If I could go back in time to my very first pole class — nervous, awkward, and sweating before I even touched the pole — I’d give myself a huge hug.
And then I’d hand over this list.
Because here’s the truth: pole dancing is a wild, wonderful ride, but it doesn’t always start out glamorous. It’s messy, it’s humbling, and it’s one of the best things you’ll ever do for yourself.
So if you’re just starting out (or thinking about it), here are five things I wish someone had told me when I began:
1. Everyone feels awkward at the start
Every. Single. Person.
I don’t care how graceful or confident someone looks now — at some point, they were flailing around trying to figure out where to put their hands and why their legs refused to grip anything. It’s just part of the process.
Your body is learning a completely new language.
At first, nothing makes sense. But if you stick with it, your body starts to understand. You stop overthinking every move. You start flowing. One day you’ll look back and realize you’ve become the person you used to be intimidated by.
So if you feel clumsy, uncoordinated, or like you’re “bad” at it? Congratulations. You’re doing it right.
2. You don’t have to be “fit” to start
This is a myth that needs to die immediately.
You don’t get strong before pole — you get strong because of pole.
You don’t need abs, insane upper body strength, or gymnastic-level flexibility to walk into your first class. You just need curiosity and a little courage.
Pole is for all bodies. All ages. All fitness levels.
Your current body — right now, exactly as it is — is capable of incredible things. You’ll be amazed how quickly you build strength, confidence, and stamina just by showing up consistently.
And those tiny wins? Your first climb, your first spin, your first baby invert? They’ll feel bigger and more satisfying than any “perfect” gym workout ever could.
3. You’ll make friends for life
There’s something about learning pole that bonds people together in a way nothing else quite does.
Maybe it’s the shared vulnerability of doing something so outside your comfort zone. Maybe it’s the collective celebration when someone nails a move they’ve been working on for months. Maybe it’s the way we all hype each other up like we’re auditioning for “Australia's Next Top Cheerleader.”
Whatever it is, it’s magic.
Some of my closest friendships started on the pole room floor — sweaty, laughing, bruised, and encouraging each other to “just try one more time.”
Pole studios are special places. They’re full of people who get it. People who will celebrate you at every stage, from your first shaky climb to your first perfect deadlift.
Don’t be surprised if your pole class turns into your chosen family.
4. Your clothes matter (more than you think)
I’ll admit it — when I first started, I was shy about showing skin. It felt vulnerable. Plus, I thought, “I’m just here to learn, not look cute.”
But the thing is, pole isn’t just about aesthetics.
You need skin out to grip the pole.
Your thighs, your sides, your knees — they’re tools. If you’re covered up, you’ll slip, slide, and struggle way more than you need to. And honestly? Fighting your outfit mid-spin isn’t fun or cute.
Investing in good polewear — clothes that fit properly, stay put, and let you move — makes a huge difference.
You’ll feel more secure. You’ll move more confidently. And yeah, you’ll look amazing doing it.
(And if you’re looking for the good stuff? Hi, welcome to Pole Closet. You’re in the right place.)
5. It’s okay to take up space
One of the most beautiful things about pole is how it teaches you to own your space.
At first, you might feel self-conscious. You’ll want to shrink, to tuck yourself away in a corner, to make yourself smaller.
Don’t.
Pole dancing is a rebellion against that urge. It asks you to be big. Loud. Unapologetic. It invites you to take up space with your body, your energy, your presence.
And the more you do it — the more you practice owning your movement and celebrating your wins — the more that confidence bleeds into the rest of your life.
You’ll stand taller outside the studio.
You’ll speak up more.
You’ll realize you’re capable of way more than you thought — both on and off the pole.
And it all starts with one shaky spin, one uncoordinated climb, one body roll that doesn’t quite roll yet.
That’s where the magic begins.
So if you’re thinking about trying pole, or if you’re just starting out, let me be the one to say:
You’re already enough. You’re already strong. You’re already a pole dancer.
Welcome to the family. We’re so freaking happy you’re here. ✨
