I was asked recently what I get out of going to Hot in Heels, the heel-based dance class taught by Belynda at Achieve Pole Studio. Is it a good workout? Yes, of course. “Is it fun? Absolutely. Does it make you feel connected to your sensual body?” This was the actual question my friend presented to me, which made me think she was fishing for an invitation. It made me realise how often in life we wait for an invitation to do something that we really want to do. So consider this your invitation to attend the next pole dance class that you can. Because somewhere between a hair flick to a great song, teetering on impossibly high platform Pleasers and movements that ask our hips to come alive, we get hooked. And in that hook lies a unique kind of magic that any pole dance studio will recognise in their students who keep coming back.
1. Be seen
The question my friend asked me allowed me to take a good look at this sport and consider that it is more than just pole fitness or pole dancing; it is an art form. It is a practice in self-expression that brings out our true nature. While some songs may bring out our inner stripper, others bring out an inner gymnast or lyrical pole dancer. And maybe our inner nature just wants to be seen. And in a world saturated by imagery in social media, it can feel like nobody truly sees us, like we are only presenting one side. Being seen is a thrilling thing to admit but a truly brave thing to commit to, and while pole fitness takes strength but pole dancing takes courage.
2. Play
Pole dance invites play back into our lives. This is a concept we think we don’t have time for as adults, but it literally feeds our brains and the deprivation of recreational activity can lead to serious adverse health effects and psycho-social consequences. Studies from the US National Institute of Play found common threads of recreational deprivation in violent criminals, while outdoor play seems to be the common missing denominator in countries where childhood obesity is at its highest. So come and get upside down if you care about your waistline and also wish to avoid murder.
3. Listen to the body
The importance of being with the body can not be overstated in any way. We are in a society that has us at war with our bodies. As women especially, we are given numerical benchmarks upon which to base our worth and we become so fixated on meeting these that we easily forget to be kind to the body and ask her what she wants. Yoga teaches us a connection between body and breath that brings us back to body awareness, but dance teaches us to move intuitively and pole dance in particular invites us to unleash in a way only a hair flick can. Even when following the choreography of our talented pole instructors, the beauty of pole is that it allows for unique expression in every move and celebrates the differences of our beautiful bodies.
4. Love what you see
Whether you think you look like an elegant swan or like you’re having a seizure, dancing looks different on all of us and there is no wrong move. Dancing is about freedom and more than once in a class I silently thank the pole for catching me where I would have otherwise taken a nosedive. Where I initially worried about how I looked when I did a body roll, I have now realised that everyone is either watching the teacher to follow the chorie or watching themselves in the mirror because pole dancing is your opportunity to be hypnotised by your own reflection.
5. Don’t miss out
If you don’t choose to express yourself, you miss out. Stop deeming yourself unworthy. Show up before you’re ready; before you have the upper body strength you have convinced yourself is a prerequisite, before you are ready for the booty shorts and crop tops. Show up before you convince yourself again that it isn’t a good idea. Every time you say no to yourself, you miss out.
This post isn’t just a shameless plug for Achieve Pole Studio, although it definitely is that. This is an invitation for you to enter any of the amazing pole dance studios in Sydney and fearlessly dance like everybody is watching. Because if you’ve read this post, you are deeply craving a movement practice that will fulfil this desire to know yourself and if I can guarantee you one thing from pole dancing, it is that you get to see more of you and see that she is damn fine.
So, what’s holding you back? This is your chance to step into a studio and discover what makes pole dance so special. Reconnect, play, and show up for yourself—no more waiting, the time is now!
BLOG RELATED FAQS
FAQ 1. How does pole dance help with self-expression?
Pole dance allows you to explore and express different facets of yourself through movement, style, and creativity.
FAQ 2. Can pole dance improve my confidence?
Yes! Pole dance encourages body positivity and self-confidence by celebrating your unique movements and progress.
FAQ 3. Do I need to be fit to start pole dancing?
No, pole dance is suitable for all fitness levels. Classes are designed to build strength and confidence over time.
FAQ 4. What are the health benefits of pole dance?
Pole dance improves strength, flexibility, coordination, and cardiovascular health while also boosting mental well-being.
