What comes to your mind when you think of pole dancing? Television has tried to teach us that spinning around a pole is reserved for dark and seedy strip clubs, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, pole dancing can be a source of empowerment. Pole dancing is growing in popularity as both a form of dance and as a sport. Some folks train for hours a week to compete in international competitions. Some do it for a living, whether that’s opening their own pole studio or exhibiting their skills onstage. Yet still, some folks simply head to class once or twice a week to learn new skills, get some exercise in, and make friends. There are so many reasons to try pole dancing, and these are just a few of them.
1. So many different styles of dance are associated with pole. Some people focus on a graceful flow, twirling around like a ballerina (even calling themselves pole-erinas). Some focus on acrobatic elements, flipping around and utilizing their strength. Some exhibit complex poses, tangled around the pole somehow defying gravity, and some like to swivel their hips and chanel the sexiness that comes to mind when we think of pole dancing. There’s a style of pole for everyone!
2. Pole dancing is a great way to exercise. If you’ve got fitness goals in mind, whether that’s to move around with some cardio, build strength, or increase flexibility, pole dancing can be tailored to fit that goal for a full-body workout. The recommended amount of exercise to stay healthy is a half hour per day. If you’re not a fan of conventional fitness activities, pole dancing might be a great option for you!
3. Pole studios have classes especially for beginners, and chances are there might be one near you. These nearly always have beginner friendly classes in which you don’t even need to have seen a pole or have any dance background. Additionally, if you’re picturing the entire class to be composed of young, skinny, perfectly toned women, you’ll be surprised. People of all ages, body sizes, and athletic abilities pole-dance, and are great at it, too. Whatever you look like and whatever your skill level, you’ll fit right in.
4. If classes aren’t your thing, or if there aren’t any studios around you, you can teach yourself. You’ll need to purchase your own pole for your home, but these install easily and don’t even require any hardware to ruin your ceilings. Do a quick web search for pole dancing for beginners and you’ll find hundreds of videos geared to those new to pole dancing. Just by using the internet you can teach yourself spins, walks, climbs, and body waves without having to brave a crowded class.
5. You could make new friends. A pole dance studio is a vulnerable environment. People are less clothed than usual (it helps your body stick to the pole), and are trying things that might scare them (even if that is simply being there). Add in folks giving helpful tips, encouraging their peers, and boosting one another’s confidence, and you’ve got an environment perfect for forming great friendships.
6. You can bring friends, too! Pole studios often have options for private group lessons. These are perfect for bachelorette parties or just groups of friends that want to have a fun time learning to pole dance.
7. You could learn some sexy moves for a partner. Pole dancing doesn’t have to be sexy, but if that’s what you want, there’s a class for that! Often called exotic pole, these lessons sometimes include dancing with a chair, lap dancing, or simply learning ways to move your body in a sensual way. Then, you can show them off at home to your partner.
8. Pole dancing helps you build confidence and feel sexy. Boost your confidence in your own body, surprise yourself again and again with what your body is capable of, and feel a sense of accomplishment when you get that skill you never thought you could do.
Pole dancing is for everyone and anyone. There are so many benefits to the sport, and so many ways one can experience it. Twirling around the pole can build fitness, friendships, creativity, and confidence. While it still carries some stigma, pole dancing has come to recent light as an empowering activity anyone can try, and that anyone could be you!
By: Sammi
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