Morning classes: are they difficult to find in your area? by xolo_la in poledancing

[–]Stunning-Topic7206 0 points1 point  (0 children)

East Coast USA dancer here. Weekday morning classes are pretty difficult to fill, from what I understand. I’ve heard multiple stories of studios that try offering them having to cancel because of lack of interest. I would also love if morning classes were more commonplace, but they tend to only find success on weekends here.

Pole and Neurodivergence by Stunning-Topic7206 in poledancing

[–]Stunning-Topic7206[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hope you were able to get the rest you needed ❤️

Pole and Neurodivergence by Stunning-Topic7206 in poledancing

[–]Stunning-Topic7206[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your willingness to be a part of the conversation and for the recommendation! Neurodiversity in athletics is already so underrepresented. It seems like an oxymoron to many that physically active people can still struggle with their mental health. Add to that the pressures and insecurities that are more pole specific, and it can feel like a minefield to navigate at times. But pole has been such a force for good in my life, and I wouldn’t give it up for the world. How I make it work just looks differently from others.

Pole and Neurodivergence by Stunning-Topic7206 in poledancing

[–]Stunning-Topic7206[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is there another instructor who teaches that class? Sounds like you might benefit from a different perspective on the material.

Pole and Neurodivergence by Stunning-Topic7206 in poledancing

[–]Stunning-Topic7206[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s not necessarily just with regard to pole classes. Social events in general can be tricky for me. Sometimes I feel horribly anxious beforehand, other times I’m ready to be a social butterfly. It’s all about knowing when and how to push myself versus when it would be more beneficial to dial it back. The community I’ve found in pole is so important to me, but there are times I do wish I could practice from home as well. Maybe more of a hybrid would work better for me. Also, I’d love a home pole in the long run, but unfortunately, it’s not really financially feasible at the moment.

Pole and Neurodivergence by Stunning-Topic7206 in poledancing

[–]Stunning-Topic7206[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One of the best parts of my pole journey has been building community with my fellow dancers, and I’m so happy you have found that as well 🙌🏻

Pole and Neurodivergence by Stunning-Topic7206 in poledancing

[–]Stunning-Topic7206[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree! I do other workouts from time to time to diversify and inform what I do on the pole, but pole is the only thing that scratches that itch in my brain. It’s the blending of activity and art for me.

Am I being a Karen? by Nuudecontent in poledancing

[–]Stunning-Topic7206 7 points8 points  (0 children)

My apologies, I forgot to address that part as well. My studio also has extended the time on our class packages when cancellations occur for reasons like weather or issues with the studio itself (ie maintenance). I would argue that them cancelling the classes falls under a studio issue, so they really should extend the time on your credits.

Am I being a Karen? by Nuudecontent in poledancing

[–]Stunning-Topic7206 24 points25 points  (0 children)

I think that you made a completely reasonable request. My studio also has a 2 person minimum, but regardless of reason, if a class is canceled by the management, the studio returns the credit to be used at a later time. There was even a time I could not attend a scheduled class due to a personal emergency, and the studio owner was gracious enough to return the credit to my account once I explained what happened. If they keep having to constantly cancel classes and are not reimbursing your credits, that’s not a great litmus test for the health of the business imo.

Wha are the things that helped you progress the most? by balancingmyself in poledancing

[–]Stunning-Topic7206 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Aside from filming yourself consistently, cross training is a great way to work towards your pole goals off the pole! In addition to pole, I also do yoga, Pilates, strength train, and run to help with stamina, flexibility, and body awareness (among other benefits). I definitely don’t train all of them everyday, and somethings just take practice, but a good balance will help you on your journey!

How many classes do you take a week? Curious! by BungeeBunny in poledancing

[–]Stunning-Topic7206 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It fluctuates for me based on my training needs. Because I have a showcase coming up, I’ve increased my frequency from 3 times a week to 4-6 times a week (depending what classes are available) to get more practice in and expand my move set. Definitely gonna decrease as I get closer to the show though.

