Pole dance (aka pole fitness) offers so many benefits to its participants, such as decreased stress, increased strength and flexibility, and a sense of community. One of the greatest benefits one can gain in pole dance is confidence. In fact, I myself used to be overwhelmed by my lack of confidence, and pole dance classes helped me grow drastically. Pole dance has had similar effects on others’ lives, as well, and can help you gain confidence, too!
My Story
In the years of my university undergraduate program, I was a pretty confident person. I was working toward a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, volunteering in cardiac rehab, and teaching fitness through the city and at the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging. I graduated with honours, and was accepted into a master’s program to study cardiac rehab with a scholarship. Things were good. Then, things changed.
I moved to a new city, lost the networks I had established in London, worked with people who didn’t understand my introverted working style, and I just struggled to fit in. My confidence plummeted, and I began to hide. Despite a ton of hard work, little of it was recognized. My scholarship was not renewed for the second year of my master’s, so I had to work extra hours at my job, which made me even more invisible. I felt awkward around people. I even felt uncomfortable at the gym and searched for a new workout.
I found a pole studio near me and decided to try some classes. I was super nervous leading up to my first class. I was a nerd. Who was I to take a sexy dance class?
After my first pole class, my worries were gone! The classes were designed so all the spins and tricks were attainable with some work. The sense of achievement was so invigorating, especially since I was struggling with so many other aspects of my life. These accomplishments accumulated over time, and helped me gradually build confidence.
As I gained more confidence in the studio, I began opening myself up again in other aspects of my life, too. I hid less, and I began getting recognised for the work I was doing by my supervisors. I defended my thesis with ease, received an extremely supportive reference letter from my supervisor–who had a year earlier stopped my funding–and was accepted into my first choice PhD program. I started a new chapter in my life with exponentially growing confidence.
There will always be moments in our lives that challenge our confidence, whether you’re a new mom, have a changed relationship status, or are starting a new job, or moving to a new city, etc. My confidence has been challenged many times over the years, and I’ve been grateful to have pole dance and my community to help me build myself back up.
How can you increase your confidence with pole dance?
This winter at Volair, you can build your confidence with our new 12-week pole dance program based on our signature framework, which will build confidence through awareness, intention, participation, progression, and reflection. Join our supportive community to help you stay accountable and focused on your goals. For more information or to sign up for classes, email info@volairfitness.com, or call or text us at 905-299-4120.
348 Bronte St, Unit 15, Milton, Ontario, Canada L9T 5B6
905.299.1963 | www.volairfitness.com
