It's a lifestyle which has sparked much conversation over the years, but one Belfast pole instructor is changing the way people think of pole dancing.
Katrina Lennon, 36, has always had an interest and passion for fitness, being married to a fitness business coach, the mum-of-two says she has always enjoyed training with women.
But something was missing - and that void has now been filled with Wings, a pole studio in the heart of West Belfast.
"After the birth of my second child, I started training in my husband's gym," Katrina told Belfast Live.
"I had done pole class years ago as a bit of craic but it never really amounted to anything. I just thought to myself, I am actually going to do that. It slowly became my hobby, going every week and loving it. Just over two years ago I left to work with my husband and got my Personal Training Qualification and just found that I loved working with women and helping them feel good.
"There was something missing in that it just wasn't totally for me. Then I realised that it was through pole that I needed to help women. It was during lockdown and I was meant to go to London to do my Pole Instructor course and then lockdown happened. I wanted it as an add on, Wings was never going to be.
"Then come August I decided I wanted to open a studio. Me and my husband had been looking about for places, and when we came here we knew. The name comes from the way I feel about Pole. It has given me wings so to speak. When women become mums they think that's the only thing there is but for me it is important to have something for yourself.
"Pole dancing did originate from strip clubs but over the years it has changed so much. My studio is totally bright and it's about fitness and meeting new people and women coming together to enjoy themselves and a learn a new skill. It's not easy so it is a challenge for people."
Katrina says she wants women to come into Wings and leave feeling good about themselves.
Although it is a fitness challenge, which takes strength and commitment, her courses train those from the very beginning no matter what their fitness levels are.
"I want the women to feel like even if they cannot get one move, that they want to stay on at Wings," Katrina added.
"I want them to enjoy themselves, to have fun and stay on even if they can't pole dance. I had one girl come in who said she didn't like to look at herself in the mirror. With pole, because it is so visual it is important to look at yourself. Or girls would come in who say they hate their legs. After a while, the difference in people is amazing. They grow in confidence and I love to see that."
Wings was originally due to open at the beginning of the year, however with the coronavirus lockdown, things were put on hold.
But scores of women waited for months to join Katrina's class, something she says she'll be forever grateful for.
Katrina said: "Last night, when I had my first classes, they said the wait was worth it. It's been crazy to get them into the studio.
"I just want to thank people. All I do is thank people and it is mostly the girls who booked on and waited on me. This is my livelihood now. My husband helped me loads too because he is a business coach. The builder too, who help transform the room. I can't thank them enough.
"My next intake is the end of August so if anyone was interested they can message me on Instagram or Facebook and I'll get them on the waiting list."
