Five years ago, Brookfield resident Joni Lowe was sitting on her couch watching Oprah when she had a revelation.  "I have to teach pole dancing!" she thought as she watched the episode about the exciting dance form. 

She put down her knitting, picked up the phone and got in touch with a studio in Los Angeles that would teach her how.  With her husband's blessing and two small children at home, Lowe took off to fulfill her newfound passion to "empower women of all shapes and sizes to love their body."

Lowe attended her training at Sheila Kelley's "S Factor Studio" in Los Angeles, California, and taught in various studios in Connecticut before deciding to open her own studio, Positive Energy on Federal Road.

Originally from Garrison, New York, Lowe opened her studio in Brookfield three years ago.  The dance and fitness center offers  "women only" classes including Zumba, Belly Dance, Flirty Girl Booty Beat and Pole Dancing. Yes, Pole Dancing.

Lowe said people often ask her if she got her start as a stripper and quickly sets them straight.  "I respect what strippers do and it is an art, but what I teach here is different." Lowe said she strives to focus "on a woman's relationship with her body."

Lowe said it was a big decision to go ahead with following her dream, but is glad she did.  She has lost 25 pounds and has helped countless women to do the same and learn to love their bodies.  She is open with her nine and 11-year-old children about what she does and explained that "sexy is an adult word" and there is a difference between what she does and what a stripper does.  Her husband of course "loves it!"

The 90-minute class teaches a "fun and flirty" type of dance and she also sells the equipment for use in private homes. "You don't have to be a skinny twig to move yourself beautifully on poles," Lowe said.  The workout is a slow controlled movement and helps women to "invite the sexy out to play."  During the class the lights are dimmed and mirrors are covered "to create a safe environment," Lowe said.

Keeping that point in mind, Lowe is very conscious that her clients want privacy.  The entrance of the studio is tucked away around back on Tudor Lane. Women who attend classes range in age from early 20s to mid 50s.  Ladies of all shapes and sizes go to get fit and have fun.

What makes her studio unique to the dozens of gyms and clubs in Brookfield is that Lowe offers "a feminine, fit, fun environment that you can't get in a gym."  She doesn't want her clients to "walk in as a 'mommy,' 'wife,' or 'corporate executive,'" Lowe said, she just wants them to "walk in as a woman and have fun."

The studio does events throughout the year such as "Learn How to Be A Pin-up Girl," complete with fake eyelashes and feather boas.

Lowe said she is the only one in the state of Connecticut who is certified to teach a new class they just added called "IntenSati," a positive affirmation class dealing not only with the body but also the mind.  During the class the instructor will have the attendees say things like "I am strong now," or "Bring up your strength," to encourage them to continue on. 

"Inten" comes from the word "intention," and "Sati" means mindful awareness. Lowe researched IntenSati and began self-evaluating her intention for her own life.  She said her actions were not in line with her thoughts and had to take responsibility for her life by changing her way of eating.  She began "clean eating" and saw her habits start to change.  It is from her own success that she is able to help other women follow in her footsteps to make a change in their lives.

Lowe is a certified Primary Group Exercise Instructor by Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Lowe said she loves pole dancing because, "I love the flow of the movement and how incredible it feels, and I love the philosophy of it all; to truly feel good in my feminine body." 

The studio has six instructors and is looking to add more, as well as a nutritionist. For more information or a class schedule, check out their website.