What to expect in your first pole dance lesson
4.2.2018
Translation: machine translated
"Pole dancing is extremely popular - and extremely strenuous, as I recently found out for myself. Find out what I learnt in my taster session and why my fingers are still numb three weeks after training in my report.
My girlfriend and I were really excited. She had secured us two places on a taster course for pole dancing. We'd wanted to try it out for a long time, but hadn't always had the time. However, if someone had told me beforehand that the whole thing would end with two numb fingers, uncharming bruises and a knocked self-confidence, I might have reconsidered. That's why I want to share my bloody beginner's experience with you today.
What is "pole dancing" anyway?
Pole dance is the English term for pole dancing and is a dance form in which artistic elements are performed on a vertical pole. The term "pole fitness" is often used synonymously, but this is not entirely correct. There is a subtle difference: pole fitness focusses more on building muscle and improving fitness and is therefore primarily a full-body workout. Pole dance, on the other hand, emphasises the choreography and combines the individual elements of pole fitness into a sequence of movements with music, i.e. a dance.
My first lesson
The Pole studio was located in an old warehouse far out in the industrial area. Everything we were told to wear according to the info mail: Short tight trousers, ballet shoes and no creamed-up legs so that you don't get stuck to the pole later. So far so good. Then came the rather unpleasant part: we started with a round of introductions. I thought it was particularly important to know who I would be embarrassing myself in front of. We also learnt that there were some experienced pole dancers among us. That makes you feel less inhibited, doesn't it?
After chatting, it got serious: we were each told to grab a pole. My girlfriend and I naturally rushed straight to the back rows. We were asked to grab a cloth and disinfectant spray and scrub the pole clean as best we could. I admit, it looked kind of wrong. After the warm-up, we were asked to walk lasciviously around the pole. We were told (jokingly?) that we should imagine the pole as our favourite. From then on, I could no longer take myself seriously.
We then continued with "easy to master" spins around the poles. Most of us were able to keep up. Not me, of course. I've never had any strength in my arms, so I couldn't hold or complete a single exercise. You could even say that I felt the floor more often than the pole. Nevertheless, I was able to take a lot with me.
What I learnt from the pole:
- Patience is the basic principle and "keep at it" is the motto.
- You always train both sides. In other words, each exercise is mirrored so that the right arm and leg are used to the same extent as those on the left side.
- The standard bar diameter is 45 millimetres. However, as I am 1.50 metres tall and have ultra-small hands, a 40-millimetre bar would probably have been better for me.
- Strength training is your best friend.
- Warm up in longer clothes over your shorts and top. That way, your body won't cool down so quickly. -
Now about the numb fingertips. Shortly after training, I noticed that some parts of my hand were numb. As my hands had been put under extraordinary strain, I blamed it on that. Now, three weeks after training, two of these areas on my fingers are still slightly numb. Apparently I pinched a nerve during training. Was it worth it? It's hard to say, but I'm definitely fascinated by the sport. And who knows, maybe I'll try it again one day. Provided the feeling returns to my fingertips.
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
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