You can leave your hat on…your pants and shirt too: this is your first Pole dancing class.

My best girlfriend and I decided to take a Pole dancing class together for the fun of it. We had had a mutual friend take pole dancing classes and rave about them so we decided to give it a try.

After finding the studio we were welcomed and filled out some paperwork, legal releases etc, and then were invited to watch some higher level ladies dance. The room in which they were dancing was dark, lit with candles and a red light just enough to illuminate the dancers in a flattering light. I was stunned. These women were climbing the poles like monkeys flipping upside down doing these incredible tricks; you could have knocked me over with a feather.
This particular studio begins class with a meditation as a way for students to get out of their heads and get into the moment. I find this time invaluable. It is my time to transition from my roles as a mother, as a wife etc, to being me, just me.

The meditation ends with some stretching and then we began a basic work out. It was in the candlelit studio so each of us could focus on doing the workout ourselves, without worrying about others being critical of us.

After the work out we learned two basic tricks: the fairy and a basic Pole dance spin. A few pieces of advice for this- do not wear jewelry on your hands or arms. It can scratch the pole or hurt you. Also do not use lotion on the day of your Pole class. You will slide right off the pole. Later when tricks get harder, having skin grip will be crucial to staying on the pole. Wear shorts. Even the fairy works better if you have a little skin to grip with.

We closed class by watching the instructor dance. I was again in awe. I was convinced there was no way I would ever be able to move like that. Now, a year later, I am living breathing proof even the most mom-ish among us can do amazing things on the pole with a little practice.

Going into Pole dancing class I was fully expecting to not love it. I did not anticipate signing up for a full session. I did not anticipate forming such amazing bonds with my classmates. I did not know that I would come to depend on my pole time or the women in my class. More than any of that, I did not anticipate asking for a pole for my house for Mother’s Day. I did though, and I got one. A pole that I can put up and take down in my living room when I just need to turn my mind off and dance.

Classes, Courses and Lessons online directory.