I attended a Beginner Pole class at Zeal Aerial Fitness in Grand Rapids, a one-hour introductory session for both newcomers and people who have a couple of classes under their belt.

We are all familiar with the phrase dance like no one's watching. Well, this beautiful Cockatoo dances like everyone is watching her, and her routine on the pole is a sight to behold. She's ...

She then led us through a routine that incorporated everything I’d gotten a taste of in the other classes, and more: strutting and pirouetting around the pole, swinging our legs high in the air, ...

I’m at Pole Mission, a new studio opposite the Soho Theatre on Dean Street, where I’ve committed to a six-week beginner pole fitness class.