Journey To Self-Love Through Pole Dancing

Embarking on the profound journey of self-love is a transformative odyssey that takes various forms, and one particularly captivating avenue is the world of pole dancing. In the seemingly surprising embrace of a pole, individuals find a unique fusion of physical prowess and mental focus, fostering a deep connection that transcends societal norms and encourages profound self-appreciation.

The struggle with negative body image is a pervasive challenge, but within the realm of pole dancing, a safe and supportive haven emerges. Here, individuals of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds converge to celebrate their bodies in a joyous and empowering experience. This dynamic practice becomes a playful yet formidable means to challenge oneself both physically and mentally, becoming a catalyst for building unwavering confidence and self-esteem.

Beyond its empowering aspects, pole dancing offers an exceptional full-body workout that engages muscles from head to toe. The discipline enhances strength, endurance, and flexibility, providing a delightful departure from mundane fitness routines. Amidst the spins and tricks, pole dancing becomes a captivating venture into the uncharted territories of personal strength, where the body becomes a canvas for expressing power and grace.

Central to the allure of pole dancing is its capacity to awaken one's unique sensuality and confidence. Through the intricate choreography of spins, mesmerizing pole tricks, and fluid dance movements, participants uncover a profound appreciation for the strength and beauty inherent in their bodies. This newfound self-celebration transcends the studio, radiating into daily life and contributing to heightened confidence and self-esteem in various facets.

Uplift, a sanctuary for self-love seekers, fosters a non-judgmental and supportive community. This haven offers a range of classes catering to all skill levels, from beginners taking their initial steps to advanced practitioners refining their art. The diverse styles available ensure that everyone can find a class aligned with their preferences and goals, whether it be an exploration of something new, a pursuit of enhanced strength and endurance, or a gentle embrace of sensuality.

In conclusion, pole dancing emerges not only as a dynamic fitness regimen but as a profound instrument for body appreciation and the cultivation of self-love. The fusion of physical and mental challenges, coupled with a celebration of individual beauty and strength, unlocks a newfound appreciation for both self and body. So, why not take the plunge into this empowering world? Enroll in a pole dancing class today and initiate your personal journey of self-love, where every spin becomes a testament to your unique strength and grace.

Second Time's A Charm

As someone who started pole a few months before the shutdown, when the studio re-opened and new classes were added to the schedule, part of me was so excited to come back. But another part of me was tempted to run away.  I know I’m not the only beginner who thought about saying: “I spent all that energy learning tricks, developing my flexibility, improving my climb ... and now I have to start from square one? Forget it!”

When the going gets tough, humans are literally wired to cut their losses and run. Studies by neuroscientists have shown people will go to greater lengths to avoid paying a $100 fee than they’d be willing to go to in order to earn an extra $100. The $100 has the same value, but the fear of losing feels bigger to us than the hope of winning. 

Until I tried it. 

It’s true, I came back pretty rusty; I certainly lost some conditioning and muscle memory. But those temporary losses were outshone by something I’d unexpectedly gained: CONFIDENCE.
My first time around, every time I learned something new, I was plagued by the anxiety and insecurity of wondering: “Am I ever going to be able to do this trick? Is this even possible?” I’d rush and take shortcuts, sacrificing technique and using all the wrong muscles, just to force my body into the right shapes. 

But now? Hey, I know I can pull off these tricks, I know I can climb, I know I can dance fluidly … because I’ve done it before. And while I may not be able to do it all this week (or even this month), I’ve found a strength that comes from patience: Since I’m not in a rush to regain my tricks as quickly as possible, I can focus on learning them as well as possible, making my movements clean and strong and connected. 

Remember a risk you took that turned out well, like skydiving or falling in love or having a child, and ask yourself: How many little moments did you miss in that experience, because you were consumed with anxiety about whether it would all work out in the end? Imagine you could go back to the beginning, except this time you’d know that you were totally prepared to handle everything coming your way.
How many new things would you notice, when you didn’t have to worry about the outcome? How many sweet moments would you linger in? How much would the experience nourish your soul?

So, if you’re like me -- if you danced for a few months, or an intro series, or even one class, and are afraid to re-begin -- take the leap and fly again. Stretch your wings and embrace the way they feel: familiar yet new. 

Kat

All She Wants To Do Is Dance

I took my first pole dancing three months ago as an act of self-defiance. I wanted to prove that I could survive spending an hour doing something I was bad at and a little afraid of. I stood in front of the door to the studio for five minutes, staring at my own reflection. "The woman in the reflection doesn't look like she belongs on a pole!" I thought. "She looks like she should be turning around and running back to the car."

I was so wrong.

When I took my first class, I was (and still am) in the middle of a major body transition. From Easter to Thanksgiving, I'd lost 60 pounds -- a quarter of my bodyweight -- through major changes to my diet. 

Sixty pounds, for reference, is the weight of a full-grown female golden retriever. Woof. 

Here's the kicker: Even after losing sixty pounds, I was still medically obese. In fact, to get to the weight recommended for my height, I'd have to lose another 40 pounds. (aka: the weight of an adult bulldog. You know … so the golden retriever could have a friend to play with.)

And, listen, I have no hate for my body. My body is awesome because my favorite person lives inside of it. But I did realize that, at the rate things were going, I had a long road ahead of me and I needed a shift in motivation.

I was getting tired of working so hard to create less of myself. Less weight, less fat, taking up less space. I was tired of the negativity. In my experience, there's a lot of "can't" to existing as a fat woman in the world. Some of it is physical (I can't lift my own bodyweight), some is social (like the narrative that overweight women "can't" wear short-shorts or crop tops) and a lot of it is self-imposed (I "can't" dance in public -- i.e., I want to but usually don't, even though no one else really cares how I look). 

So how do you defeat can't? Screw it. You take the pole class. You put on short-shorts and a crop top, dance your heart out, and throw your entire body weight around a pole that's the circumference of one of your wrists -- trusting yourself to either support your weight gracefully, or build enough muscle to do it next time. 

Uplift Movement Awakening lives up to all three words in its name. It raises me up, inspires me to move, and awakens a world of can. I can execute tricks without a tiny body or super strength -- it just takes good form, technique and practice. I can dance expressively -- I just have to tune out my self-consciousness so I can hear the music. And I can use my body in surprising, beautiful, exciting ways!  

Instead of creating less of myself, pole inspires me to create more: more muscle, more range of motion, more joy, more possibility.

Kat