New York City, a global hub for dance and fitness, is home to some of the most innovative and empowering studios. Among them stands New York Pole Dancing Studio, a testament to passion, community, and the pioneering spirit of its founder, Wendy Traskos. Wendy’s journey is not just about building a business; it’s about redefining strength, sensuality, and sisterhood in the world of pole dance.
Wendy’s path to becoming a leading figure in pole dance is uniquely inspiring. Despite her background as a competitive gymnast, she faced early setbacks, like not making her high school cheerleading team. However, this resilience, possibly nurtured by growing up with a military father and witnessing defined boundaries, propelled her to explore areas where rules were yet to be written. This drive would eventually lead her to create her own empire in the burgeoning world of pole fitness.
While her sister, Tracy, pursued a career in Community Health Education and became a respected figure in bodybuilding and fitness, Wendy carved her own niche. Facing the realities of adulthood at 18, Wendy moved to New York City and embraced independence. Her initial foray into the city’s nightlife as a stripper was a pragmatic choice that, surprisingly, became a stepping stone to her true calling. “I needed a job when I came to NY. So eventually I started stripping,” Wendy recounts with a laugh, acknowledging the unconventional path. This experience not only provided financial independence but also solidified her comfort with her body and her boundaries. “I never felt uncomfortable about showing my body,” she explains, “And I knew that no one could touch me so I was fine with that. I drew a clear line and never stepped over it.”
In 2005, Wendy’s entrepreneurial spirit took flight as she saved enough to launch New York Pole Dancing Studio (NYPD). More than just a business, NYPD became a platform to share her passion for pole dancing and foster a community of empowered women. Employing some of the most talented pole dancers in New York, including her sister Tracy, Wendy prioritized passion and empowerment over pure profit. She recognized the unique bonding experience pole dancing offered, where women collectively challenge their physical limits and build camaraderie.
NYPD stands out for its commitment to student safety through Wendy’s refined “Climb and Spin” method. This approach ensures that moves are taught progressively, starting with beginner-friendly techniques and advancing to more complex maneuvers. Unlike some other studios, New York Pole Dancing Studio mandates assessments before students attempt inverted moves, prioritizing a safe learning environment. “I am trying to protect the students’ safety,” Wendy emphasizes, highlighting her dedication to responsible instruction. Despite any perceived competition within the pole dance community, Wendy believes in inclusivity: “Some people see a rivalry between New York Pole Dancing and other studios, but I feel there’s room for everybody.”
New York Pole Dancing Studio welcomes students of all skill levels with drop-in classes, fostering an accessible and encouraging space for everyone. Beyond the studio, Wendy remains an active performer, gracing events like the Northwest Championship, Schtick a Pole In It, and Pulse Project’s Sirens 2. Currently, her focus is divided between nurturing NYPD and expanding the reach of the Climb and Spin method, aiming to establish it as a recognized standard in pole dance education.
Whether she’s innovating teaching methods or captivating audiences with her performances, Wendy Traskos is undeniably a pole dancing pioneer. Her New York Pole Dancing Studio is more than just a fitness space; it’s a vibrant community built on empowerment, safety, and a shared passion for the art of pole dance in the heart of New York. For anyone looking to explore pole fitness in a supportive and professional environment, New York Pole Dancing Studio, under Wendy’s guidance, is the perfect place to begin or continue their journey.
