Aerial arts, pole dancing comes to Peery’s Egyptian Theater
Elevé Pole and Fitness center will perform a recital at 8 p.m. on April 11 at Peery's Egyptian Theater in Ogden. Photo by CASEY GRIMLEY
Elevé Pole and Fitness center is aiming to take down the sexual stereotype of pole dancing and aerial silks with a recital performance at Peery’s Egyptian Theater in Ogden on April 11.
“It’s a powerful thing to watch, (and) not sexual in nature at all,” said Elevé owner Calah Oakley.
Oakley opened the center, located in Sunset, in November 2014 after she decided she wanted to help others realize their full potential with pole and aerial silks fitness.
“I’m hoping that people can look at it and not take the stigma and (think), ‘Oh that person is on a pole that’s gross,’ … but that this is art and it takes a lot of skill and artistry,” said Elevé instructor Caroline Dow, who did gymnastics when younger and discovered pole in college.
Jenna Brooks, 23, has been doing pole for a year and a half, and has been with Elevé since it opened. She explained that pole uses flexibility but also interprets dance and gymnastics on a metal bar.
“The stereotyping isn’t true,” Brooks, of South Ogden, said. “Any dance can be made to tell a story.”
The theme for the show, called “Elevated: An Aerial Arts Performance,” is inspiration, Oakley, 39 and of Pleasant View, said. Performers, who range in age and skill level, have chosen a dance theme or song that has inspired them. There will be aerial hoop, lyra silks and hammock performances, along with some pole and dancing.
“I’m baring my soul, baring the inspiration — everybody will feel what I feel,” Brooks said, who will be performing a pole solo. “I think it (pole) helps me strive to become a better self. It gives me more confidence in everyday life.”
Dow, 26 and of Clinton, said she is excited to showcase her skills to some of the newer Elevé students, so they can know that with practice they can get there too.
“There (are) a lot of our own students that are going to be in the showcase and that makes me so happy because it’s the first time for a lot of them performing on the silks or the hammock,” Dow said.
Oakley said there are over 30 performers, and that the show is family-friendly. Total Mayhem Entertainment is putting on the show, which starts at 8 p.m. and costs $15 to attend.
“It’s just something that’s really unique,” Oakley said. “It takes an incredible amount of strength and flexibility, (and) it’s inspiring and jaw-dropping to see them do these tricks.”
Contact reporter Sonja Carlson at 801-625-4229 or scarlson@standard.net. Follow her on Twitter @sonjacSE and like her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SonjaCarlsonSE. Photo by Casey Grimley.
PREVIEW
- WHAT: Elevated: An Aerial Arts Performance
- WHEN: 8 p.m. April 11
- WHERE: Peery’s Egyptian Theater, 2415 Washington Blvd, Ogden
- TICKETS: $15; SmithTix.com