"I'm not a stripper....I work in corporate America" says the tall woman standing in front of the group of us at my friends' pole dance bachelorette party last May. We were all thinking it, wondering, "hmm, if she teaches pole dance she MUST be a stripper, right?" Wrong. The words "pole dance" and "stripper" are not synonymous. I know, I know that's probably the first thing you think when you hear "pole dance" but there's a little more to it....actually there's a lot more to it.
But let me finish my little story. So, the instructor goes on to demonstrate a pole dance for us. We cheered and hollered as she twirled, flipped and rolled on the pole. By the time she finished, we were all anxious to have our turn trying this new stuff!! After seeing her perform though, I KNEW this was something I HAD to do again. So, I signed up for an 8 week series and well, I've been addicted ever since!!
I'm curious...
Have you ever happened upon an activity and completely but unexpectedly fell in love with it? And then found that that activity helped bring together all your awesomeness!? It could be running, swimming, knitting, blogging, drawing, whatever....THAT is what pole fitness did for me!! It's toned my arms, legs and abs, upped my stamina and increased my over all feeling of health and well being! My self-confidence has been boosted (can't tell me nothin') and for once in my 28 years of life, I'M FEELING LIBERATED!! (not that I was oppressed or anything, lol) Expressing myself through dance was a sort of missing puzzle piece in my life...I'm so glad I found it! Have you found that puzzle piece?
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| That's me at the top of the Pole!! Freedom!! |
The "Positivity Point" of this story is: If you haven't, you've got to find that piece!! All of us have a purpose on this Earth. You never know what activities will bring you closer to finding your purpose!! But once you find it, there is true liberation when you allow yourself to express it!! It just so happens that pole fitness is what opened me up to express mine!
I do pole fitness for me. Not for anyone else. I do it because I love it and because it does my body good. It is the physical challenge that I needed in life. I have to admit it sounds kind of funny to claim that pole fitness changed my life, but...I guess it did :-) As a bonus, I've met an amazing group of women, from doctors to teachers to designers who all share a love for this wonderful activity!
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| I call this"Clothed Poling"....Yea, I like the sound of that! I think I'll try some more clothed poling pictures!! |
Perhaps I'll be judged after this, who knows!? That I cannot control. If I can help change a few peoples minds about pole fitness, that's great! But really I know those that want to see it for what it is will, and those that don't, won't :-) And to each his own. Here's some info anyway...
- In pole fitness classes you learn spins and tricks on and off the pole.
- These classes will leave your arms-a-achin'! It takes your biceps, triceps and flyceps (I made that up, hehe!) to lift your body off the ground!
- You can increase your flexibility. Much like ballet, pole fitness looks best with long lines, pointed toes and an arched back. Get bendy!!
- You get in tune with your body! Pole fitness forces you to explore ways to dance you may not have done before...unless you're a dancer of course ;-)
- Lots of strengthening exercises are required... Abs, arms, legs...all of it!!!
As you know I love to give shout outs. I cannot tell my pole fitness story without mentioning the following ladies. They've left lasting impressions on me (and others I'm certain) and I am forever grateful for what they've shared and are still sharing with me...
Meet Eva, she was my very first pole fitness instructor!! Last June I registered for her Level 1 class and couldn't wait to get started! Simply put, she's amazing. She was always encouraging, supportive and full of humor and tolerance for my random and constant emails to her! Keep scrolling, you get to see a pole dance performance by Eva below ;-)
Corrie, this lovely lady is the reason I began pole fitness. Yup, she was the woman from the beginning of my story and my level 4 instructor. She makes pole fitness look absolutely effortless! As an instructor she has the ability to push yet encourage the heck out of you at the same darn time!!!
And Liz...oh Liz!! My current level 6 instructor. This woman exudes class but is tough as nails when it comes to the pole! Her dancing is beautiful, fluid and sultry!! She is currently teaching me some incredibly complex moves, while steadily pushing me...no seriously..will literally push my body up the pole... and I love it!
Thank You ladies for shining your light!! I was blind, but now I SEE!!
As promised, here's a video of Eva performing. The epitome of grace and strength...
Watch Eva's beautiful performance, Here!
Soooo, do you want to try it!?? If you're in Atlanta, shoot me an email: empowered2dance@gmail.com and join one of my classes!!
Leave a comment, I love a good chat! Until another time good people...
BE Blessed, BE Positive, BE Great....and GET Fit...Pole Fit ;)
Gemini Ladyy
Instagram: @gemini_ladyy
Twitter: @liberateyoself
