Hello and welcome to "Challenging the Spin," a blog where I share my passion for pole dancing and all the amazing ways it can change lives!
This blog will be a space where I explore the incredible mental and physical benefits of pole dancing, document my own journey, and discuss how we can dispel the negative stigma around pole dance.
Pole dancing is not a common hobby for a 16 year old from Belfast, so how did I get involved?
During the dreaded Covid-19, like most people I wanted to start something new and exciting during lockdown. During another day stuck at home, mindlessly scrolling Netflix, I discovered a documentary called 'Strip Down Rise Up'. This documentary showcased the art of pole dancing and highlighted how pole dance transformed lives through the power of movement. I was completely amazed by the cast members passion and love for it. I knew this was something I wanted to try.
That night I went online and bought myself a pole... (I do not recommend this)
A few weeks later my pole came in the post and I set it up in a spare room in the house. Over the remainder of Lockdown I spent hours trying to teach myself some basic moves on YouTube. I quickly realised that pole dancing was a LOT harder than it looks, but I loved the challenge!
Lockdown was then lifted, and I headed straight to a pole studio! I discovered 'Polercise' Studio on Facebook and instantly dragged my friend along to a beginners class. I fell in love with pole and the amazing community surrounding it.
Now aged 19, I continue to love pole dancing; the challenges, friends, laughs, and bruises it brings along the way!
Through this blog, I’ll be sharing my personal experiences with pole dancing- the highs and lows of learning new tricks, the milestones in my journey, and the biggest lessons I have learnt. I want to highlight the things that aren’t often talked about: the mental clarity pole brings, the way it builds inner strength, and how it becomes a form of expression and freedom. It’s not just a workout; it’s a way of connecting with yourself and others on a deeper level.
The pole community has been a huge part of my journey. I’ve met the most incredible people—supportive, empowering, and full of positivity. Pole isn’t just about individual progress; it’s about cheering on others, celebrating their wins, and lifting each other up (sometimes literally!). This sense of belonging is something I’m eager to share with you all. The pole community, especially here in Northern Ireland, is growing, and it’s filled with stories that deserve to be told.
One of the biggest aims of this blog is to challenge the misconceptions that surround pole dancing. Too often, it’s associated with outdated stereotypes. I want to show the world what pole really is— demanding, empowering, and transformative- not only to your body but also your mindset. Through "Challenging the Spin," I hope to help shift the narrative and show that pole dancing is a legitimate, challenging, and beautiful art form.
As I document my progress and share insights into the pole scene in Northern Ireland, I hope this blog inspires others to try something new, challenge themselves, and embrace the incredible benefits of pole. Whether you're a beginner or experienced in the sport, my goal is to create a space where we can all learn, grow, and celebrate together.
Thanks for joining me on this exciting journey. I can’t wait to share more about the world of pole, and hopefully, we can start to change the conversation around it—one spin at a time. Stay tuned!
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