Starting pole dancing can feel like a big leap, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. We sat down with Pearl, who’s been dancing at Bobbi’s Pole Studio in Sydney CBD for over two years, to hear about her very first class, the moments that surprised her, and why she keeps coming back.
What She Expected vs. Reality
What did you picture pole dancing being like before you tried it, and how wrong were you?
I always thought that it would be a lot easier than it was, because the girls on Instagram make it look so effortless and so graceful. And I didn’t consider how painful it would be… especially my first pole sit. But regardless, I remember being so hooked after the first class, I would go home and count down the days till the next week. I even ended up booking in a second class with Isabella because I didn’t want to wait the whole week for my usual class with Charlotte.
What almost stopped you from booking that first class?
Nothing really. I booked with one of my friends, Noah, who still goes to Bobbi’s. We didn’t even do a free trial… just booked in for a whole term straight away.
Walking Through the Door for the First Time
What do you remember about walking in the door that first time?
I remember Candy being super, super, super nice. And I loved how pink everything was. When I was looking at some other studios online, they all looked a bit boring, but I love how Bobbis has their signature colour!
Did you tell anyone you were doing it, or was it a secret at first?
I kept it a secret from some of my family, but all my friends knew and they were all very excited for me.
The Surprises (and Bruises) of Class One
What surprised you most about the first lesson?
Well something I definitely didn’t consider before starting pole was how slippery my hands would be. I remember slipping and sliding down the pole until I was introduced to grip which definitely made things a lot easier.
Was there a moment early on where you thought, “I can’t do this”?
Honestly no. And I largely attribute this to all the amazing teachers at Bobbis. They genuinely believe that you’re capable of doing any trick and any dance move or choreography. They really do believe in you, and it’s made me believe in myself which is so wonderful. Bobbi’s is the best place on earth!
How sore were you after class one, and did that put you off or make you laugh?
I remember being sore the next day… mainly bruised. My knees hurt from being on the floor and the backs of my legs hurt from front hook spins, but I thought of them like little souvenirs! It definitely didn’t put me off, and after a while I got used to the bruises anyways.
Finding a Sense of Belonging
How long did it take you before you felt like you belonged in the room?
Not very long. The teachers do a very good job at making sure everyone feels included and welcomed. It definitely took me a bit of time to feel like I knew everyone, of course. But now that I’ve been pole dancing for a bit over two years, I’m truly at a point where I am so comfortable around everyone and I know so many people. I feel so lucky to be part of this amazing community!
How Pole Dancing Changed Her Relationship With Her Body
What’s something you can do now that past you would have never believed?
The main thing is simply being comfortable with wearing minimal clothing. Since starting pole I have become genuinely comfortable in my own skin. It’s amazing because I definitely wasn’t before. Today, I see my body as something capable of doing incredible things rather than something to be ashamed of or hidden away. Being in a room with other people wearing very little clothing has helped normalize bodies for me. Women’s bodies are often treated as these taboo or inherently sexual things, but pole dancing has allowed me to see my body as so much more than that. My relationship with food as also improved significantly. I’ve learned that if I don’t eat enough, I end up in pain and become far for prone to injury. So, it has completely reframed how I view food in a profoundly positive way.
Advice for Anyone Sitting on the Fence
What would you say to someone who’s exactly where you were, sitting on the fence?
Well, I wasn’t really sitting on the fence because I did just committed to a whole term. Even though it is scary, I’d say just book the free trial. You truly have nothing to lose, and everyone is so lovely. If it’s not for you then that’s totally fine. But so many people I know have had their lives honestly changed by it. It’s so much more than just pole; it’s about becoming part of a community of wonderful people.
If you could go back and tell First Class You one thing, what would it be?
That’s a tricky one. I’d say to try lots of different classes after your first term of beginners. It helps you meet all the teachers and connect with new people.
Why She Keeps Coming Back
Why do you keep coming back?
A big part of what keeps me coming back is the wonderful friendships I have made here, connections I know will last a lifetime. When I come into practice time and there are people that I know, it turns into a social gathering rather than actual productive practice… I’ll stay for five hours and only end up doing like an hour of pole. Honestly, being in such an open, welcoming space with my friends and dancing in that environment is truly empowering and life changing.
Inspired by Pearl’s story?
Book your free trial class at Bobbi’s Pole Studio in Sydney CBD and see where your own journey takes you.