I used to dread the word “exercise.” Throughout my six years of track and field and cross country in high school, running felt like a chore. Gym class workouts? Pure suffering. I distinctly remember vowing to avoid working out at all costs once I graduated. College, however, had a surprising plot twist in store for me.
During Winter Term, a micro-internship freed up my afternoons. Looking for something new to fill that time, I impulsively signed up for classes at a local Circus and Aerial Arts school. On that Monday, pole dance classes were on offer. On a whim, I added my name to the list.
The excitement of spontaneity quickly faded as Sunday approached. Doubt crept in. What had I been thinking? Dance experience? Practically zero (unless you count a distant memory of ballet from childhood). Flexibility? Minimal. Strength? Questionable. The idea of feeling confident and graceful felt miles away, reserved only for debate competitions, not a dance floor. Before even stepping into the studio, I was tempted to back out.
But I went anyway. And it changed everything. This pole dance class introduced me to supportive instructors, a welcoming community of fellow dancers, and, unexpectedly, my favorite way to exercise. Unlike other aerial arts I’d dabbled in, pole dance felt accessible from the start. Beginner-friendly moves looked impressive right away, offering instant gratification. For the rest of Winter Term, I was hooked, practicing pole dancing daily at the studio.
Returning to college, however, brought a new challenge. The nearest pole studio was a 45-minute drive away, car-less and inconvenient. I resigned myself to putting pole dance on hold until summer break, maybe, if work didn’t take over.
Then, at a circus club meeting, a casual comment from our President, Zoe, changed my plans again. OBurlesque was getting a dance pole – and it would be accessible to us! Incredibly, just weeks later, OBurlesque members were assembling a stage pole right in Hales Gymnasium. I was back on the pole. Just like at that first studio, I connected with other pole enthusiasts, learning from and alongside them.
Towards the end of the year, the current Pole Officer asked if I’d consider taking over the role, as they were graduating. Despite my nerves, I put my name forward and joined the OBurlesque Board. It was an amazing opportunity to become part of one of Oberlin’s most vibrant and supportive student groups.
Practicing a layback pole dance move, showcasing flexibility and control.
This year as Pole Officer, I’ve built a newsletter community of over 100 students, led numerous training sessions, and hosted beginner pole classes that consistently draw in five or more participants. I even performed pole dance in a circus showcase, challenging preconceived notions about pole dance and introducing a new dynamic to our shows. December is set to feature an exciting collaboration performance between OBurlesque and OCircus. The anticipation (and nerves!) are real.
What I truly love is sharing this incredible dance form with fellow students, breaking down stereotypes, and promoting both athleticism and sensuality within a welcoming, beginner-focused environment. Being part of Obie Pole has been transformative, completely reshaping my perspective on workouts and exercise. Now, I actually choose to do crunches and push-ups in the evenings, motivated by the desire to improve my pole skills. Stretching and arm workouts no longer feel like a burden, and even planks are becoming tolerable – all thanks to pole dance.
And the best part? As a student, you can join in too.
Here are my top ten reasons why I’m passionate about Obie Pole and why you should give pole dance a try:
- Boost Your Confidence: Watching videos of yourself dancing on the pole is an instant self-esteem booster. You’ll be amazed at how strong and graceful you look!
- Full-Body Fitness: Pole dance is a fantastic workout that enhances strength, coordination, and flexibility. Get ready to build serious muscle and maybe even win an arm wrestle or two. 😉
- Affordable Fun: Pole dance classes can be surprisingly expensive outside of college. Obie Pole offers an incredibly accessible and budget-friendly way to learn. $$ saved!
- Guaranteed Fun with Friends: You and your friends are virtually guaranteed* to have an amazing time trying pole dance together.
- *Results may vary, but fun is highly probable.
- Stress Relief: Let your worries melt away as you spin and dance. Pole dance is an incredible stress reliever. *snaps fingers* – stress be gone!
- Unleash Your Inner Diva (or Dude): Crank up the Beyonce (or your favorite empowering music) and let loose. Spinning on the pole is pure exhilaration.
- Conversation Starter: “So, what did you do this week?” “Oh, you know, just pole dancing.” Instantaneously cool story for parties.
- Intrigue Your Friends: Enjoy a little mystery. When your friends ask where you’re off to on Monday evenings, just smile knowingly. (⌐■_■)
- Happy Hormones: Pole dance releases endorphins, those wonderful “happy hormones” that elevate your mood and leave you feeling fantastic.
- Join a Supportive Community: Become part of a welcoming and uplifting community of pole dancers. Pole dance embraces body positivity and inclusivity. Anyone and everyone can pole dance.
Expressing confidence and creativity through pole dance in a Catwoman costume during a Halloween event.
Obie Pole truly embodies Oberlin’s commitment to student support and empowerment. The college, along with the collaboration of OBurlesque and OCircus, has enabled Obie Pole to flourish. As one of the few college pole dance groups, we’re fortunate to have the resources and backing to challenge conventions around dance and sexuality, creating a positive and inclusive space for Oberlin students to express themselves.
As I always tell students curious about starting pole dance: you are already ready. You need absolutely nothing to begin, and it’s never too late to discover the joy of pole dance.
Interested in joining Obie Pole or learning more? Follow us on Instagram @obiepole or subscribe to our newsletter. For any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected].
And if you’re an Oberlin student, don’t miss The Cirquelesque Casino on December 2nd! OBurlesque and OCircus are joining forces to bring you an evening of dazzling performances featuring silks, straps, pole, trapeze, lyra, juggling, and acrobatics. Expect mocktails, glamour, and a whole lot of fun. =^..^=
