5. ALWAYS BE SUPPORTIVE.
At first, you’ll be utterly scandalized when your significant other starts posting seemingly explicit, gravity-defying, scantily-clad “progress” photos on social media. Graciously accept this – we’re all guilty of it. This is a culture where modesty becomes a nuisance in 30-second backstage quick changes and where parading your cellulite is overshadowed by the fact that your titanic is flawless.
“The Titanic” – Minnie Hernandez of Pole Academy Philippines (©Lou Mendoza)
4. OUR RANTS ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO WEAR ANYTHING ARE TOTALLY LEGIT.
Pole dancers develop muscles in places where normal women don’t, resulting in an annoyingly mismatched anatomy, not unlike a mix between the Incredible Hulk, Frankenstein and Betty Boop – sans her exceptional mammalian protuberances. The further along we get into pole practice, the less boobage we have. Get over it.
Eisa Jocson, one of the Philippines’ premier pole artists, performs her groundbreaking piece “Macho Dancer” in Geneva, 2013 (©Giannina Ottiker)
3. WE HAVE THIS WEIRD THING CALLED BRUISE PRIDE.
Rate of progress in pole practice is mostly due to our ability to tolerate pain and forge through it (how else could we be dating you, right?) We wear bruises and what suspiciously look like carpet burns on our elbows and knees as badges of honor. We also gleefully peel out calluses from our rough workman’s hands and pelt you with it on occasion.
2. WE HAVE APPETITES THAT WOULD SHAME 14-YEAR-OLD BOYS.
Okay, so we ordered everything but the sink. You may want to watch what you say about it because we might just eat you too.
1. SCAFFOLDING, STREET SIGNS, LAMP POSTS, MONKEY BARS AND ANY OTHER MOUNTABLE STRUCTURES ARE TO POLE DANCERS AS FIRE HYDRANTS ARE TO DOGS.
Just take the damn picture.
Before you start wondering what you may have just gotten yourself into, know that the discipline of pole practice fosters fierce loyalty and a commitment to excellence that’s as exhaustive as our collection of sparkly shorts and stilettos.
I don’t think I even have to bring up the obvious that pole dancers are wholly in touch with their bodies and are completely confident in their sensuality. No matter their age, polers are at the best shape of their lives. They’re less likely clingy and are insanely happy people always raring to go on any adventure with you. Don’t let your masculinity be offended if she carries two of those 5-gallon bottles up a flight of stairs without breaking a sweat. Celebrate her strength and independence and know that she will stand by you to the best of her ability.
Training solo in Saudi Arabia – author’s own
When in Manila, try out a pole dance class yourself. Join the local pole community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/193985280734576/ and find a studio near you!
Read our other pole dancing articles here:
Start the Summer with Pole Dancing Lessons
Stardanz Fitness Studio Provides Fitness and Fun with Pole Dancing
Pole Academy Philippines: Pole Class at the Fort
11 Truths On Dating A Pole Dancer
