When I tell people I pole dance it's usually met with a "Good for you," or a groan of disapproval or consternation, and a few have even gone so far as to tell me if my career doesn't workout, I will always have a back up plan. Of course men's responses are quite the opposite,(I get a wink of approval) they think it's fabulous. . . . no explanation required. It really is too bad people cannot get beyond the stigma of the strip club and see the strength, grace and flexibility pole dancing requires. Now, before you go and pass judgement, please realize I'm neither involved in anything illicit nor am I stripping, not that there's anything wrong with that, mind you.
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| my pole. |
I started taking lessons on a whim(two years ago), but I have continued taking lessons and practicing because of the physical challenge pole offers. If anyone knows me or knew me a child; they know I was extremely cautious. Hanging upside down from the pole and performing various aerial moves has pretty much cured me of that. The pole does something for my body that running never could, like strengthen my core and my arms; I guess holding your body weight upside down with your arms will do that. Pole dancing has beat my body up from head to toe: bruises, scratches, muscles and tendon pulls and some scars that may never heal, haha! It's also allowed me to work on being more graceful and I have taken advantage of the ballet classes that are also offered at my pole studio. The bonus: It's empowered me and challenged me to face my fears.
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| I have yet to master this move. |
Aside from all that, I have met some some amazing women. My instructor is one of them. Her strength and stamina is so inspirational to me. Pole dancers come from all walks of life and many have been strippers in past lives, yes, but just as many have professional careers and graduate degrees. I couldn't have asked to be part of a better community of women and this is why I have a love for the sport of pole and, yes it is a sport. . . .and if you're thinking then why do they wear so few clothes? Every point on a pole dancer's body is a point of skin contact, hence a place to hold onto the pole. Sweat pants could potentially cause a nasty spill on the head.
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| My lovely instuctor, Michula Nunez; I hope she doesn't mind. |
I am so happy that you have finally become comfortable enough with this that you chose to share with everyone! People really do not understand the difficulty of it and the strength that it takes to do it. Since I have met you and tried some of those moves, I have found a deeper respect for real pole dancing. It is much, much more than swinging around a pole... it is strength, courage, stamina, and self-esteem. You rock!
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