30 Things I Wish I Knew before I took my first pole dancing class...

Pole dancing for me was a random spur of the moment thing. I saw a random pop up event on Facebook and thought why not...then thought.. heck no...then thought yes its just a class...

But I do wish I knew a few things before that first class...

1. I didn't need to be super strong to start...I just had to start...The strength would come over time.

2. Most people actually take their first pole class between 26-35... (Funny I hit 30 and it was like immediately I need to get on a pole now) 35+ is also growing rapidly in the pole dancing realm.

3. You will see all shapes and sizes...and they will surprise you...Success will come to all.

4. Almost everyone feels uncomfortable in their first class....(showing skin to complete strangers...whhhattttt.....I have lumps and bumps and no way I want to show anyone else.)

5. Skin contact is a necessity unless the pole is silicone (and most are not)

6. We aren't strippers just because we take a class and wear little outfits...it is an acquired skill to make money off this metal pole...that's sales babes... (ya momma can rest her soul that you are okay taking a class...and honestly okay if you acquire that skill and get the bag #goals #winning)
   

7. Even people who work out regularly struggle with pole (which made me feel a little better knowing it really can be that hard, but it also is accessible for almost everyone) I've been told "its humbling" haha

8. You are kind of a bad*ss for even trying it. Even some of your friends will think so. You should tell them...and maybe bring them.. Friends are always more fun in pole class.

9. People will always judge you..even if it is innocent (and who cares if its not).. You do you boo...let them judge you while you have a blast in pole class.

10. WATER...bring water...drink water...(don't be like Spongebob....watttterrrrr!!)
    

11. Sweat...It is a workout and honestly you'd be surprised how quickly you can break a sweat when exerting yourself. We don't judge a sweaty queen or king.

12. RELAX - Deep breath...enjoy it. Allow yourself to express yourself in a way that maybe is not within your normal comfort level.

13. You are allowed to take up space...take up time...feel yourself. (no little boxes please)

14. CONFIDENCE....I didn't have much...but pole has taught me I'm stronger than I know both internally and externally. Challenges are just challenges, but I know I have or will have all I ever need to conquer them and somehow I gained that insight through pushing through mental barriers in pole.

15. Speaking of MENTAL BARRIERS....they exist especially in pole.. Can't get your feet off the ground...is it a mental or physical thing because sometimes our brain just says "No Ma'am your feet belong here" or "No babe...absolutely not" And then somehow is ABSOLUTELY DOES...Mental blocks can be annoying but you can overcome...We will help you.

16. Confusion...Girl what? I saw what you did...have no clue what you said..how you did it...Can you show me again..and again..and again... It is completely normal for your brain not to process what you were taught the very first time. You aren't slow babe. You can laugh at it.

17. Asking to see it again....its okay to ask to see moves again... to ask for another spot...to ask how your hand goes...to have to come down off the pole and touch the pole multiples times to see how your body placement is....some of us (especially me) overthink everything and that is completely normal.

18. A pole fit can change your whole mood...We encourage everyone to wear the fit that makes them feel hotttt...and if they don't feel hot we will make sure they know they are hottttt... It can be nerve racking to wear it, but we will hype you up and show you how gorgeous you are...and it truly will elevate your class if you feel hot. So wear the fit if you can muster the courage...and if you can't right away..we get that too.

19. Wear what makes you comfortable. I know conflicting on the one above this one. But if you feel completely out of your skin in the pole fit, then wear what you feel comfy in. Some queens stroll in with all the confidence...and some of is (especially me included) have to build up to the confident pole fit queen....and we also understand $$$.

20. You don't have to have all the things to start...Meaning you don't need the heels to take a class. You will learn what you prefer overtime for your journey so don't break the bank before you even take a class.. Shorts and t-shirt/tank top and bare feet are almost always perfect for your first class.

21. Try multiple classes. Do not judge all of pole on one class. If you didn't vibe with dance, maybe you like tricks. If you didn't vibe with a stripper style class maybe, you like a rocker low flow class. Maybe pole isn't your vibe at all and lyra, aerial silks, or heel dance is. Try a few different classes to see what you like.

22. Grip...you will likely struggle holding onto the pole. Grip aids can help with that and they will surprise you at how much they really do help...It isn't a weakness to use them either, many athletes use grip aids for their sports.

23. Cheering...is someone cheering for me??? We love to cheer and hype people up in pole class.. its just our community vibes. We will be your biggest cheerleaders...on and off the pole.
    

24. Pole dancing can be a sport but can also be for pleasure, hobby, or even career. Your own journey is yours. If your goal changes during your journey, consider it growth.

25. Be open minded with what your body can do. You can do hard things.

26. Be open minded with other people. You would be surprised what you can learn from someone who you feel you have very little in common with and who you meet in a pole class.

27. Be yourself. Be shy. Be loud. Be quiet. Be nervous. Be happy. Be goofy. Be whatever you want to be because we celebrate you being you. Whoever that is. We want to meet her/him/them.

28. Be kind to yourself. It is hard. You are amazing for showing up.

29. Keep showing up. True progress comes with consistency. If you enjoyed your class and want to keep progressing and being a bad*ss...then keep coming to class.

30. Those after class endorphins are serious...you feel like you can conquer the world after you nail a move especially if its one you've been working on.

If you have any hesitations about taking a class, I urge you to press through and give it a try. You might be completely shocked about what is on the other side of that class. It changed my whole world. My husband and I joke all the time about when we got together at 19 if he ever expected his wife would open a pole studio and teach pole dancing on the side...obviously wasn't on our bingo cards, but hey...the community and vibes are everything.

If you are in Polk County, Florida, I invite you to come to Strong Souls. We would love to have you and cheer you on. We teach beginners up to advanced. All ages over 18.  We are also a LGBTQ+ friendly studio.

We also have a Newcomer Special.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read. Hope to see you around the studio soon.

-Nicole