Jenny Seay

I'm not likely to be mistaken for a sex goddess. My face is full, with wide eyes and chubby cheeks that flush at the first sign of embarrassment. My wardrobe is modest, mostly loose-fitting jeans and blouses that conceal any flesh or curves. And my manner is hardly direct--more often than not I avoid prolonged eye contact and babble my way through conversations.

For the most part, I've accepted the fact that this is who I am. But sometimes I long for a different persona. I fantasize about shedding my inhibitions, shattering my shell and coaxing out the aggressive, confident creature within. I dream of fulfilling my erotic potential.

This desire has led me to accept an invitation to visit A Body Within Pilates Studio, where instructor Margarette Raymond is offering the first session of a class called The S Factor. I'm not sure what to expect, so I do some research and learn that the class was originated by actress Sheila Kelley, involves a combination of yoga, striptease and pole-dancing, and is highly touted by celebrities such as Teri Hatcher and Lisa Rinna.

We begin our session on the hardwood floor. I lie on my back, cushioned by a rubber mat, and allow my eyes to adjust to the light of flickering candles. In the center of the room are three evenly spaced stripper poles, and I focus on the center one as the opening strains of Ben Folds' "Brick" fills the space.

Margarette begins talking softly, guiding us through the initial movements.

"Relax, and let your hands explore your body."

I take long, deep breaths, raise my legs to a bent-knee position, and place my hands on my thighs. I've never touched myself in the presence of others, let alone perfect strangers, but none of us can really see each other in the dark, and the three other participants are too focused on their own bodies to notice what I do with mine. I start off caressing my lower thighs, fingertips kneading the firm muscle before drifting slowly up to my hips. I squeeze the mounds of flesh, then work my way across my abdomen, moving hesitantly up my torso and pausing at my breasts. I close my eyes, and imagine that someone else is stroking the contours of soft flesh. Next thing I know my hands are moving involuntarily, and I draw air as my fingers massage the back of my neck, walk along the tops of my ears and then come to rest at the top of my head.

"Let your fingers run through your hair. Give yourself over to the moment." Margarette urges.

I almost forget that I am wearing a baggy light-gray t-shirt and dark-blue yoga pants, and envision my writhing form as arousing, hypnotic and absolutely gorgeous.

Once the stretching has ended, we catch our breath, have some water, and get ready to launch into the pole exercises. Margarette has us do an S-Walk around the room first, and it takes a moment to adjust to the languid movements. I glide along toe-to-heel, letting my right hip lead, and find that I flow naturally once I stop thinking about it.

Eventually I reach a pole, where I station myself while Margarette effortlessly demonstrates a basic trick. One by one, the other women imitate her, and then it's my turn. I grip the cold steel with both hands, and hook my right leg around it. I start to swing, picking up momentum before I can lift my left foot, and ungracefully crash to the floor. I'm a bit frustrated, but determined to try again, only this time I end up barking my left shin on the pole.

"You're so cute," Margarette laughs. She patiently arranges my limbs in the correct position and I find myself whirling around the pole. My success is met by the sound of applause from my classmates. Empowered, I attempt a few other pole tricks and then Margarette walks us through a dance routine that allows me to momentarily transform into a slithering, sexual being.

I leave the class with aching muscles and bruised legs, but also a greater awareness of my own body. I'm far from feeling like a sex goddess, but I'm confident the seductive movements I've learned will become second nature if I keep practicing.

(2006-08-22)

Also by Jenny Seay

Chipper Clippers
You wouldn't expect to find free grooming opportunities at the Lakeview Music Festival. But sure enough, the Wahl Clipper Corporation is on hand with their Trimming Trailer. The large setup includes two stylists, a couple barber chairs, cans of Clippercide and wide, handheld mirrors
(2006-07-25)

Nice Day for a Dog Wedding
It's not common for an engaged couple to open their wedding ceremony and reception to the general public. But Cody and Lucy are a generous sort, welcoming guests of all shapes and sizes to their Saturday afternoon nuptials. That's because they don't know any better--they're dogs
(2006-06-27)

The Story of Story Week
So what exactly is Story Week? In a nutshell, it's one of Chicago's more visible literary extravaganzas, assembling a culturally and ideologically diverse group of authors, editors and other literati for several days' worth of festivities
(2006-03-07)

Survivor: The Divorce
It's a bit surprising to witness a reality-show casting-call with such a low turnout
(2005-11-29)

And God said porn
(2005-10-18)

Lords of the Ring
(2005-10-11)

Silver Hairs and Super Villians
(2005-09-13)

Stalking Jerome
(2005-07-26)

Personal paparazzi
(2005-02-22)

Just do it
(2004-09-14)

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