Takeila Fox: Celebrating Black History Month and Pole Dance

Photo by Logan Cyrus.

Takeila's story:  2007 is when I discovered pole dancing. Being self-taught I had a rough start so I started to watch Studio Soiree's YouTube to learn different moves. I came across people who were actually competing and I wanted to join. I went to Las Vegas to compete in my 1st competition and didn't place but I loved the experience, learned other moves then became an addict. I kept competing at different competitions and ranked 3rd on the east coast in 2009 and top 12 in the nation in 2010. Pole dancing gives a boost of confidence, pole fitness gives a boost of strength and pole art gives a boost of creativity and I love it all.

Sheena LaShay: Celebrating Black History Monthy and Pole Dance

How did I get into pole dancing?

The simple answer to how I got into pole dancing is that I was looking for a fun, creative way to stay active, fit and healthy and somehow the timing worked out that a deal was available to take an intro pole dancing class.

I think the more profound truth is that the timing of my involvement with pole dancing seems to be divine. I started taking pole classes a few months before I ended a significant, long term relationship. Pole dancing was a way to heal myself. I started taking pole classes when my sexual and sensual self were begging to be brought to life again. I had buried that part of me to appear “appropriate.” I started taking pole classes when I needed something to devote my energy, creativity and time to that would allow me the utmost freedom of expression. I’m a writer, stage manager and many other things but even still I needed something that gave me a more authentic, whole way of expressing myself. I didn’t get into pole dancing. Pole dancing got into me and started to affect everything from the way that I moved to how understand the world in which I live.

What does pole dancing mean to me?

For me, pole dancing and sensual movement were the missing link in my life. I NEEDED a safe and open environment to explore my sensuality and sexuality outside the bedroom and outside relationships. I also needed the space to explore the facets of my expression. Pole dancing is a conduit to a deeper understanding of sexuality for me. It means so much to me! I feel as if I had balance with many areas of my life from spirituality, my career, relationships/friendships and such but when it came to my sexuality, it needed more than a date or a relationship. I have an insatiable desire to express myself sensually and the great thing about pole dancing is that there is always another class, another showcase, another video, new pair of heels, or dancing assignment & routine that will help my hunger for this kind of expression.

Sheena LaShay

Sherice aka Coatcheckgirl: Celebrating Black History Month and Pole Dance

I wanna say the first pole dancer I saw on you tube, was Felix Cane back in 2007. I remember taking one of her photos and putting it on Myspace page, that I had at the time. Underneath her picture, I put: "one day I will master the pole."

In 2008, I took my first pole class at Flirty Girl Fitness. I loved it, but at the time I wasn't able to go again. February 28, 2010, I took a class again at Flirty Girl Fitness, now this time I was hooked. I went to the front desk and said I'm going to be late with my rent, please sign me up.

Almost two years later I'm still hooked. This is the only exercise that I continue to take. I love how I feel, and look. I will never stop...

Sherice aka Coatcheckgirl

Celebrating Black History Month and Pole Dance with Tiffany Fuller

 

Tiffany's story:  I started taking pole classes July 20, 2009.

It has been a great and very big part of my life I have evolved so much since taking class I feel like a Phoenix that has risen from the ashes. I have had a of set backs and disappointments in my life the encouragement I get from my girl is and my mentor Karen Price who I love dearly I could never put a price on it and my strong support I get from my wonderful mother Willa Kendrick and family I am shooting for the stars and hope to do some competitions.

 

Celebrating Black History Month and Pole Dancing with Kelly Yvonne

Kelly's story:  I heard about pole dancing classes one year before I actually started training. Like a perfect storm, three conditions in my life served as the catalyst for me finally stepping into a class: 1) my relationship at the time was quickly unraveling, 2) I had gained about 30 pounds and out of shape and 3) I was a "retired" dancer, but secretly REALLY wanted to be on stage again.

In the Fall of 2009, I attended a student recital at Xpolesitions and it was the first time I'd been inspired in months. In the weeks following the recital, I was taking classes at three different pole studios. Three months later, I launched Girl Next Door, a pole dance soirée!

Celebrating Black History Month and Pole Dance with Kira Lamb

Kira's story:  Pole dancing entered my life at a time that I felt... broken. My 6-year marriage ended suddenly and I basically fled LA with a broken heart and shattered ego. Thankfully, I immediately booked the Off-Broadway show, Fuerza Bruta, which is so raw and emotion-driven that I got to explore and express the wide spectrum of feelings I was experiencing; something I call PMSD (post-marital stress disorder). I felt eternally grateful to return to my first love, performing, and to get paid for such an emotional and creative outlet. Besides performing 8 shows/week, I was somehow teaching Pilates and practicing massage therapy. My goal? Stay busy and distracted from my sadness.

So when my old friend Wendy Traskos tried to coerce me into embarking upon a new career of teaching pole dance, I felt far too busy and overwhelmed to even begin learning a new skill. And when in the world would I even have time to teach? But she somehow suckered me into taking “just one class.” And we all know how the story goes. I fell in love with first spin. Just like Fuerza Bruta, pole dancing allowed me to feel my strength, my power and my femininity. It allowed me to be creative, emotionally expressive and absolutely authentic. I’m still performing in Fuerza Bruta but I quit Pilates and massage to dedicate the rest of my time to pole dancing; ultimately becoming the Co-Creator of Climb & Spin Inc and teaching at NY Pole Dancing.

Celebrating Black History Month and Pole Dance with Sasj Lee

Girl Next Door photo credit: Mike Quain www.quainphoto.com

Sasj's story:  Three years ago, I walked into a pole dance studio with my best friend who thought it'd be a cool, new avenue of exercise to try. My first vision was the tiniest shorts I'd ever seen, followed by 7" clear heels on a very enthusiastic woman. Needless to say, the wardrobe alone almost sent me out the door. But, since I didn't drive, I couldn't leave. The rest was history. I never missed a class. I became an instructor 4 months later, and I love teaching more and more everyday. I enjoy seeing women of all ages, size, and socioeconomic backgrounds grow both emotionally and physically stronger. I also grow and learn a great deal from them in the process. The work out is perfect for me, because I'm having so much fun with it (almost a meditative experience), I don't realize I'm actually exercising. I've met supportive, talented, and inspirational men and women. Very proud to be in their company.