Stephanie Babines Sues To Operate Dance Studio In Pennsylvania

Stephanie Babines has filed a lawsuit for being denied the right to do business in Adams Township, Pennsylvania.

Babines had plans to open up a dance studio that taught pole dancing, lap dancing and striptease to her students, but she was denied an occupancy permit that allowed her to do business.

Officials denied the occupancy permit based on grounds that it was a "sexually oriented" business, even though men aren't allowed to attend classes and the exercises are done while being clothed. No spectators are allowed. Her studio, Oh My You're Gorgeous also teaches Tribal Fusion belly dancing, salsa dancing and hula dancing.

Stephanie Babines spent $10,000 to renovate the building she was going to operate in prior to being denied the permit. She is suing based on her First Amendment right to operate a dance studio business that doesn't involve nudity. In a statement Babines said, "This is not a strip joint or gentleman's club."

She alleges that municipal officials don't approve of the type of dancing she's teaching, so they've throttled her right to conduct business.

Stephanie Babines has extensive fitness and dance experience. She is a NESTA approved group aerobics instructor and recently received her PDIC Pole Dancing Advanced Fitness Certification for level 5 instruction. She has a dance studio in a neighboring township and has taught her fitness class in private citizen's homes.

Township officials declined to comment on the lawsuit.