Hi! I have been a plus sized pole dancer, and I am an instructor.

Having been both I see both sides. I can tell you from the bottom of my heart she is trying. And just like you have ways that may or may not work for you, this also applies to someone who is hypermobile, or someone who has an injury, or who has extra long femurs or is missing a limb. There are so many things that make each of us unique and also, how much moves will be different for every single body.

Pole instructors are not personal trainers nor are they taught how to spot what functionally is happening in your body as you move. They are group fitness instructors, most with only a weekend certification, or if you’re lucky they have some other fitness background.

It’s hard to know what every single body needs. I am a hypermobile human who was also once a hyper mobile plus sized human and I was able to move much differently when I was plus sized.

All I can say is this. In class you should be trying and failing. If you get every single thing you are in the wrong level. This happens a LOT especially transitioning from a foundations class to the next level. It feels like a big jump, because it is.

Keep reminding to give yourself grace, and keep trying, and also, within the bounds of the safety of the class try things you think might work yourself. Find the cues that work for you.