IN POLE POSITION FOR FITNESS
When movement becomes art, this visual representation of emotions uproots the deepest sentiment no matter how hidden. Dancing has become key for many, and it has never stopped evolving ever since. Today, the world enjoys a graceful and seductive type of calisthenics in the form of pole dancing. For a time, pole dancing raised eyebrows as it solely and closely associated with adult entertainment, enjoyed behind closed doors exclusively by paying clientele. However, it has evolved into that which is now being appreciated by a much wider audience. Today, pole dancing has been recognized as a sport transcending its crooked perception. It allows the dancer to go deep into what can be felt not only by the body but by the soul, making him forget even being in front of an audience. To play its part in spreading the good news about pole dancing, Cebu City is now host to a studio equipped to educate people about this type of art, thanks to the initiative of four people who saw the need to upgrade the city’s knowledge in the aerial arts. “This was more on passion, because it would definitely be more profitable if I chose a different kind of business. Pole dancing has already been in Cebu for three years but I wanted to transfer to the center because the other studios were not found in the city. I also wanted to focus on aerial arts because no other studio has offered that yet,” said Phil Infantado, operations manager of Pole Sphinx studio.
Pole Sphinx Studio opened in September 2016; however, unlike other studios offering pole dancing lessons, this studio also offers lessons on other types of aerial arts like aerial silks and hoops.
Ever since it opened, more and more people have subscribed to the idea of pole dancing or aerial arts in general. However, no matter how seemingly difficult the moves are, the students are always able to slowly progress with the help of instructors who are all patient and willing to help.
“The community here is a nurturing community. When a student tries the stunts, there are no judgments. There are no separate groups. All, students and teachers, work together and encourage each other,” said Charmaine Jo Lumapas, the studio’s marketing manager.
Aside from being an art form, the lessons learned inside the walls of the studio serve as a productive expression of frustrations. Because behind all the gracefulness seen after all the work has been done, the process of learning will really allow one to uproot all the inhibitions kept inside.
“It definitely changes the way you look at yourself. It boosts your self-esteem. Every meeting, the students definitely become even more confident, which can be seen by the type of workout clothes they wear session by session,” said Charmaine.
Pole Sphinx is also host to award-winning teachers who actively participate in competitions. Phil was the champion in the Singapore Pole Challenge 2016 in the semi-professional category. Welchie Labasan, Pole Sphinx’s pole instructor, was first runner-up in the Asian aerial dance art competition in the professional division. Jane Llenes, studio director, is a hiphop international finalist.
Serving as a way to sweat and tone muscles aside from the repetitive gym routine, pole dancing, together with the other aerial arts, is a creative form of workout which allows one to have fun while finally achieving his New Year’s resolution of staying fit.
Pole Sphinx studio is located in the CJRS building, Cebu IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City, right above Hello Hans KTV.