If you asked me last year if I could hang upside down on a pole and contort my body into various positions, I would have laughed. Me? Seriously? No. Throughout most of my life I have never been athletic. I was the one in P.E that got out of breathe just walking to the opposite side of the gym hall and I was the one that got heavily bullied and whacked with hockey sticks on the playing grounds. Me and fitness never seemed to gel...apart from swimming, I'm a pretty good swimmer.
When I was about 13 years old, I came across the music video for Crazy by Aerosmith and was mesmerised by the beautiful Liv Tyler dancing around the pole. It was from that point onwards that I knew I wanted to be a pole dancer. Before you get the wrong idea, let's get this straight. I did not want to be a stripper, I have no desire to prance around in my panties in front of men old enough to be my father, I just wanted to be dancer. I love seeing how elegant and poised pole dancers are. The way they slide down the pole or lift themselves up in the air with their beautiful silhouette on show. Watching pole dancing videos became my secret obsession, but it wasn't something I felt that I could express to anyone. I knew they would get the wrong idea, especially when I was that young.
In my first year of University I learnt about a new fitness phase sweeping across the UK, pole fitness. I was even more impressed to see that they had a pole fitness society at my university. Due to nerves and the general feeling of incompetence, I did not sign up in my first year - this is probably one thing I really regret. After seeing a showcase of all the university dancers back in March 2013, during my second year of university, I signed up to the pole fitness classes, something that would eventually turn my life around, in the best way possible.
Before pole fitness, there was only two things I truly loved in my life - blogging and my fiance, but now I'm happy to add a third, the pole. The pole brings me confidence, strength and allows me to release myself through dance after a long day at work. I am able to express myself when I feel tense and I can have fun when I'm feeling low. Pole dancing has brought me new friends, a new lease of life and a 'can do' spirit to my attitude. Having recently been diagnosed with arthritis, I admit I have found some things difficult and some days, the pain can interfere with my motivation, but I will not allow this to stop me.Every week I am learning new things and although it may take me a little bit longer than other people to get it, the thrill of mastering a new move is worth the wait. I feel a much more confident person these days and as the Vice President of my local pole fitness class, I feel honoured to involved with so many talented people. If it wasn't for pole I probably wouldn't be half the person I am today.
If you live local to Huddersfield, I really recommend getting involved with the fun and joining Princess Pole Dancing. My tutor is fantastic, not only is she a mentor, she has also become such a good friend. Her classes are warm and inviting and she is an amazing dancer. It is funny how a new hobby can really change your life. My parents at first were naive and worried about my new found love, but once they saw me perform, they were proud of me for mastering such a skill...even if it was just a few simple spins back then. I now have a pole in my spare room and practice nearly every day. I'm not the next Cleo The Hurricane, but so what? I'm having fun.
Happy Friday!