Chicago Pole Dance Studios Encourage Safety In Expression For LGBTQ+, Sex Worker Communities

Chicago Pole Dance Studios Encourage Safety In Expression For LGBTQ+, Sex Worker Communities

BUCKTOWN — When Aileen Bidwill took an intro to pole dancing class more than 12 years ago, her instructor’s movement captivated her. “I saw this powerful woman who looked so joyous and so free in her body,” Bidwill said. “That’s what drew me to [pole] and is what kept me going.” Today, Bidwill owns two pole dance studios, Pole Icons in Bucktown and The Brass Ring in Wicker Park, with workshops, private events such as bachelorette and birthday pa…