When I moved to the US at the age of 32, if you had told me that I’d be writing an article about pole dancing, I would have laughed in your face. Dancing in public? Not me, thank you very much! Plus, pole-dancing? That was even more far-fetched perceived as it is through a narrow lens of taboos and stereotypes. Also, let’s just say I’m not exactly blessed with natural athletic ability—I’m accident-prone, extremely self-conscious about trying to be sexy, and have the coordination of a baby giraffe on roller skates.
But life has a funny way of flipping the script and surprising you.
Last year, a friend asked me to join a free trial class at a nearby pole studio. I was skeptical but curious. I thought, "What’s the worst that could happen?" (Spoiler alert: sore muscles and bruised skin for days, not to mention questioning my life choices). The class was brutal—I was slipping, sweating, and clinging to the pole like a cat stuck in a tree. But here’s the wild part: I walked out of that class feeling indomitable.
There was a spark, a feeling that maybe there was more to this than just another workout class. I signed up for more classes and then I got a membership. And just like that, I never looked back.
What started as a whim has become one of the most transformative parts of my life. Pole dancing taught me discipline, resilience, and how to trust my body. There’s a certain poetry in learning to balance strength with grace—in defying gravity and, sometimes, your own doubts. Moves that once looked like sorcery now feel possible—not because they’ve magically become easy, but because I’ve become stronger and more determined. Oh, and let’s not forget the muscles. I’m looking and feeling stronger and more toned in ways that traditional workouts never pulled off.
And the best part? The community. The sisterhood here is absolutely phenomenal. These women cheer for each other like it’s the Olympics. They celebrate every wobble, every tiny victory, and they lift each other up—sometimes literally.
Their support gave me the courage to do something I never thought I’d do: perform in front of an audience.
In the last six months, I’ve performed four times. A year ago, that would have been unthinkable. (Honestly, I would have just passed out on the spot.) But with this amazing community and the confidence that they continue to build in me, I found the strength and even desire to step onto that stage. Each performance has been a reminder of how far I’ve come, both physically and mentally.
Pole hasn’t just changed how I move; it’s changed how I live. There’s something profoundly empowering about facing a challenge that intimidates you and emerging on the other side, not just surviving but thriving. I’m more adventurous and willing to try things that once seemed impossible—even in other workouts like strength training.
So here’s my pitch to you: If you’re thinking about trying something new but you’re scared or feel awkward—go for it. Be awkward. Be terrible at it. That’s how growth happens. The magic is in showing up and giving yourself permission to learn and have fun.
I’ll always be grateful for that first trial class and for this incredible community that continues to inspire and uplift me. Here’s to more sweaty rehearsals, challenging moves, and moments of pure joy—both on and off the dance floor.
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