Thank You Performers

After my pole studio's recent performance night I sat down and wrote a letter of thanks to all the polers who performed.

I get so much out of positive feedback that I wanted to share with those who performed how I felt sitting there watching them as an audience member. Having the added insight of being a fellow performer I also wanted to convey that I understood where they were coming from as well. I understand the self doubt, the nerves, and the excitement, and these can be wonderful experiences that lead to growth on a physical, psychological, and emotional level too. 

Basically it's a letter of appreciation for what they did, where they're at, and who they are becoming.

I don't know them all, not by a long shot, but I am so proud of them regardless. I'm proud of their courage, their talent, and the growth I see happening on a week by week basis. 

The only way is up, right... or in pole terms upside down.

Deb... xox

Basking in the delicious afterglow of another successful performance night to celebrate our achievements over the past two terms.

My favourite bits are always the stuff ups. I love that we smile, laugh, shrug and just keep on going, catching up with the rest in our own way.

I love the subtle cover ups, the obvious laughter, the looks that screams "Oops", and the returned smiles of encouragement from the other dancers.

Everyone did awesome. The nerves, the shy smiles, the peeks into the crowd, the grins and sheer relief sighs at the routines end, I love watching it all.

My throat is sore from screaming, I broke my whistle (sticking my fingers in my mouth and blowing), my hands are clapped raw. I was having a party for one sitting in awe watching everyone nail their things, or not, it didn't matter.

For me performance night is a celebration of what we do, of who we are, and of where we're going. I see such a diverse group of women who believe in themselves, some unshakingly, and some who are just becoming aware of it. It's powerful, it's motivating, it just screams sisterhood and pole love. It moves me in a way that's hard to explain, but I love it and I admire each and every woman who crosses that threshold and takes their own personal leap of faith.

I am so incredibly proud to be part of this community, and I will continue to honour it and write/blog/speak proudly of it, in defence of it and in praise of it.

I'm so motivated for my next level, and cannot wait to see everyone's progression on their pole journey next performance night in 11 weeks and 6 days... but who's counting, right!

Love you guys lots, even if I don't know you personally I do watch, peek, and frequently pick my jaw up off the floor at the stuff you do and the things you accomplish, especially the newbies because you guys are the brave ones... you've started, kept coming back, and have become part of a unique community. More importantly it means one more of us and one less of them.

Most of the performers - 16 May 2015