The 2nd Annual Lover’s Expo

As Bill Clinton puckered up to a political crowd down the street, many Richmonders gathered Saturday night in a warmly-lit dance studio to show their own support for liberal values.

The 2nd Annual Lovers Expo came together at Dance Studio X, whose Web site whispers it’s the city’s “First and Finest School of Exotic Dance.” The weekend-long event featured workshops, dance demonstrations, delectable edibles, and anything you need to get kissy and cuddly, or brazen and bItter.

Owner Kate Rockwell says, “The Lovers Expo is an opportunity to expose customers to sensual products and services designed to help them get into great shape, look their hottest and spice up their relationship with that someone special.”

Painter and certified yoga instructor Kendra Wadsworth led a daytime workshop in Tantric yoga, and Studio X instructors taught other unique classes all weekend. With workshops titled, “Open to Suggestion,” “Seduction 101,” and vendors promising “Giggle Parties,” the focus was on sexy fitness and fun. 

Saturday night featured a Vendor’s Expo and meet-and-greet. Hors d’oeuvres and sweets were available as To the Earth Dance Company charmed the crowd with American tribal–style belly dance performances. All natural candles and hand mixed oils from House of Lukaya scented the air as Bob Kocher from Once Upon a Vine poured samples of some wine and champagne he offers at his two Richmond stores.

No party is complete without a leaf blower and giant balloons, as we all know, and performance artist and entertainer Katie Laibstain knows the ins and outs of both. As arts and culture publication “Eve in Hand” demoed their first online edition, Ginger Curry-Richmond moved throughout the room, shooting photos and talking up photography services she provides through her own 422 Studio.

“We really try to stick to classic pin–up art. There are so many pin up artists out there. What I do sticks to the golden era of pin–up photography. It’s not the Playboy pin–up. It’s the classic pin–up look.”

Studio Instructors strutted their stuff in a final dance exhibition and area singer Jennifer Lauren sent lovers home on the lilt of her strong soprano.

Kocher laughs and says, “It was a unique experience. I really didn’t know what to expect. But I try to help out small businesses. It was fun.”

“I think it was great exposure for my studio,” Curry-Richmond says. “[Studio X Owner] Kate was fantastic. I’d love to see something even bigger happen next year. It was a good time.”

—Cesca Janece Waterfield