We love our students here at Be Fitness, especially our monthly members. Their passion for pole is such an inspiration to us as teachers! So each month we’ll be spotlighting a new student!
How long have you been doing pole?
Almost six months
What made you decide to start pole classes?
I found a Groupon for classes and loved the idea even though I had never heard of it or considered doing anything like it before. I finally talked some friends of mine into going with me because I was too scared to do it on my own. After two classes my friends quit but I was addicted. After every class I couldn’t wait for the next one. It would be all I could think about for the majority of the week. Purchasing the Groupon was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made even though I was unaware of it at the time. Pole was so much more than working out and dancing. It was like a therapy that I never could have imagined.
What was your first class like?
Intimidating. There were so many different levels of students in the class and I felt like a baby giraffe tripping over my feet. The only thing that made me think that I might be able to eventually get the moves was that I was able to climb the pole. I thought that if I could do that then I could keep attempting everything else. I also was unaware that I needed to work both sides of my body. I only did everything on my right side and so my right hand and arm were so sore afterwards that I could only drive with my left arm. Needless to say that wasn’t a mistake I made again.
What is your favorite trick?
I have to choose just one?! I don’t think it’s possible! Every time I learn a new trick that becomes by favorite for a while. But anything that is inverted and spinning makes me feel like I’m flying which is an amazing feeling.
What has been the biggest challenge since starting pole?
For me the biggest challenge hasn’t been in any classes but outside of the studio. Dealing with opposition from friends, family, and even strangers has been the most difficult. Many people I care about were wrapped up in the negative connotation of pole dancing and therefore were extremely unsupportive and even mean about my participation. Having to recognize that I cannot change people’s minds and simply need to not care what they think was the biggest challenge for me. Honestly it is still challenging sometimes. I want my family to see the beauty and joy of pole that I feel. But I have to accept that that may never happen and that’s ok and doesn’t have to affect the way I experience pole.
What is your dream trick to land?
My dream trick changes daily. Every pole picture I see I want to do. Having the strength to accomplish an iron x, fonji, pole back flip, and so many more would be amazing. Adding the flexibility of moves like prawn, eagle, and birds of paradise among others would be insane. Oh, to dream.
What is favorite part of pole fitness?
The pole community. I love the workout, the feeling of finally getting new tricks, and being able to express myself through dance. But the love and support of the people in the pole community is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. So many groups and communities claim to be made up of people who are supportive but this is the only community in which I have found that to completely be true. There’s a lack of pretense and raw openness that is incredibly therapeutic and refreshing. To me this is the most important part of my pole experience.
What advice would you give to new pole students?
Keep going through the mental, emotional, and physical pain. It’s so incredibly worth it.
