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Pole Dancing?? When a client asked me about where she could take Poledancing classes - as she had heard it was brilliant for keeping in shape (400 calories an hour!) I was stumped! Then I had to find out for her … & toned up in the process myself!

Meet Alexe and Melissa of L.A.P headquarters - www.laphq.co.uk - who have kindly offered a £10 discount so you can test it for yourself!! ……… 

Q. So, first things first how did the business begin to take shape??

A. Alexe and I have been friends for over 10 years and have been dancing since we could walk (thanks to our mums and their mums and so on). Alexe tried Poledancing first and then got us both hooked. As you know Huia for some people Poledancing is totally addictive, as soon as you have your first spin that’s it. We then decided that we should launch our own business so that we could corrupt the whole world in the name of chrome … ha ha

No really, we wanted to de-sleaze Poledancing and introduce it to a new genre of people that could enjoy it for what it truly is, a bit of good health, harmless fun and not for what it has symbolised for years. We’ve been going for just over a year as L.A.P but have been previously teaching privately.

Q. I love the name: L.A.P (London Academy of Poledancing) who thought up the mischievous name and how long have you been in operation for?

A. Like most silly ideas it just came to me one day. It really sums up everything that we are and intend to be in a good humoured way. An Academy’s aim should be to bring people of all backgrounds and cultures together to create a safe learning environment where people can enjoy learning and improve their skills and confidence. The L.A.P.D was an added benefit; it’s great you get a new qualification to add to your CV – an L.A.P.D Poledancing diploma in just 6 weeks. Which of course you are a proud owner of Huia - have you added it to your CV yet? We were going to go for L.A.P.D all the way, but didn’t think that the Los Angeles Police Department would be too impressed?

Q. I see that you also do Hens parties, what are the main forms of teaching that your business takes?

A. Our Pole Parties are all at unique locations that we select for their amenities and character such as the Waldorf Hilton 5* Hotel, one of London’s oldest and finest hotels. We want our parties to be truly memorable the perfect package where you can just turn up and have a great time with minimum effort for the organiser. There are also several price options so that everyone can afford them. Anyone that’s organised a hen night or event knows how stressful it can be and how expensive. We handle everything from the lesson to towels, toiletries, hairdryers, VIP tables and complimentary drinks. We offer 5* venues from as little as £ 14 per person. We also appreciate that a lot of people don’t want to commit to a 6-week course straight away, so we offer free tasters across London so that people can get an idea of what Poledancing is all about before deciding if it is for them.

Q. Do you compete at all? Please tell us about the nature of Poledancing competitions...

A. We aren’t too concerned about competing. We do several different types of performances the latest was at Glastonbury music festival. We work closely with several circuses. We also do lots of exhibitions and private functions. We like our performances to be very individual, sometimes classic, sometime avant garde. Being individual is what we are most recognised for in the industry.

Q. Just how popular is Poledancing? Are there many other companies??

A. It’s getting very popular and yes, there are quite a few companies that offer lessons. It’s really about going with the teacher and the company that you have the best rapport with. If you feel comfortable and that you can trust your environment and teacher, that is when you will truly benefit and learn to your full potential. I love Yoga and I find a lot of the physical attributes of Yoga (& a few of the principles) can be applied to Poledancing. They are both quite solitary activities that require great inner strength and flexibility resulting in graceful, beautiful routines.

Q. What is the greatest thing about your job?

A. Being in an environment where everyone, including myself, is constantly learning, laughing and sharing the skills that we learn. I have a great girl on one of my courses who also happens to be a Doctor - she told me that she loves her lessons because it always cheers her up and lifts her day no matter how stressful it has been. We all need a bit of light and laughter in our lives.

Q. What are the main reasons that people enrole on your courses for?

A. Everyone needs something that they can call their own. Poledancing is a very bonding group activity but mainly it is a personal challenge bringing an individual a great sense of achievement and self-worth. I would say that the biggest affect Poledancing has on a person is the increase in their confidence and self-awareness.

Q. In your view, what are the main benefits from taking a spin around the pole?

A. It will change your life for the better. Keep you fit, healthy and young. It’s like having your own personal climbing frame to play on, forcing you to stay young at heart. Who wouldn’t love that? Q. Finally, it has to be asked, have you taught any men to Poledance? A. We sure have. Men make great Poledancers as generally they have good upper body strength.

Q. Therefore....are men able to enrole on your courses??

A. As our clientele are mostly women and they tend to prefer an all female environment. We normally offer men one-to-one sessions.

Q. What is your funniest pole dancing story??

A. Ooh, that’s a hard one maybe when Alexe’s friend bought a peek-a-boo spring loaded pole, of course these poles aren’t designed for swinging which she found out to her horror. On her first swing, she nearly flew out of the front room window!! No-one was hurt and everyone had a great laugh about it.

Walking around with ice bottles between your legs is always a favourite for pole burns when you are learning a new trick especially when your husband gets home early from work! We looked like right idiots!!

The list goes on! It can be frustrating when you can’t get a move right but we spend the majority of every lesson laughing. Poledancing is not like a body pump or spin class in the gym (which I do enjoy) but everyone is gritting their teeth with determination. You will still burn about 400 calories per hour, but in a unique way. They say that laughter is good for the soul. Well in our case, we must have very, very happy, happy souls.

Thanks Huia. It is always a pleasure and we would love to offer your readers a £10 discount of our courses www.laphq.co.uk . Melissa Gray - Director: London Academy of Poledancing LTD

Thanks Melissa and Alexe, I highly recommend giving it a whirl – loads of fun & fabulous Fitness too!! :-)