[TSassy]

Hello!

First, that is excellent advice from JeHanne! And she is right, will find what reply works best for you. 

I have been through a bit of a journey with sharing my passion with others. At first, I only told close friends. In fact, I just recently "came out" on Facebook – making my photos and performances open for (almost) all to see. People are now approaching me asking me about my sport, and you can tell they are trying to be respectful with hiding their judgements but they ARE curious to learn more. So I'm happy to talk with them – any awareness is good!

In the beginning I would explain to people that the sport is more fitness and dance. I would omit any sensuality I experienced, and purposely not talk about the attire or shoes when they asked. But then I realized, there is an inherent sexiness and sexuality in pole dancing. And that is okay! This is an easy concept for me to relate to others because I am also a salsa dancer of eight years – and the sensuality is there too (the outfits, the movements, the connection with the partner). Once I relate this, they usually have an acceptance of their own.

I have adopted this tagline, "strength, endurance, flexibility." When people look shocked about my passion, I throw those three facts in there. I talk about how pole makes me feel – blissful, excited, accomplished. I talk about how my body and energy is changing. If they want to do know more, I am happy to talk about the other aspects of it. If not, I just let it go.

One huge piece of advice, don't assume the defensive. (A lot of people will actually be excited and think it's cool, and you don't want to come across as rude, lol). And perhaps don't even begin the conversation with someone you know will have severe judgements. You are not trying to change people's minds, you can't. You are just creating awareness. And unfortunately some people's minds are too closed for even that. Why put yourself through that.

So, to summarize (lol)…I love it, it requires strength, endurance, flexibility, it makes me so happy, I have met some amazing new friends, and I enjoy sharing it with others.

Good luck to you!!