On a warm Tuesday night in August , a week after I arrived in South Korea, I went to JK Dance Studio with a friend, not knowing how much it would change my life.
My first pole dancing class was a trial class and it was one of the most difficult things ever. I tried to do a couple of spins, but they all ended up with me falling on the floor laughing. However, for some reason I decided to sign a 2 month contract that night(and renewed it for another month after it ended) which it ended up being the best decision I made while in Seoul
I woke up at 10:30 A.M. every Saturday and Sunday to make it to my class at 12 P.M. There were four of us in the class, and our instructor was one of the nicest person I met in Seoul. Even though there was a language barrier between my instructor and I, a couple of my classmates (or a better term would be pole sisters) would help translate. We all became really close in the time we spent together and I am so glad I was able to meet such a great group of women!
Every class started with a warm-up which included a lot of stretching, abs, thighs, arms, legs and butt exercises. Of course, this was important for pole fitness, but all I remember is laughing with my pole sisters as we try to push our way through the exercises even though we were all exhausted. Every class there was a new trick to learn. In the 3 and a half month of classes, I went from barely being able to climb on the pole to flipping upside down. Our instructor would show us a move on the pole and we would do our best to try to copy it. There were a couple a tricks that took me a few classes to master, but every trick I learned made me feel so much more accomplished.
The best memory I have from there was the winter dance show. I was so happy to be able to perform and to watch other talented people perform as well. Unfortunately, this was a bittersweet moment because it was the last time I would see everyone since I was leaving Seoul a week later. Saying good-bye to everyone was the hardest part. I got to know so many amazing people at the studio and I never wanted to leave them.
Ever since I started my pole classes I have felt stronger, more confident, beautiful and healthier. I was more than happy to sacrifice part of my weekend to the classes to get the best full-body workout of my life. I encourage everyone to try pole dancing class. You never know, you just may love it.