Three months ago marked the 2 year anniversary of my pole dancing journey. On May 12, 2022, I attended my very first pole class, a pole flow basics session. It was a completely new experience for me, especially since most of the other women in the studio had been dancing or doing gymnastics since childhood. I had no prior exposure to anything like this.
I had always been the nerdy, awkward, misfit, timid, weirdo girl my whole life. Stepping into a space that demanded physical and emotional vulnerability was incredibly challenging. I struggled not just with the physical movements, but also faced my emotional blocks and insecurities head-on for the first time.
I’m deeply grateful for everything pole dancing has taught me and the opportunities it has opened up. If you’d told my past self that I’d be confidently twirling and performing in front of others, I’d have thought it was a joke. This is what it means to shift into new realities—by tackling difficult challenges and embracing the unknown.
I chose this practice session as my two-year check-in because it serves as a reminder that perfection isn’t the goal. I had originally planned to film a polished video with a glamorous look, but instead, I decided to share a raw, in-the-moment clip of me nailing a difficult combo that I wouldn’t have been able to do two years ago.
I’ve made huge progress, and my journey continues as I explore new and exciting territories.
