SPRINGFIELD — Pole Control Studios owner Holly Woods (center) was officially welcomed to Springfield by Mayor Domenic Sarno, state Sen. James Welch and Jeff Lomma, member services director of the Springfield Regional Chamber on Jan. 12.

Woods has moved her studio, which was in Hartford, CT, for the past nine years, to Springfield to seek larger space to meet growing demand. The popularity of pole dancing as exercise has increased and the sport is being considered for the Olympics.

She has renovated a long unused industrial space at 78 Hillman St. The facility will feature classes on poles, rings and silks.

To learn more, go to www.polecontrolstudios.com.