they said their husbands like their new workout.

“It makes you more confident when you go out,” Neff said. “The women are amazing.”

Boyd said the pole dancing class motivates her more than going to the gym.

“Here it’s all, ‘you go girl,’” she said, laughing.

Pike worked at the Goddess location in Hanahan and bought the franchise in Summerville one year ago. It’s done well; Pike said about 100 ladies are signed up for classes, and there are only 13 more spots left.

She isn’t bothered by those who say that the class is for adult dancers, or for a certain type of woman. Most of the ladies are married and have kids. Pike has a toddler; Cole has four kids.

“My response (to those negative comments) is to chuckle,” Pike said. “I remind them that in the 1980s, cheerleaders were on the sidelines and got made fun of; (people) said it wasn’t athletic. Now they’re on ESPN.”

“We will have to fight hard for this passion,” Pike said.

Contact Jenny Peterson at 873-9424 ext. 216 or JPeterson@journalscene.com.

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