I’m thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of my podcast, Challenging the Spin, arriving in the new year! This podcast is a new chapter in my journey to celebrate and elevate the pole dancing community, both locally and globally. It’s a space where we’ll laugh, reminisce, and share the incredible stories that connect us through pole dance. What Should You Expect? Each episode will feature interviews with inspiring individuals from the pole world—those who have shaped the community and those who are pushing boundaries today. From local legends to global champions, my guests will bring diverse perspectives and experiences. Together, we’ll dive into the mental and physical benefits of pole dancing, discussing how this unique art form has transformed lives. Personal Stories and Shared Journeys Throughout the podcast, I’ll reflect on my own pole journey, from my very first spin to the moments that have defined my passion for the sport. But this isn’t just about me—it’s about us . The...
At the start of this year, I reached a personal milestone: hosting my first-ever event, Challenging the Spin on Pole Dancing. It was more than just an event; it was a celebration of the sport, an effort to break down misconceptions, and a chance to bring people together through the shared love of pole.
Why did I want to make this event happen?
The idea for the event was born from my desire to challenge the lingering stigmas around pole dancing and to celebrate the incredible talent within our community. I wanted to create a space where people—whether seasoned pole dancers or complete strangers—could come together, learn, and be inspired. The turnout exceeded my wildest expectations, with over 100 tickets sold and a wonderfully diverse audience that included young and old, pole dancers, and those that have never tried it.
The event featured a panel of remarkable individuals who have been instrumental in shaping the pole dancing scene locally and globally:
Steve "Spreadie Mercury": My very first pole teacher at Polercise four years ago and now the owner of Inverted Pole Academy. Steve was instrumental in helping me discover the art of pole dance, and supported me in improving my skill and confidence.
El Fegan: The founder of Polercise Studio and a trailblazer who brought pole dancing to Ireland. El’s dedication to growing the sport in Northern Ireland has paved the way for so many of us.
Jenyne Butterfly: A world champion pole dancer and aerial artist who joined us via video call. Her achievements and artistry have inspired pole dancers worldwide.
The night wouldn’t have been complete without a stunning performance by Martine Kettle, whose routine captivated the entire audience. Her performance demonstrated the elegance, strength, and versatility that pole dancing embodies.
Addressing Negative Perceptions
One of the most impactful moments of the evening was the screening of a video where strangers from my local area were asked what they thought of when they heard the term "pole dancing." Their responses highlighted the negative perception surrounding the sport. This served as a powerful reminder of the work still to be done. However, it also reinforced the importance of events like this in creating positive dialogue.
The Power of Community
What struck me most was the incredible sense of community the event created. People traveled from across Northern Ireland to be part of the evening, bringing together a mix of seasoned pole enthusiasts and those curious to learn more. The supportive atmosphere was amazing, and it warmed my heart to hear that some attendees left feeling inspired to give pole dancing a try for the first time.
A Personal Milestone
Organising this event was a monumental experience for me. From coordinating with panelists to managing logistics and selling out tickets, it was a crash course in event planning and a test of my organisational skills. The success of the event reaffirmed my passion for pole dancing and my commitment to challenging the spin around it. Seeing the impact it had on others was the ultimate reward, and I was so happy to hear that following this event, some of the audience decided to give pole dancing a go!!
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