Six months ago, a friend and I decided to try something new. When we walked into our first pole fitness class, spinning around the pole was just something to cross off our bucket lists. After a few fireman spins, however, I fell in love. After an extensive surgery on my back six year ago, my workout options have been very limited. Pole became my way of staying fit, having fun, and not killing my back.
When I first started dancing, I was scared to post pictures of the moves I was most proud of. After hearing that I had started doing pole, someone actually told me that I was obsessed with sex and I should try working out like “normal” people do. I looked at them like they were crazy. Was someone actually shaming me for trying to be in shape using a routine that worked for me and my body, which they knew nothing about?
To me, pole dancing is all about fitness. To others, however, it can have quite a negative connotation. While it is true that many strippers dance on poles, it is important to recognize that not all pole dancers are strippers. I use the pole as a workout regiment, just as others may use dumbbells or a treadmill.
As hurt as I was for being slut-shamed for working out, I pushed through with a “sticks and stones” attitude and posted my first pole picture on Instagram. With comments ranging from “slaaaaayyy” to “you go girl,” I gradually became more proud of my progress and began posting more.
Pole dancing not only burns calories, but also builds self-confidence. I don’t dance to look sexy for other people, but rather to feel sexy for myself. This self-confidence extends beyond class. It helps when I am in social situations, in class, in my sorority, and in leadership positions around campus.
In response to the slut-shaming, there is no “normal” way to work out. Everyone is different. Weight-lifting or running might work for some people, while dancing or sports might work for others. Furthermore, no part of my workout routine requires me take off my clothes or have sex with somebody. Pole may make me feel sexier, but it has not made me any more sexual. Pole makes me feel sexier because I am healthier. Pole makes me feel sexier because I am becoming a better version of myself, not for anyone else, but for me. So despite the connotations that society places on pole dancing, I will continue doing it for me.
