[Arie]

She was wonderful! Her story about seeing different types of bodies in burlesque and learning to love her own sounds a lot like the experience I’ve had with pole. Seeing different body shapes look beautiful pole dancing has done wonders for my body image; I’m finally comfortable in my skin.

I was heavily involved in another form of dance prior to poling, and although the community would promote loving your body as it is, I couldn’t help but notice that I didn’t see a variation of body type, which had a terrible effect on me.

Well…Thank goodness for pole.

[Arie]

Thank you for your replies! I appreciate it. 🙂

Runemist34, these new moves aren’t painful besides that usual pole burn and sore muscles. And I’m able to execute them, perhaps not as gracefully as I wish. I’m not terribly comfortable with saying “no” to something outright because I know it’s probably the scaredy-cat inside that’s talking. I guess I’ve got a “try it once, and try is slow” policy when a new move comes up. So far it’s been a fine policy but safety comes first.

Serzi, you’re not cliché; you’re right. I’m going to have to decide what I’m ready for and what I’m not. I need to get a better sense of my strength and quiet my inner scaredy-cat to do so logically. And you made me think about pacing, which may be what my hesitation is all about.

My instructor doesn’t mind if I come in with moves that I am interested in learning so I may take advantage by suggesting more intermediate moves. And I have already asked for more “dancing”, rather than pure tricks. Hopefully, this will give me more control.

[Arie]

DanZinDuck,

I saw this post, felt incredibly sad because people can be incredibly hateful and I’m very sensitive to other’s comments as well, and realized I have watched and enjoyed many of your videos on Youtube! I was like, “I’ve seen a lot of this dancer!” You are such a beautiful dancer. Just know that there are people like me who are silently admiring your talent.

Lots of love,
Arie