Progress Not Perfection

Many women start their journey with Aerial Dance excited and nervous to see what poling holds for them, Everyone starts in the beginners class and advance as they are ready. Here is where the trouble begins, as classes continue the moves, spins, and tricks get more difficult and students can become discouraged and give up.  There are many reasons behind why they may feel this way, not perfecting every move, they are not building strength fast enough, or they feel like they just aren’t good enough.
The beauty of pole is that it is not something that needs to be perfected in the first weeks, months, or years that you are taking pole classes. You are in control of your pole journey. Some women take pole solely for exercise, some a hobby that brings them closer to other strong independent women, or there are women who are looking to take their poling to a next level by competing in competitions.
When you participate pole you are building new friendships and a whole new pole family. Pole is just an exercise you do, it is a community you join. Everyone who attends Aerial Dance is there because they are looking to become a better version of themselves, re-establish that sense of strength that may have been torn away, or to find a path to who they are or want to become.
I have been a student at  Aerial Dance for over two years now. I used to be that girl in a beginner class thinking how on earth is my body ever going to be able with stand this pain or even come close to bending like that? The amazing thing about the human body is it’s ability for muscles to memorize movements and the minds ability to over come pain.
Throughout my journey I have had my struggles and my triumphs. When I am down and feel defeated, the ladies I take classes with help to remind me to reflect on how far I have come. I may not be able to perform all the moves and tricks, but I have grown so much in the past two years, not only in pole, but as a woman. Taking pole has made me a more confident person. Before, I never stuck with anything I would try. I would just give up after my first failed attempt. I was afraid to be judged and failing in general. Now when I look at myself in the studio mirrors I am proud of the woman I have become.
 
I would like to share with you a part of my journey. This Winter/Spring Advanced Classes learned how to Outside Leg Hang Climb – to Tinkerbell – with an Aerial Invert at the top – to chopper if you are able to. The first video is from April 25, 2016, this was the first time I was able Aerial Invert. It was very sloppy, but I DID IT!!!!! The second video is from July 19th, 2016, my invert is much cleaner and I am able to climb up much faster!
 

 
I still have a lot to work on. I need to strengthen my pelvic tuck so my chopper at the top of my climb does not weeble wobble so much. It is not perfect, but it is my progress and I am so proud of how far I have come!
 
Remember you are working towards PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION!
 
Until Next Time,
Janelle