I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, sexy is not a look, it’s a feeling. I know first hand that getting over that initial fear is hard, when I first started pole dancing I didn’t participate in any of the sensual side because I was so afraid of looking silly. It was only when a pole friend of mine who knew I was thinking about it but didn’t want to make the first move actually booked a choreography class for me that I finally plucked up the courage to do it.
That class changed everything.
I realised a few things:
- Dancing sensually is one hell of a workout.
- Even though I wasn’t doing the movements correctly or making them look good half the time, I was having so much fun learning that it really didn’t matter.
- Dancing slowly and sensually was fuelling my soul in ways that doing tricks on the pole never could.
We all know the importance of stepping outside of our comfort zone every now and then, but why does it feel even more scary when sensuality is involved?
Whether we know it or not, we’re conditioned to suppress our desires to feel sexy, because society frowns upon women who are in touch with their sensuality.
So it’s not something we’re used to practising, let alone excelling at and being proud of. Feeling apprehensive about taking the leap and booking your first class is totally normal, I hope that at least brings you some comfort.
Now that we’ve had a little pep talk, let me tell you all the ways in which incorporating sensual movement into my exercise routine has benefited me, as an athlete and as a person:
- It gave me a new form of exercise to be obsessed with: I’d spend my days waiting for the classes I’d have booked in the evening, with my 8 inch heels in my bag ready to learn new moves and come out of class feeling incredible.
- It allowed me to bring sensual movement into other parts of my life: it hugely improved my flow when doing pole tricks, changed the way I transitioned in and out of moves in yoga and even changed the way I danced in nightclubs.
- The confidence I gained oozed into so many different aspects of my life: I felt like I’d unlocked some secret power I had inside me, I was more confident at work, in my relationships, in the bedroom. It changed the way I presented myself, and for that I’ll always be thankful.
If you’re looking to take a step in between, I’d recommend following some incredible artists and dancers on social media, and on Sensuali, like:
If you’ve been thinking about booking a class or exploring any type of sensual movement or class, this is your sign to take the leap. You can book in with any of the Sensualists above or connect with them to ask for tips and advice.
Read: Introducing London-based sensual dancer: Claire de Lunacy.
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.
