[Casi]

Sorry you are experiencing that! If there isn’t another studio around, do try the intermediate classes. As you progress, there will likely be things that won’t come as easily or that will be easier for other polers. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses and will progress faster with certain types of moves.

I was also lucky enough to progress quickly at pole, being one of those “fortunate” ladies who easily gets giant man biceps, and having also had a childhood love of monkey bars and hanging upside down from my knees. Being both strong and insufficiently afraid of falling on my head helped a lot, but I started off comically graceless and unable to follow simple choreography. You can try encouraging a more supportive environment in your classes by complimenting your classmates on their strengths and being quick to laugh at yourself for the things you can’t do as well. Luckily, the girls in my studio are very supportive and encouraging of each other’s progress. But whenever one of them does start to get discouraged at not getting some of the strength moves as quickly, I just remind them how much I admire their grace, dance skills, flexibility, ability to hang in any position from one elbow pit, etc. Everyone has their unique talents.

I hope you find a place you feel more welcome. In the meantime, don’t let the environment get you down. Be proud of what you can do, and keep at it!