So it’s the end of January, we may or may not have already failed at whatever new years resolution we’ve made (that we don’t even know why we made in the first place), we’ve made it through the coldest and darkest bit of the year (if you’re in NYC or Berlin and surrounding) and you’re here reading this, because at some point you’ve thought about maybe trying pole.
If you’re looking for something to do for yourself, for your confidence, your self esteem, something challenging that if you stick with might make you fall in love with yourself like nothing else ever has, keep reading.
10 years ago I was sat in a bar in Phuket, Thailand, where a shot cost less than a dollar and I could hear music blasting from about 4 different bars on the same street at once. I was used to women getting up on the poles in these bars and walking around them awkwardly, which is what I’d come to think pole dancing was. That day a woman got up on the pole and started doing the most mindblowing tricks I’ve ever seen. She was strong, sensual, powerful. She was doing all these beautiful split moves, she was hanging upside down by her skin, it was so impressive that as soon as I got home I booked myself in for a pole class. That was 10 years ago, and I can now confidently say that picking up pole dance changed my life in so many ways.
So if you’ve ever thought about booking yourself in for a pole class, this is your sign, and my aim in this post is to hold your hand whilst you book it, because I know first hand how it feels to be apprehensive about it (queue the thoughts we all have: maybe I’ll be so bad I won’t be able to do anything, will everyone else be better than me? What if I make an idiot of myself? I have zero upper body strength, I’m way too awkward…) we’ve all been there, trust me! Here’s my advice.
1. Find pole studios/teachers near you and read up about them
Follow them on Instagram (or find them on Sensuali!), have a look at the teachers who teach there (this is super important, everybody has their own style), read about the founder and their policies, read the google/facebook reviews, whatever you can find. In my 10 years I’ve only ever come across a couple of studios that haven’t been super welcoming and unapologetically inclusive.
2. Bring a friend
I brought a friend to my first class and it worked out brilliantly. It kept me accountable (no cancelling when someone is counting on you!) and made me feel so much more comfortable. Whether you find someone to go with or not though, remember that every single person in that beginners class is feeling the same feelings as you, you’re not alone.
3. Try different styles
Like any form of dance, pole is hugely varied. Classes can focus more on tricks or on choreography, you can dance barefoot or in high heels, my advice is to try it all. You may surprise yourself and find you enjoy the style you thought you wouldn’t.
4. Let’s talk attire
You’ve probably seen people training pole in barely there bikinis and 8 inch heels, don’t worry, you don’t have to show up to your first class like that (although you absolutely can if you’d like to). If you’re not 100% sure what to wear, drop the studio or teacher an email to check, what they’ll likely say is that you’ll need the skin on the back of your knees and maybe your armpits, that’s it! If you’re not comfortable with that, there are brands that sell ‘grippy leggings’ and other grippy clothing that you can wear during class.
Now you have all the tools, it’s time to take the first step. Remember that everyone who’s good at anything was once a beginner, and that the sooner you start the sooner you’ll improve and the sooner you’ll be doing tricks and choreos that will look and feel incredible.
You got this!
Explore educators providing sensual classes.
Read: 6 great sensual movement classes to try in NYC.
Tara Margulies
Tara is a social media content creator who specialises in empowering women to be the best versions of themselves. She speaks about taboo topics like sex, periods, feminism and choosing to be child free over on her Instagram @movewithtara.
