This year I turned 25, and out of the many things that I had on my bucket list I did not expect that to “learn a new dance” would lead me to Pole Dancing.

It all started when a friend of mine invited me to try out the class since her friend is actually one of the founders (and she’s also one of the teachers). Being the almost always game person that I am, I said yes. It was something new and I was curious how to actually do it. I’m not new to exercise and physical activity. I go to the gym. I have even tried Bikram Yoga and Plana Forma which are not easy work outs if you ask anyone who’s been in these classes. But can I just say that the first time I tried Pole Dancing, I was hopeless! I couldn’t do the simplest and basic tricks, it’s like I didn’t have strength – but I do lack upper body strength which is very important here. In my mind, I didn’t feel like going back since I clearly wasn’t cut out for it, but in my heart I didn’t want to give up. And I guess it challenged me in a way, so I did the craziest thing and signed up for their two month summer workshop which included a recital performance! Really crazy and expensive – so there’s no backing out of it! But I’m glad I did it because it taught me that if you don’t give up then you can and you will achieve something.

I’m still not that good but the tricks that I thought I could never learn, I can do them now! Practice really makes perfect! And if you keep doing it there’s what we call “muscle memory” and eventually your body adapts it and you will just be surprised that you can already do it. It helped that our teachers were so encouraging and motivating. They really believed in me. When I show the slightest improvement they will commend me right away. Because of this you’ll want to try harder and become better.

Right now, I’m on a break. It has been a hectic but awesome two months of rehearsals and I enjoyed it despite the physical pain. We would literally have bruises but we eventually got used to it. As they say no pain, no gain! For those of you who has been wondering, all I can say is, go for it! And remember to “not give up” coz you might just be on to something really great.

I just want to mention my wonderful teachers – Christina Dy and Sheng Belmonte from Polecats Manila. #poledance #polecatsmanila #dance #physicalfitness #ibanglevel #stellar

Until the next “thing” in my bucket list!

Ttyl,

Isis