Name (or nickname) and Pronouns
Kat (she/her)
When did you start your pole journey with Uplift?
November 2019
Why did you decide to try pole dancing at Uplift?
I've always wanted to learn how to dance, but since I was a kid, people have teased me about being uncoordinated, so I was too insecure and afraid to try a dance class. But in November 2019, a friend and I made a pact that we would each face one of our biggest fears by the day before Thanksgiving. I chickened out until the literal last possible second … the morning of the deadline, she texted me: "You have until noon! DO IT!" So I looked up dance classes in Orange County, and there was an intro class at Uplift at 11am. I was terrified. Dancing was scary enough, but sexy dancing? I nearly had a panic attack walking in the door. But by 11:01am, I felt comfortable; by 11:30 I was actually having fun; by noon, I knew I was in love for life.
What do you love most about Uplift?
Honestly, everything. But in particular: as a plus-size dancer who started with zero dance background, it means *everything* to me that Uplift is a completely supportive and inclusive community. I've had moments in class where my body is like, "haha, nope! this move isn't happening!" and the instructors are knowledgable and adaptable enough to help me modify safely and find what works for me. It's so empowering to be in a space where the default mindset is: "You belong here. Your body is capable and strong and graceful. Just be yourself and dance it out!"
What do you love about pole dancing?
It's the perfect marriage of athleticism and dance artistry! Pole tricks on their own are cool and all … but I love that the classes at Uplift go that extra step further and push you to ask: "How do you *dance* that trick? Can you make some element of the movement more expressive? How do you transition it into other tricks or spins? Can you infuse this movement with your own personal style?" You could dance for a hundred years and there would always be something new to learn, because your dance style evolves as you do.
Did you have a dance or fitness background before starting your pole journey with Uplift?
Zero dance background! ZERO! I did some yoga before Uplift, but that's it.
What are your top 3 favorite songs to pole dance to?
"I Put a Spell on You" - Nina Simone "Skinny Love" - Birdy "Me and Mrs. Jones" - Billy Paul
What advice would you give to others that are thinking about trying pole dancing?
Find opportunities to close your eyes when you dance. Don't get hypnotized by the mirror! Those truly transcendent, exquisitely beautiful dance moments don't happen while you're staring in the mirror. They happen when you surrender yourself to the music and let go of the self-judgment.
What are some of your pole and movement goals for the year?
I want to learn to invert! So much core strength…so many conditioning exercises...
What motivates you to keep coming back and pole dancing at Uplift?
All of the amazing people I've met at Uplift! Every single class is a chance to share a laugh, sweat together, take inspiration from each other's style, appreciate a gorgeous dance moment, cheer each other on. Especially after being stuck at home for over a year, I'm so grateful to be part of this awesome community!
What has been the best thing you've learned since starting your pole journey?
Thinking and planning will only take you so far. At some point, you just have to grab the pole, lift your feet off the ground, and trust your body to figure out what to do next. And the more you develop that trust in yourself, the more good things start happen.