Overcoming anxiety to try pole; A voyage to self discovery
Have you ever wanted to try a pole dance/fitness class, but the anxiety of going somewhere
new, meeting new people, and trying something you aren’t sure if you can do paralyzes you to
the point of putting it off or simply never going?
If so, you aren’t alone. According to National Institute of Mental Health about 31% of people
experience anxiety at some point in their life* and pole dancing is represented as this
athletic, sexy activity for confident people.
The truth is though, most people come to pole class with little or no athletic background, or
never had the chance to explore what makes them feel beautiful.
Our wonderful student Hayley who has suffered with intense anxiety over the years shares
some tips that worked for her and what it was like coming in to do pole despite her anxiety
sometimes getting in the way of the things she wants to do in life.
Hayley has now been poling for 2 years at Peacock Pole Art & Body Weight Fitness.
At the time she heard about pole dance classes here in Pueblo she was having a hard time in
her relationship. Her BFF noticed Hayley was withdrawing and feeling insecure so she thought it
would be in Hayley’s best interest to find a safe place she could socialize and let her inner
queen shine to get out of this funk. As great as all of that sounded, it being 2020, the year of
social isolation, feeling hesitant to even go grocery shopping Hayley felt socially backed up and
had no idea that Peacock would become a second home to her.
After Hayley’s first class she felt so accomplished after doing her first back hook and dip; she
loved that feeling so she kept coming back. Initially she was worried about being judged, saying
the wrong thing, people not liking who she is, but quickly recognized that the people and
environment at the studio were so welcoming.
Advice for other anxious students wanting to come try a pole class:
- #1 tip from Hayley – bring a friend. Initially you may feel awkward or out of place, but a friend
could be comforting, especially if it is their first time poling too.
- Feel free to chat briefly. Veteran polers always remember how nerve wrecking it was to be in
your shoes, they will be nothing less than kind and encouraging and will most likely tell you
about their first experiences too.
- Arrive a little early to sign your forms and get your assigned spot, take a moment to breathe
and stretch until class starts.
- Mark down on your waiver if you have anxiety, as most instructors will acknowledge any
injuries or conditions they should be aware of before your first class and can be sure they aren’t
going to ask you to do a drop split twerk you just learned in your first class for your classmates.
- Remember, the pros were once beginners too and had to work HARD to get to their level.
- Be enthusiastic! You are learning to pole dance! It's the best first day of school you could ever
have.
Hayley’s pole journey has given her more than just amazing pole skills, but also it’s trickled out
into other areas of her life, as pole has helped her know her worth and to not allow anyone else
to treat her less than the bad ass queen she is. She has witnessed many special bonds she and
everyone has at the studio and loves being a part of this uplifting group of people.
It’s commendable to even take that first step and sign up for your first class. Even if that means
you drive around the block 10 times before coming in or over research what your first pole class
will be like – if you want to try a pole class, just go. You won’t regret it.
Hayley has overcome her anxiety to try pole, you can too!
Thank you to Hayley for sharing her experience with us.
-Jaqueline Santos
Owner, Peacock Pole Art /Passionate Pole Instructor
