Pole Dancing Business A Problem For Port Neches Residents

It's all the rage in Hollywood and now a local woman wants to bring pole dancing classes to Mid-County.  However, some residents in Port Neches are concerned about the premise of the business.

"We're ready, ready to go for it, try something new in Mid-County"

But Nikkie Moak's idea of 'new' is prompting a protest from dozens of Port Neches residents.  The business, called Stiletto's, is a workout center offering different ways to lose weight, including pole dancing. She says even though her business is about fitness, some people think it's something else because of the sign.

She said, "What they don't realize is, we're not strippers trying to cause a problem, we're here just to give something new to women of this community."

Moak says the average woman can 'lose' up to 350 calories per class while 'gaining' a slimmer figure and better self-esteem.  She also says the idea has taken off across the country, including Dallas and Houston and has even been discussed on TV.

She said, "Even Oprah had a show not too long ago about pole fitness, it is a major way to grow leg strength, arm strength and upper body plus confidence."

Port Neches Mayor Glenn Johnson tells KFDM city ordinances prevent the type of establishment people assume Stiletto's is. He says Moak is well within compliance and he agrees her business is 'not' what people think.

Moak says she just wants people to give her, and her business, a chance.

She said, "They should walk in the doors and see what I'm about, see what my studio's about and what we're trying to bring here before they judge us."

Stiletto's is holding an open house tomorrow for the public to come and check out the new business.  It's from noon to five p.m. at 1180 Port Neches Avenue.  For questions, call 543-6546.