Since last July I have learnt to dance. Pole dance to be specific.
Now for most people this conjures up the image of gentlemen clubs of women in barely anything writhing around to please the paying man.
Learning pole for fitness is a completely different kettle of fish.
I had tried pole dance a few years ago but due to finance and a teacher I did not really like I gave up thinking I was not strong enough or ever be able to do it. When I came back from travelling I put on a lot of weight and wanted to get healthier. I hate the gym I get bored easily and lose the willingness to go very quickly. I love to dance I have dance in so many different styles since I was 4 years old. I studied contemporary dance at university and love the way it makes me feel.
I started at this dance studio just doing the hula class which I did really enjoy and just caught the sight of some of the pole classes starting as I finished so I got the guts to try a beginner course at the same studio. All the classes at this studio are open level so to help participate it is advised to have a beginner course first to get the basics. I have been hooked ever since due to the challenge and feeling it gives me.
When I started I had barely any upper body strength at all. Some of the girls could do the more strength dependant moves straight away but I have always been good at spins. Even now I try to focus on what I can do and draw inspiration from the other girls as everyone is different and every person has a different body. I stuck at it and slowly by keeping going I was able to start seeing progress. The first time I climbed up to the top and then the next week get upside made me feel on top of the world.
Despite the rather unsightly bruises and sore muscles it gives I love that space for an hour each week to push myself to the max mentally and physically. Pole is a lot about trusting your own body to do what you know it can do. Yes it can be dangerous but so is life and a good teacher only teaches what she think you can do. Build the skills and strength up slowly at your own pace. I got bored of Zumba after a few weeks because I can dance already but pole dancing is just a challenge every week to get the new trick or move or to combine movements.
The realisation after a few weeks of working on something and finally getting it or even better finding it is getting easier is one of the best feelings. Knowing that nearly a year ago I could not even climb up part way of the pole and now I can just climb to the top.
Another good point is the ladies in my studio. There is such a mix in ages, sizes, background and ability that it makes such a community. Due to the classes being drop in I often change about classes depending on the week and how I am feeling. No matter what class I go to everyone is so friendly and encouraging and shares in your successes. I may not see them outside of pole but it is great to feel welcomed and valued.
My next challenge is to do the pole dance studio's show 2 weeks on Friday. I am doing a solo to 'Felling Good' by Muse. Putting the routine together has not been too much of a challenge but getting through it requires stamina I never thought I had. I cannot wait to perform it and show everyone how well I have done in a year and it lets me get back into performing which I miss so much from university.
The negative side though is the comments I get from some people and particularly men. Do you know what I think though? They are the ones made nervous by the fact women (and men if they choose to) can go and do a fitness class which is hard work and demanding like no other. Just look through youtube at some of the amazing routines men and women can do. Once you start you realise how easy people make it look. One of my friends I showed the video too said that 'she didn't realise how graceful and gymnastic like it was'.
So I tend to my bruises with pride knowing how much strength, flexibility and confidence it needs to try and succeed in pole dance. It is something I intend on doing for a very long time just never in a sleazy bar for a man. It is for me and me alone!
I had a photoshoot the other week as part of the studio and will post a picture at some point if any good!
I had tried pole dance a few years ago but due to finance and a teacher I did not really like I gave up thinking I was not strong enough or ever be able to do it. When I came back from travelling I put on a lot of weight and wanted to get healthier. I hate the gym I get bored easily and lose the willingness to go very quickly. I love to dance I have dance in so many different styles since I was 4 years old. I studied contemporary dance at university and love the way it makes me feel.
I started at this dance studio just doing the hula class which I did really enjoy and just caught the sight of some of the pole classes starting as I finished so I got the guts to try a beginner course at the same studio. All the classes at this studio are open level so to help participate it is advised to have a beginner course first to get the basics. I have been hooked ever since due to the challenge and feeling it gives me.
When I started I had barely any upper body strength at all. Some of the girls could do the more strength dependant moves straight away but I have always been good at spins. Even now I try to focus on what I can do and draw inspiration from the other girls as everyone is different and every person has a different body. I stuck at it and slowly by keeping going I was able to start seeing progress. The first time I climbed up to the top and then the next week get upside made me feel on top of the world.
Despite the rather unsightly bruises and sore muscles it gives I love that space for an hour each week to push myself to the max mentally and physically. Pole is a lot about trusting your own body to do what you know it can do. Yes it can be dangerous but so is life and a good teacher only teaches what she think you can do. Build the skills and strength up slowly at your own pace. I got bored of Zumba after a few weeks because I can dance already but pole dancing is just a challenge every week to get the new trick or move or to combine movements.
The realisation after a few weeks of working on something and finally getting it or even better finding it is getting easier is one of the best feelings. Knowing that nearly a year ago I could not even climb up part way of the pole and now I can just climb to the top.
Another good point is the ladies in my studio. There is such a mix in ages, sizes, background and ability that it makes such a community. Due to the classes being drop in I often change about classes depending on the week and how I am feeling. No matter what class I go to everyone is so friendly and encouraging and shares in your successes. I may not see them outside of pole but it is great to feel welcomed and valued.
My next challenge is to do the pole dance studio's show 2 weeks on Friday. I am doing a solo to 'Felling Good' by Muse. Putting the routine together has not been too much of a challenge but getting through it requires stamina I never thought I had. I cannot wait to perform it and show everyone how well I have done in a year and it lets me get back into performing which I miss so much from university.
The negative side though is the comments I get from some people and particularly men. Do you know what I think though? They are the ones made nervous by the fact women (and men if they choose to) can go and do a fitness class which is hard work and demanding like no other. Just look through youtube at some of the amazing routines men and women can do. Once you start you realise how easy people make it look. One of my friends I showed the video too said that 'she didn't realise how graceful and gymnastic like it was'.
So I tend to my bruises with pride knowing how much strength, flexibility and confidence it needs to try and succeed in pole dance. It is something I intend on doing for a very long time just never in a sleazy bar for a man. It is for me and me alone!
I had a photoshoot the other week as part of the studio and will post a picture at some point if any good!
This is a really cool story. You've got me wanting to look for a pole fitness class all over again. :-)
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