I used to dread working out. Throughout my six years in high school track and field and cross country, running felt like a chore, something to be endured. The required fitness tests in gym class? Pure suffering. After each one, I swore off exercise for good. College was supposed to be different, but I certainly didn’t expect my exercise mindset to change – drastically.
Yet, it did.
During Winter Term, a micro-internship unexpectedly opened up free time in my schedule. Searching for something new and exciting to fill those hours, I stumbled upon a Circus and Aerial Arts school just twenty minutes away. Intrigued, I signed up for a few classes. Then I saw it: Monday evenings offered pole dance classes. On a whim, I added my name to the roster.
The Sunday before my first class, reality hit. Panic replaced spontaneity. What had I been thinking? My dance experience was limited to ballet from over a decade ago. Flexibility? Minimal. Strength? Questionable. The idea of feeling confident and graceful, let alone sexy, felt impossible outside the debate stage. Doubt crept in, and I almost backed out before even starting.
But I went. And that single decision turned out to be life-changing. Walking into that dance class, I found something I never expected: inclusive instructors, a welcoming community of fellow dancers, and, surprisingly, my new favorite way to work out. Unlike other aerial apparatuses I had briefly tried, pole dance felt accessible right from the beginning. Even as a complete novice, I was learning impressive-looking tricks almost immediately. For the rest of that Winter Term, I was hooked, practicing pole every day at the studio.
Returning to college, however, brought a wave of disappointment. The nearest pole studio was a frustrating 45-minute drive away, and without a car, it felt out of reach. I resigned myself to putting pole dance on hold, thinking maybe I could pick it up again during the summer if I wasn’t working.
Then, at a circus club meeting, a casual comment changed everything. Zoe, the club president, mentioned that OBurlesque was acquiring a dance pole and making it accessible to members. Could it be true? Weeks later, OBurlesque officers were indeed assembling a professional stage pole right there in Hales Gymnasium. I jumped at the chance to dance again. Just like at my first studio, I quickly connected with other pole dancers, learning from their experience and sharing the joy of movement.
As the year drew to a close, the current Pole Officer approached me with an unexpected proposition. They were graduating and asked if I would consider nominating myself to take over the role. Despite my nerves, I put my name forward and was soon welcomed onto the OBurlesque board. Becoming part of one of Oberlin’s most vibrant and supportive student organizations was a privilege I hadn’t anticipated.
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 attract more than five participants. I even had the opportunity to perform pole dance in a circus showcase, challenging preconceived notions about pole and introducing a fresh, dynamic element to our performances. December is set to feature an exciting collaboration performance between OBurlesque and OCircus, and I’m buzzing with anticipation (and a healthy dose of nerves!).
What I truly love about Obie Pole is the chance to introduce fellow students to this incredible art form, break down stereotypes, and foster both athleticism and sensuality in a welcoming, beginner-friendly environment. Being involved with Obie Pole has been an absolute pleasure, fundamentally changing my perspective on workouts and exercise. Now, I willingly 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 I even tolerate planks – 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 absolutely give pole dance a try:
- Boost Your Self-Esteem: Watching videos of yourself gracefully moving on the pole is an instant confidence booster. You’ll be amazed at what your body can achieve, and feeling sexy in your own skin is a powerful outcome.
- Enhance Strength, Coordination, and Flexibility: Pole dance is a full-body workout that builds serious muscle, improves your coordination, and dramatically increases your flexibility. Prepare to get noticeably stronger and maybe even win those friendly wrestling matches! 😉
- Affordable Fitness Fun: Pole dance classes at independent studios can be surprisingly expensive. Obie Pole offers an incredibly accessible and budget-friendly way to experience this amazing workout. $$
- Guaranteed* Fun with Friends: Pole dance classes are inherently fun and social. Bring your friends, laugh, learn together, and create unforgettable memories.
^Disclaimer: Fun is highly probable but not legally binding. - Stress Melt Away: Spinning, flowing, and focusing on the movements of pole dance is an incredible stress reliever. Worries and anxieties simply vanish as you get lost in the rhythm and flow. *snaps fingers*
- Dance to Your Own Beat (Literally): Crank up Beyonce (or your favorite tunes) and let loose! Pole dance allows you to express yourself through movement and music in a liberating way.
- The Ultimate Conversation Starter: “Oh, what do you do for fun?” “I’m a pole dancer.” Prepare for intrigued looks and fascinating conversations at every party.
- Embrace the Mystery: Enjoy the playful secrecy of heading to pole class on a Monday evening and keeping your friends guessing about your mysterious new activity. (⌐■_■)
- Happy Hormones Galore: Pole dancing is a fantastic endorphin booster. Experience the natural high and mood-lifting effects of this exhilarating workout.
- Join a Supportive and Empowering Community: Pole dance is more than just a workout; it’s a welcoming and inclusive community. Dancers of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, and experience levels support and uplift each other. In pole dance, everyone belongs.
Obie Pole perfectly embodies Oberlin’s dedication to student support and empowerment. With the college’s backing, along with the collaboration of OBurlesque and OCircus, Obie Pole thrives as one of the few college pole dance groups, challenging conventions around dance and sexuality while fostering a positive and inclusive space for self-expression.
To anyone curious about trying pole dance, remember this: you are already perfect to start. No prior experience, specific fitness level, or particular body type is required. It’s truly never too late to discover the joy and empowerment of pole dance.
If you’re an Oberlin student and want to get involved with Obie Pole or learn more, follow us on Instagram @obiepole or join our newsletter. For questions, feel free to email me at [email protected].
And if you’re in the Oberlin area, don’t miss The Cirquelesque Casino on December 2nd! OBurlesque and OCircus are joining forces to bring you a spectacular evening of sexy silks, straps, pole, trapeze, lyra, juggling, and acrobatics. Expect mocktails, glitz, and glamour! =^..^=
