So you want to take pole dance classes at WorldDance Fitness? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions. And these give you our spin on pole dancing....

Our studio traditionally hosts one live music Belly Dance Party per quarter, open to all dancers, both student and professional. September 07 we invited Al Azifoon of Martinez, featuring the angelic voice of Yosifah Rose and the classical Egyptian music by her husband Nathan Craver, veteran musician Paul Ohanasian, and percussionist Zaid Ali.

I took my first spin around a pole in 2006 and couldn’t wait to do it again—and again. I soon discovered that, contrary to popular opinion, pole dancing wasn't just for "dancers" in the Badda Bing and other strip clubs. It's an artistic workout that appealed to all my kinesthetic sensibilities. Graceful, gymnastic pole dancing takes strength, the ability to analyze motion and relax into centrifugal force. But unless you know what you’re doing, you can get hurt and you’re bound to earn a few bruises along the way.

Nathalie Tedrich, of Troupe Dhyanis, auditioned for the Bellydance Superstars when they came through Northern California in March 2007 – and is NOW in Monte Carlo training with the company and learning the Desert Rose choreography. 19-year-old Nathalie studied ballet and jazz dance throughout her youth then began belly dance with Annie ---- in Glen Ellen, CA. She tried out at the 2006 audition but was not called back. During the interim year she took several classes per week at our studio with both Terry Del Giorno and Dhyanis, and performed at the 2007 Rakkasah Festival with the troupe.