Name (or nickname) and Pronouns
Kaycie (she/her)
When did you start your pole journey with Uplift?
February 2020
Why did you decide to try pole dancing at Uplift?
My coworker and I had been talking about trying a pole dance class for fun for the longest time. For Christmas 2019 she surprised us with a Groupon for an intro class series at a local studio, which happened to be Uplift! Little did I know I was about to fall madly in love with pole.
What do you love most about Uplift?
The sisterhood. I had no idea I would establish such meaningful bonds with everyone here. I really appreciate the culture at Uplift because this is the most supportive, encouraging, and empowering environment I have ever been in. It's been nothing short of magical to be able to connect with my body through movement with such incredible like-minded women.
What do you love about pole dancing?
I love the fusion of strength and beauty that pole dancing offers. I used to do heavy weightlifting and that's a cakewalk compared to pole. Pole is the toughest workout I have ever done because we're essentially badass bruised gymnasts taking beatings while looking like relaxed cute twerking ballerinas. I love the challenge!
Did you have a dance or fitness background before starting your pole journey with Uplift?
I took dance classes as a child and have been known to drop it low up in the club most weekends in Hollywood from the ages of 18 to 28, LOL. I've been a fitness instructor for the last 10 years as well; I started with water aerobics and currently teach Pilates which I absolutely LOVE.
What are your top 3 favorite songs to pole dance to?
I could honestly pick 100 but these have been my jam lately: "Breathe Out" by Maalaa "Money Trees" by Kendrick Lamar "Falsetto" by The Dream
What advice would you give to others that are thinking about trying pole dancing?
Please imagine me jumping up and down with fervent enthusiasm as I implore you to DO IT! I am a huge proponent of the mantra "TRY ALL OF THE THINGS" because you never know what passions you may awaken within yourself. I have a pole in my living room and make all of my visitors give it a try when they come over. Call me a pole pusher, hahaha.
What are some of your pole and movement goals for the year?
I want to clean up and slow down my entry into inverts, and be able to hold leg hangs with no hands (and without screaming or cursing which I usually always do LOL). I would also like to smooth out my shoulder rolls and increase my repertoire of transitional moves when going from floor to pole and vice versa. It's funny how seemingly simple floorwork moves end up taking the most time to master compared to a pole trick!
What motivates you to keep coming back and pole dancing at Uplift?
There is SO much that keeps me coming back to Uplift from the instructors and members whom I love so much and want to be around more to learn from (and honestly just hang out with because all y'all are really cool), to the gratification that comes from seeing myself improve over time with my flow and skills, to the cute studio that feels so comfortable with the best mood lighting and awesome eclectic music playlists. Dude I even love the way the Lysol smells when we clean the mats, I'm just obsessed with this place.
What has been the best thing you've learned since starting your pole journey?
PATIENCE and to enjoy each moment, each stage of growth. I have a tendency to be an impatient perfectionist and get frustrated with myself when I can't figure something out immediately. Many thanks to the instructors and members who always encourage me and support me at every stage of my growth. I promise to support your growth too and always scream "YAASSS KWEEN" at you during free dance<3