I used to dread the word “exercise.” For six long years in high school, track and field and cross country were my personal forms of torture. The PACER test? Push-ups? The mile run in gym class? Pure agony. Each time, I swore to myself, “Never again will I willingly work out.” College, I assumed, would be my workout-free sanctuary.
Then, winter term arrived, bringing with it a micro-internship and, surprisingly, free time. Faced with the daunting question of what to do with myself, I impulsively signed up for classes at a local Circus and Aerial Arts school – a whole twenty minutes away! When Monday rolled around, pole dancing classes were on the schedule. “Why not?” I thought, and signed up without a second thought.
Alt text: Natalie, a college student, demonstrates a layback pole dance move in a studio, showcasing the flexibility and strength required for pole dancing.
But as Sunday approached, my spontaneous courage began to wane. What had I been thinking? Dance experience? Non-existent (unless you count a brief ballet phase twelve years prior). Flexibility? Let’s just say touching my toes was a distant memory. Strength? My bicep curls involved a textbook and maybe a pencil. The idea of being confident, let alone sexy, on a stage felt laughable, reserved only for my Speech and Debate competitions. Before I even set foot in the studio, a part of me wanted to quit.
Thankfully, I didn’t. Walking through those doors turned out to be life-changing. Instead of judgment, I found incredibly inclusive instructors. Instead of competition, a welcoming and fun community of dancers embraced me. And instead of another dreaded workout, I discovered my absolute favorite way to move my body. Unlike other dance forms or aerial apparatuses I’d tentatively tried, pole dancing felt surprisingly beginner-friendly. Right from the first class, I was learning tricks that looked – and felt – incredibly empowering. For the remainder of winter term, the studio became my second home, and I practiced pole every single day.
Returning to campus, however, brought a wave of disappointment. The closest pole studio was a frustrating 45-minute drive away – and car-less college student life doesn’t exactly lend itself to spontaneous studio visits. I resigned myself to waiting until summer, figuring I’d find a pole dancing studio near me back home, assuming I wasn’t consumed by a summer job.
Then, during a casual circus club meeting, our president, Zoe, casually mentioned that OBurlesque was getting a dance pole. And, more importantly, that we, as club members, would have access to it! It seemed too good to be true. But just a few weeks later, OBurlesque officers were indeed assembling a gleaming stage pole right there in Hales Gymnasium. I was ecstatic. I started dancing immediately, and just like at that 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 a question: would I consider nominating myself as the next Pole Officer? She was graduating, and they needed someone to take the reins. Despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach, I put my name forward. Eventually, I joined the OBurlesque Board, a privilege that placed me within one of Oberlin’s most vibrant and supportive student organizations.
This year has been an incredible journey. I’ve built a newsletter reaching over 100 students, led countless training sessions, and hosted beginner pole classes that consistently draw in five or more enthusiastic participants. I even performed pole dance in a circus showcase, an experience that allowed me to challenge preconceived notions about pole and introduce this captivating art form to a wider audience. December is set to be even more exciting, with a highly anticipated collaboration performance between OBurlesque and OCircus. Nervous? Absolutely. Excited? Beyond words!
Alt text: Dressed in a Catwoman costume for Halloween, Natalie confidently executes a dynamic pole dance move, highlighting the fun and expressive nature of pole fitness.
What I love most is the opportunity to introduce my fellow students to pole dancing, to break down stereotypes, and to promote both athleticism and sensuality within a truly beginner-friendly dance style. Being part of Obie Pole has been an absolute pleasure, fundamentally changing my perspective on working out and exercise. Now, I actually choose to do crunches and push-ups in the evenings, fueled by the desire to improve my pole skills. Stretching and arm workouts? No longer a chore. Planks? Dare I say, almost enjoyable? All thanks to pole.
And the best part? If you’re a student, this incredible world is open to you, too. But even if you are not a student, the feeling of finding a welcoming pole dancing class near me is universal.
Here are my top ten reasons why I wholeheartedly love Obie Pole, and why you should absolutely explore pole dancing near you:
- Confidence Booster: Let’s be honest, pole dancing is a fantastic self-esteem elevator. Watching videos of yourself gracefully (or even awkwardly at first!) move on the pole is incredibly empowering. You’ll see yourself in a whole new, strong, and yes, sexy light.
- Full-Body Fitness: Pole dancing is a sneaky (and fun!) way to build strength, coordination, and flexibility. Prepare to become surprisingly buff and maybe even gain bragging rights in friendly arm-wrestling matches (though maybe stick to showing off your pole moves instead!). 😉
- Budget-Friendly (Potentially!): Let’s face it, specialized fitness classes can be expensive. Access to pole dancing through a student org like Obie Pole is an incredible perk. And even searching for “Pole Dancing Near Me” might reveal surprisingly affordable introductory offers and packages.
- Guaranteed Fun (Mostly!): Pole dancing with friends is a recipe for laughter and good times. While I can’t technically guarantee 100% fun every single second (life happens!), I’m pretty confident you’ll have a blast. *Disclaimer: Fun levels may vary, but are generally high.*
- Stress Relief: Watch your stress melt away as you focus on mastering a new spin or inversion. It’s a fantastic mental and physical escape. *Snaps fingers* Just like that!
- Unleash Your Inner Diva (or Dude-va!): Crank up the Beyonce (or your personal power anthem) and spin like you mean it! Pole dancing is an amazing way to express yourself and feel unapologetically confident.
- Party Conversation Starter: “So, what do you do for fun?” “Oh, I’m a pole dancer.” Mic drop. Prepare for intrigued questions and fascinating conversations.
- Mystery and Intrigue: Enjoy the playful mystery when friends ask where you’re off to on Monday evenings. “Just…dance class.” (😎) Let them wonder!
- Happy Hormones: Pole dancing releases endorphins, those wonderful “happy hormones” that boost your mood and leave you feeling fantastic. It’s exercise that actually makes you happier.
- Join a Supportive Community: Stepping into the world of pole dancing means joining a welcoming and inclusive community of dancers who will cheer you on, lift you up (literally and figuratively!), and celebrate every milestone. The pole community embraces body positivity and the idea that anyone can pole dance, regardless of shape, size, or background.
Obie Pole truly embodies Oberlin’s commitment to student support. The college, along with the incredible OBurlesque and OCircus, has enabled Obie Pole to flourish, creating a space where students can challenge conventions around dance and sexuality in a positive and inclusive environment. This spirit of inclusivity extends beyond college campuses. Searching for “pole dancing near me” can connect you to studios and communities that share this welcoming ethos.
And as I always tell every student curious about trying pole dance: you are already perfect to start. You need absolutely nothing to begin, and it’s truly never too late to discover the joy and empowerment of pole.
If you’re an Oberlin student and want to get involved with Obie Pole, follow us on Instagram @obiepole or join our newsletter. Questions? Email me at [email protected].
And for everyone, whether you are in Oberlin or searching for pole dancing near me, take that first step. You might just discover a passion you never knew you had.
