Exotic Dancers Kick Up Their Heels in Salem, Oregon (VIDEO)

The class is presented by Dancing Orchids.

Exotic dance lessons at the Salem Fitness Center Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - Salem women are learning the art of exotic dance. The same moves seen in strip clubs, this style of exotic dance keeps clothes on, and is part of a growing movement across the nation.

Instructor Brandi Siefarth of Dancing Orchids in Salem, says the allure of being on stage is one part of it; exotic dancing also restores confidence in women.

You can check out Brandi's Website at: www.dancingorchids.net `I love watching women come in really cautious and not knowing what to expect." She says the contrast between what is anticipated, and what the class is actually about, is big. `We do some exercises, and by the end of the class they`re having a good time."

But who could blame a woman for being hesitant? Student Mattie Brandt says the initial reaction in this somewhat conservative city is noteworthy, `In Salem people are like ?exotic dancing, oh my God,` just the word exotic and people are like ?oh!`"

But she says she is sold now. In fact, Mattie says the word is really getting out in Salem, as women learn about this increasingly popular way to enhance their personal sensuality and self-esteem.

The 1960`s was a time of a sexual revolution in the west, and many believe the rise and popularity of exotic dancing is a sign of a renaissance, a resurgence of the popularity of sexuality in society.

Another exotic dance student, Jennifer, says she has felt very welcomed by the other students and Brandi. Instead of competing with each other, she says these women are working to improve their personal best. `You get to go and have fun with a whole bunch of other women of all different age groups."

And while exotic dancing is about being sexy, the new trend tends to center around a simple concept; these women want to be attractive to their husbands and significant others.

Though she isn`t married yet, a student named Jamie says the classes are fun and great preparation for the day she is married, `I`m a single mom of two so it is something different to just spice things up a little bit."

Two of the students, Carolyn and Nyla, are mother and daughter. They bother seemed to be learning the moves and greatly enjoying themselves, further underlining the camaraderie concept in all of it. Nyla is especially hip on it, as she nears her wedding date. `One of the comments I gave her was ?Holy Guacamole` because this is wild!"

Dancing Orchids classes are held at the Salem Fitness Center. `People will call me and say ?is this a workout?` and at this point now with the experience under my belt I just giggle. Because people come into the two-hour class with lots of enthusiasm, really excited, and by the end of the second hour they are dragging." She says it is a great workout and another productive way to stay in shape.

The Salem Fitness Center`s owner George Nelson says he is a man of strong Christian values. At first he says he wasn`t going to allow the classes but he changed his mind after learning more.

`I trusted Brandi, that`s essentially what happened. We went from there and she is really a class act."

That trust allowed Brandi and Dancing Orchids to relocate the business from Portland to Salem, and the capitol city has embraced exotic dancing in a way the Rose City never did.

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