This Charlotte pole dancing studio embraces its sex work roots — and welcomes every body

Driving the news: PBA first opened in University City five years ago. It moved to Pecan Avenue in Plaza Midwood in February to become part of the artsy, inclusive community there, says Olivia Jordan, who co-owns PBA with business partner Tiffany Baker.

• The two also opened a second location in Winston-Salem about a year and a half ago.

A studio for every body

Context: Jordan and Baker, who are both LGBTQ+, met at another pole studio when Jordan first signed up for fitness classes. "I fell in love with it," she says.

• They launched Pole Body & Arts to create an inclusive space. "Shape doesn't matter, your gender doesn't matter, your age doesn't matter," Jordan says.
• "We dance, we have a good time, and you learn to appreciate your body no matter who you are."

The intrigue: The studio is straightforward about pole's history in sex work. Some instructors are former strippers, and they don't shy away from conversations about the origins of the art form.

"Pole dancing comes from strippers. It comes from sex work," Jordan says. "There's a lot of whitewashing and gentrification in pole, and we're passionate about reminding people where it comes from."

Between the lines: Students are encouraged to find their own self-expression, whether they're taking classes to feel sexy, strong, or both.

"People say, 'Oh, you do pole, but not that type of pole.' I'm like, Well, no, that's where it comes from." It's sexy if you want it to be. And if not, that's okay too."

What I learned from taking a class

I joined PBA's Intro to Pole class to see what it's like. Here's what I learned:

It's a full-body workout.

You don't need to be super strong to start, and you'll use more than just your upper body strength.

• Jordan says it took her eight weeks to get her feet off the ground when she started. "Every body is a pole body," she reminds students.

You'll feel your hard work the next day.

• Expect soreness and bruises. "We call them pole kisses," Jordan says.
• I can confirm: We all left with some.

It's a game of patience — and also a major confidence booster.

• In our class, we learned foundational spins like the roundabout, flamingo, and figure four, along with how to distribute your weight and use the pole when it's stationary vs spinning.

• By the end of class, I could already see my improvement. Watching yourself progress, even within an hour, is a major confidence boost.
• From Intro, you'll progress through five levels: Pole Essentials I, Pole Essentials II, Pole Essentials III, Intermediate and — eventually — Advanced.

Even if pole doesn't become your next hobby, it makes for a fun and unique outing with friends.

The studio also offers private parties — think birthdays or bachelorette events.

• You can bring wine and celebrate while you spin or hang out on the balcony.
• Private events are $35 per person (up to nine guests) for a one- or two-hour session.

Curious to try? Here's what else to know

It's recommended to start with an Intro class. From there, you can level up through Pole Essentials I–III, Intermediate and Advanced.

• Group classes are offered seven days a week. Outside of class times, members can access the studio's open gym from 6am to 10pm daily to practice on their own time.

If you go: Your first class is $25. An annual unlimited membership is $155/month and grants access to both locations.

• There are also class packs, available monthly or as bundles. Strippers can get a 10-class pack for $115 (usually $175).

Stop by: 1318 Pecan Ave, behind Fuel Pizza in Plaza Midwood.

• Find the stairs at the back of the building. PBA is on the second floor, next to Fitness Together.