Pole dancing instructor Danielle Poletto will show how it’s done at this ladies-only event on Feb 10 from 7-9p at the Gena Lisa Lingerie shop in Nyack.

“It’s all about teaching women how to feel comfortable with their bodies,” Poletto said. “Plus, it’s a terrific work-out and self-esteem builder and you get to have great fun while doing it!”

Pole dancing classes have become an exceedingly popular fitness practice, attracting both women and men (not as spectators, but as avid participants) because of their physical regimen, sensual moves and core building benefits. From private studios to major gym chains, pole dancing classes are hot.

Ms. Poletto, who is a sculptress and welder, has been teaching the art of “vertical exercise” for years. She became hooked when a friend took her to her first pole dancing class after a relationship ended badly.

“I was so down on myself,” Poletto said. “Learning pole dancing positively changed my outlook of who I am as a woman. I do it for me, and only me.”

Though many public classes are co-ed, Ms. Poletto’s are for women only and are usually conducted in the safety and privacy of the participants’ homes.

The class consists of floor work (think of it as sensual Pilates), chair work, and of course, exercises around her portable pole, all to music. Class sizes are kept purposely small and you must be at least 18 to participate.

“I am always excited to see the amazing transformations women go through when doing the exercises. The classes are a confidence booster and an opportunity to appreciate yourself,” Poletto said.

Gena Lisanti, owner of Gena Lisa Lingerie,  says she shares the same goal of helping women achieve self-acceptance and well-being around their bodies. “I thought it was a perfect fit to have Ms. Poletto bring her positive attitude and sumptuous steps to my shop, giving the ladies of Rockland a special, Valentine holiday treat,” she said.

Participants are encouraged to wear clothing that makes them feel liberated (even if it’s something below the surface that no one else can see) and heels with straps.  Or just come by to observe, ask questions and share in a fun ladies night out.

Visit Gena Lisa Lingerie at 17 North Broadway in Nyack or call (845) 358-4400 for more information.  For more information on Ms. Poletto’s private pole dancing classes, visit PinUpPoleGirls.com.

"Hey...I want to come too!"

by Rosemary Serluca-Foster

Though signs were posted at the May Street Fair, I apparently did not notice that pups (or any other animal, amphibian or reptile) were banned from our local street fairs.

Come on, really? I see people with their dogs all the time!

If you’re like me, every time you leave the house without your favorite, furry friend (and I don’t mean your spouse or partner), you feel a pang of guilt for not taking her with you. Ginger, our Buddha-natured Shih Tzu, follows me to the door, sits on her haunches and stares up with yearning eyes that resemble gargantuan, chocolate-malted milk balls, making my exit even more heart wrenching.

So, whenever there’s an opportunity to bring her somewhere, especially to an outdoor event, I get very excited, my disproportionate guilt assuaged for the moment. Such opportunities come right here in Nyack whenever there is a street fair. Or so I thought.

I have taken her a few times now and here’s how it goes: she doesn’t like to walk in crowds; people nearly always accidentally step on her; I inevitably end up carrying her because she tires out; my arms begin to ache and get sweaty from transporting her.

So, who’s having fun? Certainly not Ginger. And at the last fair, I was very graciously informed (and not given a ticket) that even though Ginger is adorable, and yes I was carrying her, I was still breaking the ordinance.

“Didn’t you read the signs?”

“Signs? What signs?”

“The ones posted all over place that say no animals allowed.”

I guess we see what we want to see, when and if we want to see it.

So now I know. And, guess what? I totally agree. Here’s what Chapter 17 Article III of the Nyack Village Code has to say on the matter of dogs and street fairs:

The Village Board, having reviewed the matter of the presence of dogs and other animals at street fairs and other authorized assemblies, has concluded that recent experiences wherein domestic animals have been brought by their owners to street fairs and other places of assembly which occasion high degrees of pedestrian density have involved a potential for accident or danger which is unacceptable.

So this Sunday, July 18th, as you head out the door to our fun and fab street fair, please leave your pets at home. In the end, they’ll be glad you did. I know Ginger will be. Better still, I will bring her back a special treat for having retained her Buddha-like tranquility while I was away. There will be quite a few vendors with lots of pet goodies to choose from:

* My Buddy ‘N Me on South Broadway, a pet shop specializing in organic food and holistic pet care and supplies, plus the new pet grooming station.
* Dognique featuring dog products and pet accessories will have a booth on Main St.
* Natural Herbal Supplement for Dog Tears to remove unsightly stains will have a booth on Main St.
* And if you want to help an animal in need, stop by the Hi-Tor Animal Care Center’s booth on Main St. and learn more about pet adoption.

Please spread the word to your out-of-town friends and family who may not be aware of the ordinance. We certainly don’t want folks coming to enjoy the fair and not be able to because they unknowingly brought their pets.