People, Pole & Polepeople

The train was cold, and I sat there, huddled in my coat, physically tired out after a strenuous trapeze class, thinking surely it was about time I just let go. The weight of the past, the limitations under which I have forced myself to operate, all of the shit needs to be released. I stretched my legs, wiggled my freezing toes and felt the present moment ebb and flow around me; the sensation that the slate had been wiped clean. I hoped it would last.

Monday was a good day. Firstly, the steady stream of goodwill messages, emails and comments received since last Friday’s admission have dented the shell of withdrawal. Secondly, I spent much of the afternoon in conversation with Alison of Polepeople, and felt entirely simpatico with her. And thirdly, in spite of the cold and the dark and the general desire to hibernate, I pitched up to trapeze class and worked hard, noting an improvement in my strength and ability. I left with sore hands, palms rubbed raw by the bar and the ropes, and a bruise the width of my lower back; a good workout.

Lunch was a revelation. When I met Alison at the Derby meeting a few weeks back, I really enjoyed her company and her outlook. We exchanged emails, she kindly sent me a copy of their DVD to review (which I will get around to, promise), invited me to their Christmas party (with the offer of performing, too – shame I had that chest infection that week), and we agreed to meet for coffee and chat.

As director of one of London’s most established and largest pole dance schools, I was keen to hear Alison’s ‘philosophy of pole’, and she did not disappoint. Polepeople was one of the first pole dance schools in the UK and has been around for a good four years. During that time, they have grown steadily and, in my opinion, this is predominantly due to the professionalism and sound business sense that lie at the heart of all they do. It was a joy to hear Alison discuss the business of pole in such a businesslike manner, something that can be lacking in an industry where people go into business because they love what they do, rather than because they love business. But as Alison's knowledge of the industry and her understanding of it were also impressive, it is clear she loves her pole, so much in fact, that she left a career in Television to set up Polepeople. As time has marched on, the pole industry has diversified, with distinct sectors, such as pole fitness, pole dance as dance, and empowerment/sensuality focussed exotic pole dance. We discussed the approach and merits of each, and how Polepeople straddles many of them, ensuring all instructors have fitness and dance qualifications, as well as performance experience, and teaching a range of classes that incorporate both exotic and fitness styles. They run courses at all levels at an impressive number of venues across the capital and have a busy dance agency to boot. If you’re London–based and fancy a bit of pole action, Polepeople is a great place to start.

Before I knew it, nearly two hours had passed and it was getting dark. I hotfooted it back to the office, head full of interesting thoughts and ideas, and determined to take up Alison’s offer to attend one of their Wednesday open classes in the New Year.

Of course, so much chatting is exhausting, so when the time came for trapeze class, I just wanted a sofa and a hot meal. But I went along, practised my evil conditioning exercises, my beats (where you swing your body on the trapeze to create momentum), and some tricks, and came home feeling tired but useful. I have no idea how I will ever make it into an intermediate class, but maybe I can at least be a reasonable beginner.

Tuesday passed in a haze of aching muscles and pink silk knickers as I found myself in the newly-opened local TK Maxx. Hot pink silk satin knickers for £3.99. Who could resist? Not me.

And Wednesday evening was pole class. The muscles were still a bit stiff and achy but of course, I went along anyway and stuck to my pole pals from week one for dear life! One is a trained ballerina and the other a lapsed dancer/acrobat. Both are lovely – friendly, warm, supportive, amusing. And although my sweaty palms are still plaguing me, I did okay. The club, being a nude table dancing establishment, is rather warm anyway, so someone as unfit as me does work up a bit of a sweat, so when Elena announced we’d be practising our shoulder mounts, I was a bit nervous. It’s probably a good six months since I’ve even attempted it, and it could be a bit hit and miss, but using Elena’s technique, which is a little different to that I’d been previously taught, I was straight up there. And chuffed with myself, too. We also worked on a move that I consider one of Elena’s trademarks, the Hip Hold. Imagine lying on your back on the floor, in the splits; one leg extended along the floor, one leg over your head, and one arm holding the leg that’s over the head. Okay, now imagine doing that halfway up a pole, horizontal, with the pole gripped between the thigh and the waist (there’s a picture of Sam doing it here). Yes, tricky. But I’m nearly there – I can get into the position, but I’m sliding down the pole.

I also tried the Star, where you’re upside down, in a star jump position, and the pole is gripped by the left thigh and behind the left armpit. In the past, I’ve just about managed it, and it’s burned my thigh like hell, but last night, it was actually quite comfortable. Of course, I realise to the non-poler, this sounds like extreme madness, but I was delighted, realising that I am getting stronger again and getting back in shape. At the end of class, when I spoke to Elena about continuing with her next year (I’d love to but I doubt I can afford it), she suggested I go into Level 6 because I am so strong. I can’t tell you what a buzz it was to hear a world champion pole dancer say that to me.

So, despite being shattered, having a fat arse and a period, I’m in a pretty good mood. Of course, the material facts of life haven’t changed, but just for today, I’m going to enjoy the moment and face the bleakness tomorrow. Or may be the day after.

* If any polers have pics of these moves, I'll happily upload them.