La Femme Suite specializes in pole-dancing classes. Sweaty ones. As outlets such as the New York Daily News and BET have noted, learning to climb to the top of a pole takes muscle and grit, especially when the goal is to look and feel sultry. The studio's classes build up to these gravity-defying feats slowly, of course. Beginners start with a six-week intro sequence that improves coordination and poise, before transitioning into tougher tricks that require more stamina and strength.

The studio's team, helmed by owner Carmen Victorino, has goals outside of fitness, too. Victorino initially imagined the studio as an "oasis for women," and it functions as just that. Classes cultivate self-confidence and camaraderie, and each one ends in something of a happy hour with free wine and fruit. Aside from classes, the studio also offers a full range of spa services and party packages. Groups can enjoy treats and pole-dancing instruction, or spring for the relaxing jacuzzi suite and finally discover whether the tub or a glass of champagne has more bubbles per square inch.