elbow grip and em dash

at the intersection of pole dance and writing

On writing and finding time

Sometimes it all feels like too much: A full-time job. Teaching two pole classes a week. Subbing classes. Taking classes. Preparing for a competition. Running. Physical therapy. The many books I want to read. A blog that doesn’t write itself. An unfinished novel that reminds me constantly what an imposter I am. Twelve months ago,…

This time will be different: PSO Northeast 2022

I’m competing in November. In some ways, it feels like a first, though it’s not. I’ve competed twice before. Yet I’m not proud of those performances, and that’s a horrible feeling. I love pole—and have nothing to show for it. Hello ego, my old friend. I competed for the first time at PSO Northeast in…

Pole dance, pain tolerance, and privilege

My physical therapist once said to me, “You have a really high tolerance for pain.” I was lying on my back on her treatment table as she kneaded a stainless steel scraping tool into my shoulder. As she worked, she implored, “Just let me know if this is too much.” I was at her clinic…

I don’t feel sexy when I pole dance

Sure, I can perform it. But I don’t feel it. And I’m wondering: Is there a difference? People start pole for different reasons. Some are drawn in by the crazy athletic feats; others want to find a home within their bodies, which means getting in touch with their sexy side. And others still may not…

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