Art of the Catwalk

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Last updated at 11:33 AM on 10th January 2012

Click here to Read more:

Meet the Pole Pumas - a group of middle aged women who say you are never too old to pole dance.

Wearing skimpy outfits more commonly seen on women half their age, the group of over-40s practise the sensual hobby.

The young-at-heart dancers perform sexy and acrobatic routines made popular by strippers using the pole as a prop.

Pole dance instructor Barbara Robinson, 49, says her class is popular with middle-aged women going through break-ups and divorces, who want to feel sexy again.

She said: 'Poling changed my life, it sounds so cliche, but it's true.

'Older women enjoy poling as they are more in touch with their sensuality, whereas younger women are self-conscious and worried about the strip club stigma of poling.'

The term Pole Pumas was coined by fellow pole instructor Becca Armijo, 41.

She said: 'I wanted a name that expressed our confidence and strength.

Everyone's talking about cougars - the older ladies dating younger men - but we're not quite at that cougar age so we're the pumas, the pole pumas.

'Pole dancing has made me feel strong enough to be a single mum, to go back to school and to run my own business.

'I feel I can rely on myself. I am strong.'

During the women-only classes in studios around Los Angeles, US, lights are dimmed, candles are lit and mirrors are covered by curtains.

This atmosphere, enthusiasts claim, helps them to feel less self-aware and more free to express themselves.

Classes start with a yoga-based warm up with the traditional moves made sexier.

The first pole trick learnt is known as 'the fireman' - a basic swing around the pole.

Dancer Nancy, 47, said: 'I like to tap into my sensuality and be sexy.

'I can express myself and not get bothered by guys. I do it for myself, not for men.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2084650/Pole-Pumas-Meet-40s-pole-dancing-troupe-Redondo-Beach.html#ixzz1jAYsbYRl