When Jherrica Phillips asked me to take her pole dancing class, I was nervous to say the least. Ask any of my friends, and they will tell you I am a horrendous dancer with the grace of a penguin and no sense of rhythm. However, I decided to give pole dancing a try, and I will never regret that decision.
Upon entering the studio, Phillips made me feel supported for giving the sport a shot.
"Each student that walked through my door was their own goddess, here to shape their body and mind in their own way," Phillips says. "The best part is it's a community, a family. Not just a sisterhood, because men are participants too. It's a very positive environment."
The love and support from my instructor, other students and myself grew as soon as I started dancing on the pole. Despite my lack of coordination when I started, the more the class progressed, the more confident I felt in my dance moves and in myself.
"You have a woman's body," Phillips would tell the class. "It's strong; it's sexy."
After one class, my confidence was through the roof and I had a new found love for my body. As Phillips says, "Getting over the initial fear of what people may think if they are not in shape and then in a couple weeks itching to peel of their clothes to practice tricks: that's empowering."
Dancer Emma Haslam further proves Phillips' point that pole dancing fuels one's confidence and love for their own body, no matter what size they are. "I'm trying to promote [the idea that] pole fitness is not for the usual sizes," Haslam said during her audition for "Britain's Got Talent". "Obviously I'm a bigger lady. I'm just hoping that people will see I'm good at what I do."
After her introduction, Haslam took to the pole and performed a dance routine that left audiences cheering and judges smiling.
"For you to get up there and have such good body confidence is a massive example for girls all over the world," one judge told the dancer.
Pole dancing doesn't just empower those who practice in it: it's also a great way to exercise.
"Most athletes come in and are surprised at the fitness level it takes to accomplish some of these moves," Phillips explains. "Think of the uneven bar or rings in gymnastics. Now envision that on a vertical pole."
I can confirm that pole dancing is a workout. The day after my first class, my shoulder ached, my core was sore and my arms were limp, but I felt rejuvenated.
"Showcasing strength and talent will empower anyone," Phillips says, "this sport facilitates that."
Pole dancing is empowering. No other sport has made me feel so comfortable and confident in my own body, and I look forward to my class.
