We Tried a Pole Fitness Class At Selenite Studio

Have you ever been interested in pole fitness? Well, we here at The Curio Cabinet, took the leap (or should we say the spin) for you.

The Curio Cabinet team met with Nico Paradis, the owner and head instructor of Selenite Studio Pole Fitness and Amethyst Aerial Arts for an Introduction to Pole class at Selenite Studio’s North location. And with tiny shorts and sweaty palms, we learned how to do some basic pole moves. The studio is lit with soft pink and purple lighting, a whimsical mural, neon signs with inspirational quotes and six poles stationed in front of a wall of mirrors.

The class started with everyone on their yoga mat, each going around the room introducing themselves and answering a silly question for an easy icebreaker. After introductions, Paradis leads the class in warmup to ensure everyone is well stretched and less likely to injure themselves. Paradis then discusses the pole itself, making sure each pole is locked on static and explaining pole safety.

That’s right, you can choose from a completely static pole, one that spins and one that is a combination of the two with a locking mechanism to switch between the options. During introduction classes, the poles are locked on static for safety. It is only until you pass into a level one course that attendees are introduced to the spinning function.

After introducing everyone to the pole, Nico demonstrates pole walks, hand placement and faints. The class also covers the four moves that are required to pass the introduction course itself – pole pirouettes, chair spins, princess and dirty princess. Throughout the class, we practiced each move and at the end, with the lights dimmed and empowering music blaring, combined the moves for a choreographed number.

So why pole fitness? There is a large taboo surrounding pole fitness and pole dancing in general, with the perception of the sport viewed as purely sexual and for the performance of male viewing pleasure. Paradis wants to change that perception.

“I think my mission as [the] owner of Selenite and Amethyst, [is] movement is medicine,” said Paradis. “It’s not even about being sexy or being sensual at Selenite. I think it’s really powerful for people to see all the different things their bodies are capable of. And it’s one of the fastest ways to love your body.”

Nico’s journey began with a friend introducing her to Denver’s own Tease Studio in her early twenties. Paradis dove headfirst into the pole classes to help improve her self-esteem and escape from her daily life. After taking a break whilst growing her family, Paradis again started attending classes to help build back her strength. One night, Paradis had a dream of opening her very own pole studio and by August of 2021, the first Selenite Studio location was open in Littleton.

Two years later on May 1, 2023, Paradis opened Selenite Studio’s second location in Wheatridge. However, funding the two locations was no easy feat.

“I went back to stripping and danced all summer, which was the hardest summer of my whole life,” said Paradis. “I was getting no sleep. I was working all the time.”

With three young children, Paradis worked tirelessly to keep each location open and her efforts paid off. After successfully opening the two Selenite Studio locations, Paradis took another leap of faith, opening Amethyst Aerial Arts in January of this year, all with the help of her loving husband, Dakota.

The two Selenite Studio locations offer an extensive list of classes and activities including, five levels of Pole classes, Exotic Pole Choreography, Vinyasa Yoga, Flexibility classes and Hip Hop classes. Amethyst Aerial Arts mainly offers Lyra, Aerial Silks and children’s classes. Not only do Selenite Studio and Amethyst Aerial Arts boast a whole slew of classes for a wide range of access, but Paradis has also made it a mission to work closely with local nonprofit organizations.

“We do a lot of different social justice work in the community. One of our biggest partnerships is with The Blue Bench. We don’t talk about [it] very often, but I’m really proud of [the] partnership,” Paradis stated.

The Blue Bench is an organization that aims to eliminate sexual assault and help those impacted by it with advocacy, prevention and care. With the partnership of The Blue Bench, Selenite Studio and Amethyst Aerial Arts offer The Blue Bench clients free access to classes for life with an anonymous code through the organization. Selenite Studio also partners with Craig Hospital to offer adaptive classes for those with spinal injuries, mobility issues and more.

As well as working with nonprofits, Selenite Studio offers monthly scholarships for those in the LGBTQ+ community, continuing advocacy and supporting the local communities.

Nico’s biggest accomplishment and mission? For everyone who attends classes at Selenite Studio and Amethyst Aerial Arts to feel welcome and included.

“We believe dance is for every(body). I really just wanted to give people a safe space to go and feel good in their bodies.” said Paradis.

If you are interested in starting your pole journey, you can purchase a drop-in class for $22 or class pass packages ranging from $70 to $2500 here.

Selenite Studio Pole Fitness South is located at 9083 W. Peakview Dr. in Littleton, Amethyst Aerial Arts is located at 9083 W. Peakview Dr. Unit 4A in Littleton and Selenite Studio Pole Fitness North is located at 4980 Kipling St. Unit A-9 in Wheatridge.

All photography by Abby Schirmacher and Victoria Glidden.