Instructor April Shipp (front) leads Tikisha Williams and Lilla Dent (right) in a Chair Striptease lesson.
(Credit: Barry Brecheisen photo for Metromix)
Canadian sisters Kerry and Krista Knee, inspired by an "Oprah" episode on the sexy sport of pole dancing, opened their first Flirty Girl outpost in Toronto nearly two years ago; now they've set up U.S. headquarters in Chicago. The women-only gym is dedicated to unleashing the sexy beast inside you--while helping you getting fit.
But it's not just about sweatin' solo. The 7,500-square-foot center, decked out in trendy pink and chocolate hues, with scrolling vines and a signature butterfly motif throughout, will soon boast a liquor license to cater to private parties and girls' nights out galore.
I dropped in on a few classes and found women of all shapes, sizes, colors and ages getting fit with friends. Here's what I tried:
CHAIR STRIPTEASE
Ever since Jennifer Beals dumped water over her chair in "Flashdance," ordinary office furniture has been fodder for fantasies. But in the Flirty Girl studio, our pink seat just looked like an approachable piece of workout gear. Using a chair as a prop, our instructor, Naomi, a go-go dancer at local clubs, taught us sensual hip swivels, burlesque flutter kicks and flirtatious flicks of our manes, all the while encouraging us to "get into it." (Perhaps I got a little too into it--after repeating the dance sequence several times, I think I gave myself minor whiplash with an over-enthusiastic hair flip.) As with any exercise, if you want results, you have to make an effort--so when the teacher says suck it in, do it!
We recommend it for: Dita Von Teese wannabes
Not for: shy pin-ups who'd rather hide behind large feather fans
VIDEO VIXEN
Did you ever gather your grade school friends to practice dance routines? (Yeah, me too.) Well, this class is your chance to learn the moves of Christina Aguilera, J. Lo and the like from a pro. Our instructor, Ona, a former Luvabull, had a rockin' bod and an infectious personality. Class mission: Dance like Beyonce a la "Deja Vu"--or at least master a modified version of her movements, sans all of the costume changes. Ona taught us B's signature booty-bump and pump, complete with chest and pelvic thrusting. Adding some footwork and body pops, we put together a routine and worked up a healthy sweat in no time.
We recommend it for: babies with back, MTV enthusiasts, aspiring back-up dancers
Not for: ladies with two left feet
HULA-HOOP'LAH
The last time I used a hula hoop was at a block party in fifth grade. Now Flirty Girl's touting hula-hooping as a way to "whittle your waist"? We'll see. Hula-hoop expert Mercedes led the class, which had a friendly, free-to-be-me feeling. In fact, we were encouraged to clap and cheer whenever someone dropped a hoop because, as Mercedes told us, "That's the sound of learning." Class began with the basics, then we learned the limbo (lean back while hooping), booty bump (lean forward) and more. With the basics down pat, we hooped across the room, played follow the leader and more. Finally, we made a "tunnel" of hoops and were invited to share our energy or a positive word with the group, then duck through to achieve a warm, fuzzy feeling. I first thought "pizza?" ... but instead said "good friends."
We recommend it for: kids at heart, free and peaceful beings
Not for: well, no matter what, you'll have a laugh.
The day after my last class, my abs felt a tad tender. But was that the result of toning or continually smacking a heavy hoop around my waist? Ah, well, I'm feeling flirty and fit, whatever the case.
***TIPS FOR GETTING FIT AND FLIRTY***
Classes: In addition to the popular Pole Dancing, classes include sexy dance-based options such as Coyote Ugly, plus more traditional workouts like Hottie Body Boxing and Power Yoga. Find a complete schedule at chicago.flirtygirlfitness.com.
Facilities: Three modern, glass-walled workout studios; clean and cozy locker rooms with showers; and equipment, from punching bags and boxing gloves to mats and towels, looking pretty in pink. Coming soon--hopefully by September's grand-opening bash: a fenced-in private patio for sunning, manicure and pedicure services, an expanded class schedule and more.
Cost: $25 per drop-in class; buy a punch card to save a few bucks ($100 for 5 classes; $180 for 10 classes; $300 for 20 classes). Monthly membership costs $110, with a one-year commitment. There are also four-week session classes ($100) and weekend workshops ($50).
Eats and drinks: The Health Cafe deli counter serves smoothies ($4), wraps and grilled panini ($5), plus bottled water and other thirst quenchers. A liquor license is expected in September; a cash bar will be open during private parties and special events.
Party packages: Choose from the Basic ($50 per person, 12 people minimum) or Luxury options ($65 per person, 12 people minimum), which each include one hour of instruction (pole, lap dancing, striptease, belly dancing and more) and afterhours rental of the fitness center for your private birthday or bachelorette party. Liquor and catering options are available. Bonus: Parties held before Aug. 23 are 10-percent off.
At home: Love it so much? Purchase an in-home fitness kit, pole and instruction DVDs included, on the Flirty Girl web site for around $200 bucks.
[ Karen Budell is the metromix nightlife producer ]
Originally published July 16, 2007.
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