Stephanie Babines of Oh My You’re Gorgeous

Every pole dancer meets up with people who don’t understand what it is we do, but few of us have had to fight for our rights as hard as Stephanie has. Read her story below – and admire the strength it took to persevere in getting her studio opened.

You went head to head with your town when they didn’t want you opening up a pole fitness studio. What happened?

I own and operate Pittsburgh-based Oh My You’re Gorgeous, a company specifically designed with women’s health, beauty, and fun in mind. I also lead classes with names like “Lap Dancing”, “Stiletto Strut”, and “Pole Teaser.” Nothing scandalous or X-rated here – just some naughtiness thrown in to give women self-esteem and a whole lot of fun while they exercise.

Well, a few months ago, I had to sue the local township just to keep my studio open. Shortly after filing for the final occupancy permit, I was advised by the code enforcement officer that my studio would not be allowed to operate at the new site.

The officer felt that the business colors of pink and black, specifically the company’s logo of a stiletto, and my website that features me exercising on a pole were too provocative and suggestive of adult entertainment rather than a fitness studio.

They wanted the business closed instantly. I was stopped from operating any classes at the studio, which I had legally leased, and was forced to borrow studio space at other dance facilities nearby.

After countless hearings with the township board without resolution, I turned to the local ACLU for help.

Before the hearings, I had already spent $10,000 in studio renovations and was losing business income every day that the studio could not operate, not to mention the 10,000 plus dollars I had spent with attorneys.

With the ACLU’s help, I took the township to federal court for lost business, attorneys’ fees, and for breaching my First Amendment rights to free speech.

I provided evidence that other pole dancing for fitness businesses exist all over the U.S., and, more relevantly, throughout the nearby Pittsburgh area.

Furthermore, I supplied numerous statements from customers ranging in age from 20 to 80 years old, all of whom testified that they worked with me for fitness and fun, not as a part of an adult establishment.

Many months later, after a long, drawn-out process, the township and I came to a settlement in the amount of $75,000. I was then granted my occupancy permit. Immediately, however, I was forced, as part of the settlement, to agree to a number of special rules in order to open my business. These stipulations that I was forced to agree to are specifically aimed at me and my business. Other businesses in the community do not have to abide by these rules.

So, although I have won my case, it was not without many extra rules, which I must abide by or take a significant monetary loss. The monies I was awarded did not cover the expenses and loss of business, not to mention the tax liability, I have incurred.

The win for me was that I was able to finally open my own studio, offer my classes, and be able to offer women the experience of a great work out while building self confidence and self esteem at my facilities.

How did you keep yourself together while dealing with all that?

Practicing having patience! I took a lot of deep breaths, prayed, and kept myself busy pushing through each day, one day at a time. I also had a tremendous amount of support from my family, friends, and clients.

You are now teaching classes – has the community started to accept them?

The community has always accepted the classes I offered. I had been offering the classes in the neighboring township for two years prior to trying to open this property. As of today, I am accepted in the community and have not had any problems where I am at.

What would you recommend to other pole dancers who encounter this problem?

Do NOT quit! Do NOT give up!

How did you first get into pole dancing?

I was overweight and looking for a challenging work out that would keep my interest. With one spin I was hooked!!

Favorite makeup tip:

Eyebrows frame your face – make sure they are well-groomed with a nice arch, and pencil them in. (Maybe even get them tattooed on.)

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

Platform heels EVERY DAY!

Favorite grip enhancer:

Dry Hands.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

Windshield Wiper.

Pole dance pet peeves:

Taking classes from people who have no experience and no certifications. In my area, girls tend to take classes without asking the instructor where they learned or what qualifies them to be able to teach pole dancing. A class at another studio may be $5 or $10 cheaper, but the issue is whether the instructors are experienced enough to really teach pole. Girls can become seriously injured if techniques are taught incorrectly.

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

Arnica and a great massage!

Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?

My mom and dad.

Who is your hero or role model?

My grandmother.

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

YES – you CAN do it!

Favorite pizza toppings:

Extra cheese and hot banana peppers.

Cupcakes or ice cream?

Ice cream.

What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?

Since I have a full-time day job, as well as run my studios and teach seven days a week, when I am not pole dancing I am snuggling with my kitties and my boyfriend, or sleeping.

If you want to study pole with Stephanie – or if you just want to write her an encouraging word for fighting for our dance style! – you can find her on Facebook and MySpace, or at her website, OhMyYoureGorgeous.com.

February 4, 2010 - Posted by PoleSkivvies 1 Comment
Filed under: Pole Dancing Instructors