Months sped by as I binged on videos of super-toned women who would carefully hoist their taut bodies upwards, wrapped around a chrome pole. Folding and twisting themselves in the air like floating contortionists, using their physical strength in ways I’d never have imagined. They performed such daring tricks, spins and plunges, I was utterly pulled in by how easy they made it look.
Until I tried it myself.
In my attempt to find something new to help me get back into shape and possibly learn a new skill, I finally reached out to Windhoek pole instructor Laurisha Lowings and signed up for three months worth of pole dancing classes.
I wasn’t all that nervous walking into the Hot Project Fitness studio, at first. I had no idea what to expect, but I already pictured myself spinning around like some kind of pro.
Long story short, I’ve never walked out of a class wanting to quit something as quickly as I’d joined it, and I usually give myself at least a three months trial period for any activity.
I got home after what was a very challenging class, and in no less than two hours, my decidedly unfit body started to complain – cramps, stiffness and the skin on my forearm was slightly bruised from contact with the pole.
It hurt.
But I’ll be honest, roughly six months later and I don’t plan on quitting any time soon. I mentally give myself one of those Grade 1 gold stars after completing a spin, and it gets better every single time.
Namibia currently has two pole dancing studios, The Hot Project Fitness Sudio in Windhoek, run by Lowings, and Pole Dance Fitness in Swakopmund run by Sonja Keil.
Lowings started out as pilates instructor and Keil studied drama and dance and also has experience in personal and group fitness training and yoga. They both were looking to add something new and exciting to their fitness routines and took up pole dancing in South Africa. They admit to falling in love with it and being eager to teach pole dancing to others in Namibia.
Lowings says pole fitness “combines cardio, stretching, flexibility and strength training all in one fun routine”, while Keil adds that while pole fitness increases your strength and flexibility, it additionally burns fat and tones and builds muscle definition.
“It crafts every part of your body as you control spins, execute tricks and perform a routine – all while building on your muscle strength in a unique and engaging way,” Keil says.
Combining art and fitness, Lowings says pole dancing allows you to use self-expression and dance in your exercise routine.
“Unfortunately the world is still stuck with the typical stereotypes purported by American movies when one mentions pole dancing,” Keil says.
When dealing with ignorant comments (and jokes), Keil says it’s best to ignore them because people have no idea what your body is capable of.
Sharing similar sentiments, Lowings also prefers to focus on the positive feedback. “The initial reaction on people’s faces when I say I am a pole dancing instructor is priceless. People joke a lot, but luckily I have never had any rude comments.”
Lowings says pole dancing does not make you a stripper, even though it is associated with erotica. “We are trying to change that perception, one pole enthusiast at a time.”
In an article published on The Daily Dot, the issue of tension between pole dancers and strippers and how the former prefer to distance themselves from stripping was brought up.
Even though the origins of pole dancing are rooted in exotic dancing and erotica, there are many facets to pole dancing today, which should all be respected.
After several classes your perception of pole dancing shifts to a space where you start to appreciate your body for its strength and capabilities and not just the look. No body shaming allowed.
The Hot Project Fitness Studio has women aged between 20 and 55 in their classes and men have also signed up for introductory classes.
“I started pole fit in 2016, and I’ve never looked back,” says Nicole Bothma, a pole dancing student at Hot Project.
“Initially I started to support my friend with her start-up studio, and I fell in love with the sport immediately. Pole fit has not only improved my strength and determination, it’s also improved my self-confidence. I know that I’m not the best at pole fit, by far, but with each class, I am better than I was the previous class. This desire to get a trick right drives me, it keeps me coming back for more.”
Still in shock that they were the first Namibians to take part in this event and win, Keil describes the journey as “absolutely amazing!”
“Preparing for the Pole Art SA competition took a lot of training, pain, tears, frustration, muscle rubs, epsom salt baths and massages, but I would do it all again,” she says.
After opening her studio in September 2016, Keil began training Taylor.
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