Poulsbo residents are used to pole dancing — around a maypole, that is.

Now, a company called Dolphin Dance Studios is opening a franchise that puts a different spin on the phrase.

The studio, at 19357 Jensen Way, was slated to begin "intro to pole" classes Dec. 12. That was thwarted by bad weather, and again by maintenance issues on Dec. 27.

In the meantime, instructor Emily Boberg-Courts caught wind of how some Poulsbo residents perceive her take on exercise.

Following a story in the Dec. 17 issue of Poulsbo Life, a weekly newspaper for city residents published by the Sun, Boberg-Courts learned that "several Poulsbo residents" were concerned about the studio's presence in town.

An e-mail went around town, which eventually made it to Boberg-Courts' inbox.

"We feel this business is not appropriate for our residential/commercial area and especially due to the proximity of Martha and Mary's children school on Front Street and child care facilities on Third Avenue" the anonymous message stated.

"Please contact Poulsbo's Mayor Quade and the City Council if you object."

Mayor Kathryn Quade confirmed that her office has received complaints. She added that she has heard comments in support of the studio as well.

"We are looking into the complaints, as far as zoning is concerned and so forth," Quade said. "Nothing has been decided."

Boberg-Courts said she is unaware of the source of the e-mail or how widely it was circulated.

In response, Boberg-Courts invited anyone "who is concerned or even curious" to attend a demonstration of the studio's introductory pole course on Saturday.

"I understand everyone wanting to protect the integrity of their community," she added, "but I'm really not a threat to that."

The franchise, however, with headquarters in central Ohio, does have some connection to what those residents may fear. After all, its pole-dancing workouts are created by a former exotic dancer, company founder Kristin Titko.

Titko has been dancing for 30 years and has studied jazz, ballet, modern dance and gymnastics. She became a professional model at the age of 19 and worked as an exotic and part-time pole-dancer while working toward her acting career.

She was featured as an exotic and pole dancer in the hit movies "Showgirls" and "Exit to Eden." 

The classes draw women from all walks of life, she has said, including "professionals, housewives, preachers' wives, athletes and even the elderly."

Since launching, Dolphin Dance studios have taught pole dancing to more than 3,000 women. Class tuition is $108 for a six-week session class, with a $25 registration fee for new students.

Titko branched out into Kitsap a little more than a month ago when an instructor and former student, Boberg-Courts, relocated to the area.

Boberg-Courts also has a studio in Bremerton, at the Olympic Soccer and Sports Center in Pendergast Park, though classes there have yet to begin. Boberg-Courts said there haven't been any complaints about the studio's trade at that site.

Regular classes are not open to observers nor to male participants.

For information, visit www.DolphinDanceExotic.com or call (206) 201-3635