This Friday, March 14, business partners and good friends Martina Thornhill and Shannon Gee (pictured above) celebrate the grand opening of their new pole dance studio, Ecdysiast. The grand opening shindig is happening 7 pm - 10 pm and will feature music by DJ Kenoy. Anyone who signs up for classes that night will receive a 20% discount.

Ecdysiast, which is a mouthful to say until you get the hang of it, is actually a word that came from ancient Rome and means erotic dancer. Thornhill and Gee have over eight years of combined pole dance experience, and have performed at many clubs around Portland, but their main gig has been at Union Jack’s.

Photos of the studio and an interview with Miss Thornhill and Miss Gee are after the jump.

What have been your main visions and inspirations in creating
Ecdysiast?

We strived to create a beautiful, ambient studio that is very Portland. We focus on teaching pole dance as an art form as well as a fun fitness activity. We really wanted to create a space that nurtures students' capabilities and enables them to achieve their goals; whether it is to unleash their inner stripper, get fit, or just dance.

So what are your philosophies on this holistic approach to pole dancing?

Like with any other discipline of art, pole dance is the medium, the dancer creates the artistic expression. We believe it is one thing to be able to perform a trick, and another to link them all together into a fluid and graceful dance. Our goal is for students to find this ability in themselves and express it in their own individual way.

What are your classes like? What can students expect?

We designed classes in a way that allows the student to learn progressively. Pole dance requires flexibility and endurance. Classes are built in a linear way so that students can learn step-by-step, building their strength along the way. Students can expect experienced instruction and fun with every lesson. They can also expect to increase their flexibility, build muscle tone and connect the mind and body. We're both certified personal trainers, as well as CPR and First Aid certified. We use this knowledge along with safety precautions like crash mats to ensure that our students learn in a safe environment.

What amenities does Ecdysiast offer that you can't find in other pole studios in Portland?

Our studio is a little over 1000 square feet. We have nine 16-foot spinning and stationary brass poles, large dressing room, and plenty of space to dance. In our classes, every student always has their own pole, and classes are a full two hours of true pole dance instruction. Our studio is centrally located in the buzzing Southeast Waterfront district, surrounded by art galleries, venues, and great restaurants. But the most important thing that sets us apart is our years of experience. Come learn from the best!

In addition to being a dance studio, you also have plans to have art
shows, and possibly live music in your venue. Can you tell me more
about these plans?

Every month we'll be featuring three new artists and the studio will be open to the public as a music/art venue on First Fridays. We see Ecdysiast becoming part of Portland's creative art scene. As the studio grows, we hope to include more artists and host more events.

Ecdysiast Grand Opening Event w/ DJ Kenoy, Friday, March 14, 326 SE Madison, 7-10 pm, FREE.