Richmond women find safe spaces in all-female facilities [Video]

In a dimly lit dance studio featuring pink and white LED lights, inspiring mantras on the walls and a disco ball, the members of the “Goddess Energy” cardio dance class reproduce dance moves demonstrated by Anna Luke.

The routine includes such moves as the “shimmy” or a “walking cha-cha,” often followed by high-energy jumps, all to empowering songs like Doja Cat’s “Woman” or Baby Tate and Flo Milli’s “I Am.”

Goddess Energy cardio dance is one of several classes offered at Luke’s Maiden Motion, a women-only fitness studio on West Cary Street. With seven instructors, the studio offers monthly memberships and single-class passes.

According to Luke, Maiden Motion’s owner, the reasons these establishments exist can vary. Sometimes, women feel intimidated to work out alongside …