This NJ pole dancing studio takes its name from ‘The Sopranos’ — but don’t expect any wiseguys
The Bada Bling is open for business in Colts Neck, NJ, but don’t expect to see any wiseguys in a jiggle joint.
The Bling is a “high-energy” pole dancing fitness studio, not a “strip club in a strip mall,” although some people had to be convinced, said owner Taylor Franklin, 32.
The business opened in May.
But while plans for the studio were advancing a month earlier, Franklin got a “heads up” that a snap of her in a split position — “an extreme flexibility move I’m so proud of” — was “ruffling feathers down at town hall.”
It turned out “that was one person,” she explained.
But another dissenter didn’t care for all the contortions on the Bada Bling’s Instagram page either.
The gripes centered on the poses and “the children when you post these things,” Franklin said.
“Children are seeing way worse on Instagram or TikTok. I have so many mothers who come to the pole studio,” Franklin said.
She also had her share of “keyboard warriors” who went after her.
The vibe at the Bada Bling would make Tony Soprano proud.
The blood red walls, diamonds and leopard print are to die for.
“I hope HBO doesn’t sue me,” “The Sopranos” devotee quipped.
Franklin said she “got bored” lifting weights and found pole-dancing to be an “alternative form of fitness” during COVID.
“I started right before the pandemic hit, bought a pole and put it in my rented house in Asbury Park and had nothing to do for three months,” she said.
Franklin said her customers come in all shapes and sizes — teachers and divorcees, college students to senior citizens.
She even has a few cops and firefighters, the latter who are already familiar with poles.
The “judgment free” dance space – which sports seven poles and four aerial rigs – features state-of-the-art lighting and a professional sound system.
Hour-long classes cost $30.
It is open to anyone age 18 or older.
“It’s a great full body workout because you’re getting cardio, you’re getting strength training and you’re using every little muscle you’ve never used before and that surprises people,” Franklin said.
“It’s empowering for people to feel sexy. The pole dancing is way more fun than running on a treadmill. This is a place that brings people together and amazing friendships are formed.”
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