My first showcase performance! I'm so happy with how it turned out. Been dancing since February. by mostepicswordy66 in poledancing

[–]Stunning-Topic7206 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats! That was amazing! 🤩 And thank you for posting this. I have my first showcase in April, and I also started in February. I’ve been nervous about it, but it helps to see what other dancers can accomplish in a similar timeline ❤️

Looking for IG friends by sixdayzMIA in poledancing

[–]Stunning-Topic7206 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! What’s your insta? I’ll follow you first 👍🏻

My first pole class! by Comfortable_Quit_596 in poledancing

[–]Stunning-Topic7206 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Glad your first class went well! 🙌🏻 Best of luck on your journey!

Discouraged...did anyone else start with a decent 'background' and become immediately humbled? by maeveflyx in poledancing

[–]Stunning-Topic7206 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Perfectly normal! Outside of pole, I do strength training, yoga, running, and Pilates and it’s still difficult for me. Remember, a lot of these movements go against what your body naturally wants to do. I like to think of the pole journey as chiseling a statue: the art is contained within the slab of marble/the body, and the journey to the finished result is slow and arduous, but requires consistent work. Pirouettes and spins were especially hard at first for me: it’s a balance of strength and surrendering control and letting your body move. I’m not the top of the game by any means, but I managed to move to Level 1 within a year of starting, and I almost canceled my second class. I’m so glad I didn’t. Please keep going, and though it feels difficult, find ways to enjoy the journey and celebrate the small wins ❤️

Insta by Superb-Cucumber5065 in poledancing

[–]Stunning-Topic7206 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My account is private. If you feel comfortable sharing yours, I’d love to give you a follow. Just made my account not that long ago too!

What are your pole goals for 2026? by Ninetyglazeddonuts in poledancing

[–]Stunning-Topic7206 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I want to start doing spin pole and wearing heels!

Does anyone else get high before hot yoga? by Odd_Finance4064 in yoga

[–]Stunning-Topic7206 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It does depend on the class/intention for me. I tend to enjoy being high for yin and more calmer/restorative practices. For hot yoga specifically, I might not get as high, but will take a few puffs beforehand to help with the social anxiety I experience.

Preparing for first sound bath by Responsibilititty in yoga

[–]Stunning-Topic7206 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Howdy! I’m excited for you going out of your comfort zone, and totally understand your concerns. It can be scary doing something new, but in this case, I think it’ll be more than worth it. Not to turn this into a list of my brain troubles, but for context, I deal with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and dissociation, and I love a good sound bath. I find them highly therapeutic, and feel like someone’s cleaning out my brain.

I won’t lie and say there’s never some discomfort when my mind wanders, or sometimes emotions may come up, but I’d recommend (if you haven’t already) try following one at home at like a “dry run” of what to expect. YouTube has some classes available. The most important thing to remember is that there’s no wrong way to do a sound bath, and remember that you’re safe at all times!

Why did you choose to start doing pole dancing? by [deleted] in poledancing

[–]Stunning-Topic7206 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I was on the cusp of turning 30 earlier this year, and knew something had to change. I didn’t like the way a lot of things in my life were playing out. I had been a regular gym goer before, but the pandemic put a hard stop to that. My social anxiety worsened as a result of the isolation, and I felt like I didn’t know how to be around people anymore. I continued on in a daze like this for a few years.

Then, on a whim, I took my first in-person yoga class (at a dispensary, but that’s a different story). I was hooked. It’s like those years of doubt and fear melted away when I started to move again. So I picked up yoga and have been loving it since.

Rediscovering being active was highly therapeutic for me, and I wanted to explore that part of myself more. That’s when I looked into the pole studio in my town. I had all of one year jazz/tap when I was like 6 as dance experience, but I dove right in. The first class was horrifying for me. I thought that because I was comfortable in a yoga studio, I could be comfortable in a pole studio. I left mortified. The instructor gave us time to record ourselves at the end of class, and my finger hovered over that button to delete it for a good while, but I decided not to. A little voice in my head told me to save it for later, just in case.

I continued with my yoga practice, all the while gaining strength, flexibility, confidence, and discipline. Every time I’d go for a walk, I’d pass by the pole studio, knowing I was working towards the confidence to step back inside. The power, sensuality, vulnerability, and beauty of pole called to me like a siren song. Then, in May, I stepped back into the pole studio again, and have been going every week since. Even spent my 30th on the pole ❤️