Pole Dancing: A Growing Form of Art and Fitness.

I sought a drop-in hip-hop class in 2008 and could not find one. My google search led me to a "pole hip-hop infusion" dance class that was posted in MeetUp dot com. I snarled at the thought of pole dancing, but I was hungry for a hip-hop pay-as-yo-go dance class. I rsvp'd and begged a friend to come with me as a security blanket.

I chose a vertical pole (commonly referred to as a "stripper pole") in the very back row and shyly participated in class. My first moment of awe was the muscular body of the instructor. The next sensational moment was the camaraderie feeling amongst the attendees. The middle and back row attendees were united in fear of making asses of ourselves. The front row attendees were encouraging, supportive and very empowering. Next thing you know, I am hanging upside down on a pole (with a spotter) and feeling so engaged and focused that I forgot I was exercising. I left the class skipping back to my car because I found a new passion in life... pole dancing!

One class completely dispelled any preconceived notion that pole dancing was purely sexual and reserved for exotic dancers. I was the girl enrolled in ballet and figure skating since age 5. I was the student hanging upside down on the monkey bars at recess and doing trampoline-like flips on my parent's bed while "watching" TV. Of course, I loved the pole dancing class! I have always been artistic, athletic and adventure-seeking.

Within 5 months, I got certified to teach pole dancing. Before long, I was rocking the strongest core and best muscle definition I ever had! And I was 36! There are over 600 muscles in the body and I activated ​movement of all of them without really knowing it! I no longer had back pain from spondylolisthesis. ​​I was burning more calories while sitting because of muscle mass. I felt like a kid again and became part of pole dancing history as it rose in popularity from 2009 to 2012.

I was a teacher, a competitor, a choreographer, show producer, judge and a community organizer. I traveled for shows, conferences, and competitions. I cross trained at various studios across the country and received training from those that eventually became the best winning national and international championships. I used my writing skills to publish articles that fought societal stigma and promoted the mental and physical benefits of the sport/art. I educated the general public on the versatility of pole, which can be fused with any genre of dance and gymnastics.

Unfortunately, I slowed down after being diagnosed with severe anemia. I didn't have the breathing capability to get through a class because of low oxygen levels. I deconditioned, gained weight and sit here thinking, I will return to it someday. Weeks turn into months, which turn into years and I've been inactive for almost 4 years. I have to change that in 2017. I must. I will - and I need others to hold me accountable.