Towards the end of 2018, I have an itching to try some more new things from climbing trails to learning new makeup tricks to going to new cities. One thing I wanted to try is pole dancing. I have seen more and more women trying pole dancing as a form of exercise. I had so many questions. Does it work? Is it just a time for women to play “sexy”? Will it help with my anxiety?

When one thinks pole dancing, one thinks strippers. When one thinks strippers, one thinks a lot of young women with “daddy issues.” My identity does not have any of those adjectives. However, I am a sexual person. I am comfortable in my sexual identity, and I am the friend that one can talk to about their sexual frustrations. So why not, pole dancing exercise? Well, I saw a video about S Factor and their female empowerment approach, and I was pleased to learn that they have a studio in the North Beach area of San Francisco.

I reached out the S Factor, and they were more than generous with their time and resources. I attended my first class on a Thursday night. I must say, I took my introduction class while on my period and I could not reschedule as I committed to them.

Therefore I went into class, a little sore, a little self-conscious and a bit scared of the pole. The class was intimate and had only two other women. The lighting was dim, and hip-hop music was playing softly in the background. The playlist had a bit of Beyonce and Drake. The class began with some stretches. Then our instructor had us do some hip movements while laying on the floor. We were encouraged to touch our inner things, our chest, to give thanks to our incredible bodies, to acknowledge the strength. Then we went to the pole. We were all taught one movement.

The movement was a simple walk around the pole, then put your left leg around the pole, followed by your right and just spin around. Simple, right? Every time I did it, my body reacted like I was falling and wanted to keep catching itself. I was the only one in the class that did not get it. However, the class was supportive, and it did not matter if I made a move or not. We then finished the class learning a simple dance routine while looking at ourselves in the mirrors.

Finally, the two instructors performed for us. They climb to the top of the pole and did spins, and just allowed their bodies to go along with the music.

S Factor taught me a few things. One, it’s okay to feel sexy. Sexy does not mean slutty. Two, my body isn’t as flexible as I thought. Three, I need to acknowledge the wonders of my body more.

With 2019 one month done, I want to continue to conquer the pole. I cannot wait for my next S Factor class.