CHICAGO (STNG) - A soon-to-open Near West Side fitness parlor that specializes in the new exercise craze of pole-dancing can serve liquor after workouts, a City Council committee decided Wednesday, as the local alderman bemoaned the fact that no men are allowed.
Ald. Walter Burnett (27th) said he’s all for lifting a moratorium on new liquor licenses to allow Flirty Girl Fitness, 1325 W. Randolph, to serve booze during weekend bachelorette parties and quarterly bashes.
But, Burnett said, “Unfortunately, none of us can go there.” “Sounds like we need a field trip by the committee before we” vote, said Ald. Tom Tunney (44th).
Referring to the fact that Tunney is Chicago’s first openly gay alderman, Burnett said, “They will not let any men in — of any persuasion.”
Kerry Knee, owner of Flirty Girl Fitness, said there’s good reason for the women-only edict at a place tailor-made for the “Desperate Housewives” market.
Women feel “very insecure” learning how to do a “sexy pole dance” or a dance-on-the-bar “Coyote Ugly routine” when they know men are watching. “It kills the vibe,” said Knee, whose fitness parlor is scheduled to open June 20 and offer 30 different classes.
“A lot of men are dying to come in. I hear it all the time. [They say], ‘Can I be your towel boy?’ It creates a kind of mystique.”
The pole-dancing craze gained steam when it was featured recently on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” According to Knee, the allure is part atmosphere, part break-the-boredom. “It’s wildly entertaining. It’s the un-gym. It doesn’t look like a typical gym. It’s very bling, very high-end designer. Chandeliers everywhere. All the towels are pink,” Knee said.
“When you go in, everyone is laughing, clapping, cheering and having a great time. You don’t feel like you’ve worked out. But, you’re getting in fantastic shape.”
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