By Cindy Coverdale

I discovered Pole Dancing when I turned 40 years old.  I had just come off spending two years acting as President and creator of the Parent Association at my son’s school. After pretty much spending what would have been a fulltime job as a volunteer, I decided when it was over to take some time for me.  During that time my best friend was explaining this mysterious bruise to me that she had on her foot.  She said it was from a Pole Dancing Class. I was immediately intrigued and I knew I had to experience it!

That first class was all I needed to become absolutely addicted to Pole Dancing.  My background in gymnastics made it very easy for me, and it was unbelievably fun.  I was immediately transported back to my childhood when I would play on the bars. You couldn’t get me off those things!  Spinning… spinning… spinning.  Sure they were horizontal, not vertical like a pole, but the feeling was the same. Total Freedom and Joy!

As I continued taking classes I noticed another unexpected side effect.  Well two.  First of all, my core was tightening up and my whole body was getting more toned and strong.  I had tried everything after having my son to get my abdominal area back to how it once had been and nothing worked like Pole Dancing. The amazing thing to me was that it never felt like working out—it was just FUN, and a little bit challenging.  I had zero dance experience so moving with freedom was very new for me.

The second side effect was the magic of feeling empowered.  I noticed through claiming my femininity and sensuality I was able to express a whole other side of me. A very locked up and repressed side.  My confidence grew right along with my improved posture.   This was the piece that helped me decide I had to open my own studio and become an instructor.  I wanted to assist other women in experiencing this as well.

I find that women my age (30 and 40 something) seem to have the hardest time giving themselves permission to attend classes, and tap into their own creative and feminine expression.  I think some of it is because we have conditioning from our own mothers who were forced to be the “perfect” mothers of the 60’s.  Their sole job was supposed to be their family. They were our role models and our teachers. I know my own mother was not ever able to realize her full potential as a woman and creative person. She was supposed to be in sacrifice to her family.  That is what was deemed admirable.

In my classes, which are promoted and designed as Pole Dancing for Fitness, I do my best to create permission for women to notice and appreciate their inner beauty and strength, at the same time allowing their femininity to be expressed through sensual movements.  When they reach that point, I feel extremely blessed to be a part of it. There is a magical transformation that takes place. A new sense of self-assurance is being projected out.

I think what sets Pole Dancing apart from other forms of fitness such as Pilates or Yoga is the piece of dancing and expressing yourself.  The workout piece is there, but there is also a very unstructured and flowing piece that is unique and individual to each person.  It is the creative essence of that person being expressed.  Nothing is more beautiful than that!

Side Note:

One of my missions to help me be the best instructor I can be is to learn from as many fantastic Pole Dancers I can.  I have had the privilege of learning from:  Fawnia Monday, Katie Coates, Jenyne Butterfly, Michula Nunez, Jamilla DeVille, Leigh Ann Orsi, Bad Ass, and Kitty Cadillac. I am AFAA Certified as Group Fitness Instructor as well as PDIC Certified from Fawnia.

I am a Pole Dance Instructor and the owner of Vertical Fitness in Lake Tahoe, NV. which I opened in July 2007. Ladies, I urge you to give Pole Dancing for Fitness a try!  Pole Dancing Studios are popping up all over the place.  I think it’s destined to become the new Pilates. I recommend you do a little research and make sure you find a good instructor with some fitness experience as well as dance experience.  Also make sure you feel comfortable and safe with them so you can really let that sexy side of you out. She’s in there I promise.  And if you haven’t had a lot of contact with her lately you are going to love playing with her again! Enjoy!