Courtney's Journey - Feeling Sassy, Sexy, and Goofy (In A Good Way) With Pole Dancing At Altitude
This blog was written by one of our members, Courtney, about her journey with pole at Altitude so far...
I've been dancing for 2 years, but I felt that as I got older, the options for dance classes diminished. So, when I attended my first pole class in 2019 for a hen's night, I fell in love!
Fast forward 2 years, when I moved to Christchurch, I found Altitude Central and knew I needed to be there. I still remember my first ever class at Central and having to do a Martini sit. I genuinely thought I was going to fall and die. How does anyone hang off a pole with just a knee pit and elbow without hitting the ground!?
There are many reasons why pole stuck with me. Being able to dance in an environment where I can feel sassy, sexy, and goofy all within a couple of hours. Slowly watching my splits return and being able to get into a bridge. Becoming noticeably stronger, more comfortable, and confident within myself, and making so many friends and memories along the way. And the cute matching outfits! God, I love a matching outfit. It makes me feel like Barbie.
The biggest challenge I've faced during my pole experience has been imposter syndrome. I recently advanced to level 4, and although I know I worked hard to get to this point, I still think someone made a mistake on my sign-off sheets to have me surrounded by such talented, impressive people. But I know that this is not an uncommon feeling. Levelling up is equal parts exciting and terrifying.
The growth in my confidence has been my biggest change. Not only confidence in myself and my abilities, but also the confidence to join in on class discussions, talk to other students, and do performances (and soon my first competition - woohoo 🎉).
I know everyone's advice to someone looking to join pole is "just do it", but it really is true. I've done pole at 4 different studios now, and they are just the most welcoming environments. We all know what it's like to be new and bad at something. Even someone experienced can be learning a new move and they'll look a little funky too, so don't take things too seriously. Be silly, have fun, and the rest will come with time.
