Divas blogs

Hi, I'm Tania and I own Pole Divas Moonee Ponds and I'm here to tell you from first-hand experience why pole dancing is so much more than a workout. When pole dancing burst onto the Australian fitness scene back in 2004, the excitement was real. It was so different from anything else in the industry that it was quickly labeled the "latest fitness craze" that had women all over the country wiggling, giggling, and getting an all-over body workout. Hen's parties flocked to studios for the perfect girl's night out, but the novelty quickly became a point of contention - is pole dancing just a fad or will it hold its own in the fitness industry? Almost 20 years later the answer is clear. Not only has it stood the test of time, but it has also evolved into an incredibly unique and multi-faceted form of fitness, incorporating dance, strength, aerial movement, acrobatics, and flexibility, and shows no signs of slowing down. Here's why pole dancing is so much more than a workout:

1. It's fitness disguised as FUN: One thing pole dancing does well is disguise the physical challenge involved during class. Between the cardio warm-up, strengthening exercises, gravity-defying tricks, and fast-paced choreography, it can be a lot to process! But when you're too busy giggling with your classmates, learning how to "mount" a pole, and jamming out to the latest pop hits like a teenager, the intensity of your workout isn't actually noticed until the next day, when your body is really feeling it!

2. It builds confidence and self-love: There's something to be said for putting a group of women in a room together wearing very little clothing. What starts out as uncertainty, self-consciousness, and overwhelm quickly evolves into confidence, empowerment, and self-love. This shared vulnerability opens the door to a greater appreciation of your body for what it can do, not just how it looks. You realise every woman experiences the same fears and doubts so criticising and judging yourself is just a complete waste of time!

3. It challenges and stimulates you mentally: If there's one thing pole dancing isn't, it's basic. Your hand goes here, your foot goes there, add some momentum and all of a sudden you're off the ground wondering which way's up while your instructor shouts at you to POINT YOUR TOES. Confusion ensues, but a few weeks later you start to master that trick, and the sense of accomplishment you feel is incredible. As the weeks pass the combos start to flow, your strength and coordination builds, and before you know it you're ready to move to the next level. Cue the serotonin!

4. It fosters friendship and community: Ask any pole dancer and they will say that pole dancers are the NICEST people you'll ever meet. We believe it has a lot to do with point 2, and the shared vulnerability one feels during class. It takes a lot of guts to try something new and push yourself outside your comfort zone, so why would you ever make someone else feel bad for it? The flip side is chatting to the girl next to you in class, comparing pole bruises, and bonding over how hard that new trick is. Then you realise you both love cats and musical theatre and BOOM did we just become best friends?   

5. It's a safe space to express yourself: Pole dancing isn't just about fitness, it's an art form too. Pole studios embrace the creative expression of their students, offering various styles of dance classes, encouraging them to film and post their routines and even compete and perform on stage. Your fellow students become your greatest cheerleaders as you explore new styles of movement and discover what feels best for your body. It's the ultimate liberation!

So if you've been curious about trying a pole dancing class for a while now, let this be your sign to just give it a go! You might discover it's been everything you've been looking for in a workout, and so much more.