Like many, the word “exercise” used to send shivers down my spine, and not the good kind. My history with working out was, to put it mildly, fraught. Years of compulsory track and field and cross country in high school left me with an aversion to running that bordered on visceral. Gym class staples like the dreaded PACER test, push-ups, and mile run were endured, punctuated by promises to myself that I’d sooner become a hermit than willingly break a sweat again. College, I assumed, would be a haven from such physical torment. I was spectacularly wrong.
During a college winter term, a micro-internship surprisingly gifted me with free time. Faced with a blank canvas of afternoons, I stumbled upon a local Circus and Aerial Arts school a mere twenty-minute drive away. Intrigued, I signed up for a smattering of classes. Then I saw it on the schedule: Pole Dance Classes, offered that very Monday. On a whim, I added my name to the roster.
The closer Monday loomed, the faster my initial enthusiasm dissolved. Doubt crept in, heavy and insistent. Pole dancing? What had I been thinking? My dance experience peaked with a brief ballet stint roughly a decade prior. Flexibility? Non-existent. Strength? Laughably minimal. The idea of exuding confidence and sensuality on any kind of stage felt as plausible as suddenly sprouting wings. Panic set in. Before I even set foot in the studio, I was ready to back out.
But something, perhaps sheer stubbornness or a flicker of curiosity, pushed me to go anyway. That single pole dance class turned out to be utterly transformative. I walked into a welcoming space with encouraging instructors, found myself instantly part of a supportive and fun-loving community of fellow dancers, and, most unexpectedly, discovered a workout I genuinely enjoyed. Unlike other aerial arts I’d dabbled in, pole dance felt accessible right from the start. Beginner-friendly yet immediately rewarding, I was learning impressive-looking moves almost instantly. For the remainder of that winter term, the studio became my second home, and pole dance my daily obsession.
Returning to college, however, brought a wave of disappointment. The nearest pole studio was a frustrating 45-minute drive away, a distance insurmountable without a car. I resigned myself to putting pole dance on hold, figuring I’d revisit it if I found myself back home for the summer, job or no job.
Fate, it seemed, had other plans. At a circus club meeting, our president, Zoe, casually mentioned that OBurlesque, a student performance group, was acquiring a dance pole for their performances, and that club members would have access to it. Incredulous but hopeful, I barely dared to believe it. Weeks later, OBurlesque officers triumphantly assembled a stage pole right in Hales Gymnasium, the college gym. My pole dance journey reignited. Just as at the studio, I quickly connected with other students drawn to the pole. We learned from each other, encouraged each other, and built a community.
As the year drew to a close, the then-Pole Officer of OBurlesque approached me. They were graduating and asked if I would consider nominating myself for the role. Despite my nerves, the prospect of deepening my involvement in this newfound passion was too enticing to ignore. I nominated myself and was welcomed onto the OBurlesque Board. Joining this vibrant and supportive student organization has been an unexpected privilege.
Alt text: Student Natalie performs a layback pole dance move during an Obie Pole practice session in the college gym.
In my role as Pole Officer this year, I’ve built a newsletter community of over 100 students, led numerous training sessions, and hosted beginner pole dance classes regularly attracting five or more participants. I even had the exhilarating opportunity to perform pole dance in a circus showcase, directly challenging outdated stereotypes surrounding pole dance and introducing a dynamic new element to our performances. December is set to feature an exciting collaborative performance between OBurlesque and OCircus. My excitement (and slight nervousness!) is through the roof.
What I cherish most is the opportunity to introduce fellow students to this incredible art form, to dismantle misconceptions, and to champion athleticism and sensuality through a dance style that welcomes everyone, regardless of experience. Being part of Obie Pole has been an absolute joy, profoundly reshaping my perspective on exercise. Now, I voluntarily do crunches and push-ups in my dorm room at night, fueled by the desire to improve my pole skills. Stretching and arm workouts no longer feel like chores, and I can even tolerate planks – all thanks to pole dance.
And the best part? As a student, you can join this movement too.
Here are my top ten reasons why I am head over heels for Obie Pole and why you absolutely should give a pole dance class a try:
- Boost Your Confidence: Prepare to be amazed by yourself! Watching videos of your progress on the pole is an instant self-esteem booster. You’ll see yourself achieving things you never thought possible.
- Full-Body Fitness: Pole dance is a phenomenal workout, enhancing strength, coordination, and flexibility all at once. Translation: you’ll get seriously toned and might just become unbeatable in arm wrestling with your friends. 😉
- Unbeatable Value: Pole dance classes at studios can be incredibly expensive. Obie Pole offers access to quality instruction and practice space right on campus, essentially free to students involved in the club. Talk about a budget-friendly fitness option!
- Guaranteed Fun (Mostly): You and your friends are virtually guaranteed* to have a blast. Trying new moves, laughing, and supporting each other creates an incredibly fun atmosphere.
*Disclaimer: Fun levels may vary, but positive vibes are highly probable. - Stress Buster: Life getting overwhelming? Pole dance is an amazing stress reliever. Focusing on the movements and music helps melt away worries like that! *snaps fingers*
- Channel Your Inner Beyonce: Put on your favorite empowering music, maybe even some Beyonce, and let loose as you spin and dance. It’s liberating and exhilarating.
- Conversation Starter: “Oh, what do you do for fun?” “I’m a pole dancer.” Instantaneously cool story for parties and gatherings. Prepare for intrigued looks and lots of questions.
- Intrigue Your Friends: Enjoy a little mystery? Casually mention you’re heading to “pole practice” on Monday evenings and watch the curiosity bloom. (⌐■_■)
- Happy Hormones: Pole dancing releases endorphins, those glorious “happy hormones” that elevate your mood and leave you feeling fantastic. Workout and mood booster in one!
- Join an Empowering Community: Become part of a welcoming and supportive community of dancers who lift each other up, both literally and figuratively. Pole dance culture embraces body positivity and inclusivity – everyone and every body can pole dance.
Alt text: Student Natalie showcases her pole dance skills in a Catwoman costume during an Oberlin College Halloween event, highlighting the fun and expressive nature of pole dance.
Obie Pole truly embodies Oberlin’s commitment to student support and empowerment. The college, along with the collaborative spirit of OBurlesque and OCircus, has enabled Obie Pole to flourish. As one of the few college-based pole dance groups, we are fortunate to have the resources and encouragement to challenge conventional notions about dance and sexuality, fostering a positive and inclusive environment for students to express themselves freely.
As I constantly remind every student curious about trying pole dance: you are already perfect to start. You need absolutely zero prior experience or prerequisites. It’s truly never too late to discover the joy and empowerment of pole dance.
If you’re an Oberlin student eager to participate in Obie Pole or simply want to learn more, follow us on Instagram @obiepole or join our newsletter. For any questions, feel free to email me directly at [email protected].
And if you are an Oberlin student, 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. =^..^=
