Where to Find Pole Dancing Classes in San Francisco

Did you know that pole dancing is not just the province of striptease in smoky "gentleman's clubs", but is now considered both a non-sexualized performing art and a serious aerobic and anaerobic exercise? I didn't, thanks Wikipedia. Anyway, San Francisco is loaded with all types of pole dancing classes for ladies interested in learning the art.

Sedusa Studios (South San Francisco) emphasizes the sensual and seductive aspects of the pole dance. Beginners classes are open to anyone, are held weekly throughout the year and cost $35 per session. You can also arrange a class with a group of friends for up to ten people at $350. Advanced classes can be taken after you've taken one beginners class, and are a little longer and more involved but cost $120 per class. They also apparently tart you up in high heels for extra challenge, and have a lingerie shop on-site. They also seem to have a serious problem with listing their physical address anywhere online so try calling 408-867-2224 to see if they'll actually tell you how to find them.

S Factor (2159 Filbert) takes the sexy even further by offering Lap Dance classes in addition to regular Pole Dancing. Two hour group pole sessions here are $55. You also can apparently sign up for a 8 week full class session at $450.

Are any of these places going to focus on the exercise and performance rather than the stripper aspect? Nah, I guess that's where the money is. Slinky Productions (1749 O'Farrell) is also along the "exotic" lines, with both Pole Dance and Lap Dance classes, and even tours of San Francisco's strip clubs to keep the gentlemen busy. Classes are taught by proprietor Catherine Rose at a rate of $235 per hour or $450 for two hours. A slightly more limited selection of classes is also available at their studio in Oakland. See the website at www.slinkyproductions.com for further details.

Pole La Teaze offers monthly introductory classes at $35, two-hour Level I classes at $120, private lessons at $100 per hour, and a group rate for up to twelve ladies for $315. Contact the instructor directly at polelateaze.com

Ah, finally! From Mind To Body (40 1st Street) focuses on pole classes with more of a fitness aspect. It seems they are just getting off the ground and only conduct beginner's classes at present, but you can get more details at www.frommindtobody.com

DanceGround Keriac (1805 Divisadero) is a more general purpose dance class, but among their roster of classes is a pole dance class that blends the "tease" aspect with the "aerobic" aspect. Give them a call at 415-931-8648 for further details.

Crunch Fitness (multiple locations) also now offers a pole dancing class among their repertoire of exotic exercise classes.

Keep in mind all classes here are for ladies only! I'm sure San Francisco has this sort of thing for guys, but I'm not up for the sort of Googling required to find it.