I started pole in March 2019 at a time when I had zero confidence in my body and my abilities. I was struggling with my mental health conditions, with my body image and I was starting to see myself as a lost cause. I started in private classes because of my anxiety but it wasn’t long before I wanted to dedicate as much of my time as possible into going to group classes and trying my hardest even though it required a big push mentally to even just get out of bed some days. This was the best thing I’ve ever done, because just over a year later and I can now say that I know what it’s like to be confident, to love myself and that I shouldn’t doubt myself. The best part for me though is the people who have seen my journey as a pole student and have gotten motivation from it. Nothing makes me happier than seeing them grow in confidence and determination too. For this reason, I’m a student in two ways; I’m a student at the studio taking classes, and a student on an Xpert training course with the end goal of being able to support others on their journeys in the future.
Your studio you attend and who is your instructor ?
I attend The Pole Loft in Liverpool and my instructor is Alena Forsyth.
Any Social Media handles including facebook, instagram, twitter.
Instagram.com/Gemmermaid_
Your instructor name and email
Alena Forsyth – thepoleloft.liverpool@gmail.com
Please also let us know any other information we may not be aware of., what you are involved in and any additional info.
I did an Xpert training course in the Essential Science of Heels in March 2020 in the studio I go to and alongside my instructor. I did this because I really wanted to expand my knowledge further for myself and to know how to teach others.
I am currently in the middle of doing another Xpert training course; level 1 and 2. I didn’t think I would be doing this only one year into doing pole, however since kicking my insecurities to the curb I decided to go for it. I want this to show anyone that they can do anything that they want to if they put their minds to it and let go of the self-doubt.
I have struggled with my mental health to the point I didn’t think I could turn things around. Especially I had a problem with my body. Yet now no matter what my weight is, I’ve learnt to appreciate my body and all the amazing things it can do which is something I try to encourage other people to do as well. I even made it a mission of mine to do a photoshoot in november with my stomach showing to challenge myself and prove to myself that I don’t need to hide it. I kept wanting to back out and I didn’t know if I was going to go through with it. But I did and now they are my favourite photos that I share and I tell my story in the hope to spread body positivity.
Lockdown has been a challenging time in so many ways. I didn’t know what to do but I kept my membership the same as usual and stuck to doing 5 classes a week and getting involved in 3 challenges on Instagram which were out of my comfort zone. It has made me realise that no matter the circumstance, I can get through and with silver linings too. I have become more independent with my poling, challenged myself by exploring freestyle dance for the first time and getting comfortable with it. I’ve also gotten more comfortable exploring my sexy side when I’m dancing and now I never miss a sunday bumday. I am just doing what I love and when I’m on the pole or doing floorwork, I am unapologetically me. Something I never would have dreamed of doing before.
I just want to end this by saying that my life has changed so much for the better since starting pole, I went from a life that I struggled to live, to now thriving and being the best I have ever felt and I hope to continue to inspire others to see themselves in the way they deserve to be seen, as the beautiful and talented people they are.
