The class combined flexibility, strength, and, of course, a lot of dancing.
Society has ingrained in us the idea that men are allowed to be sexually open, while women or femme representing individuals should keep their sexuality a secret. If they don’t, are often labeled a slut, whore, or something equally degrading. Talk about double standards.
I, on the other hand, believe you should be as sexually open or as sexually closed as you want to be. Do what makes you feel the most empowered, whatever that is for you.
For me, that meant trying a pole dancing class at Body & Pole in New York City.
"I, on the other hand, believe you should be as sexually open or as sexually closed as you want to be. Do what makes you feel the most empowered, whatever that is for you."
— Ciara Appelbaum
Most people (wrongfully) believe pole dancing is restricted to strippers or women desperately seeking the attention of men. Some even argue that pole dancing perpetuates sexism. Although it’s impossible to ignore the exploitative aspects of the stripping industry, a woman can — and should — be able to do whatever she wants without it being deemed a desperate grab for male attention.
The minute I walked into class, I realized just how inaccurate that narrative is.
I entered the room and was greeted with floor to ceiling mirrors, sensual red lighting, and, of course, seven poles which were ready for dancing. In walked my instructor Pauline, a stunning blonde with rippling muscles, who began the class with a variety of stretches and strength exercises. Nothing too out of the ordinary.
After about 30 minutes of stretching and activating our core, arm, and back muscles, we were ready to dance. And the nervous sweats began to drip.
"Pauline dimmed the lights to get us in the mood and each person got to 'do their thing' on the pole, adding whatever personal touches they were comfortable with, for a three-minute routine. By this point, we were all really comfortable with each other and each dancer was met with a roar of applause from the rest of the class after their routine."
— Ciara Appelbaum
The dance portion of the class was a lot harder than it looks.
Standing at over six feet tall, I’ve always considered my movements a little awkward. Don’t get me wrong, I have grown to love my long body. But I don’t consider myself a graceful person, and often feel self-conscious when it comes to moving nimbly. When I look at my reflection in the mirror, I’m consumed by long, scrawny arms and legs. This self-consciousness was only heightened by Pauline, who made each movement seem effortless and cool.
But when I looked around the room and saw my classmates were all regular people who were equally excited and nervous, I felt more at ease.
It didn’t hurt that Pauline created a nonjudgmental space by making lighthearted remarks and presenting an all-about-fun attitude. Soon everyone in the class followed her lead and my insecurities were replaced with confidence.
We started the dance section of class with the most basic move — walking around the pole. Pauline cranked up some Beyoncé on the speakers, signifying it was time to find our inner sexy.