In some worlds, the words plus-size and pole dancer are rarely ever in the same sentence. With-in my world, that statement is far from true.
My name is D’Jenaiya Bowser and I am a pole dancer as well as a plus-size woman. It is unfortunate that society regularly demonizes bigger bodies. It is also no surprise that due to stereotypes and misconceptions regarding plus-bodies, there are many people who would never consider plus-size bodies capable of pole dancing.
Here Is The Truth
I’m here to tell you that pole dance is for everybody. When I started pole dancing, about a year ago, nervous would have been an understatement. I was intimidated by the skill and technique of the other women, and so I convinced myself that I would never be able to do any of it.
Practice Makes Perfect
That is, until I was. I never thought I would be able to climb the pole, until I got to the top. I never
thought I would be able to dance in 7-inch heels, until they became my preferred method of
dancing – now I feel odd without them. I never thought that I would be able to invert (that is,
go upside down) and hold myself there, until I was doing pole combinations that were
completely inverted.
Anything You Can Do I Can Do – Mentality
Were there challenges? Yes. Were there tricks that may have been harder for me that came
easier to a smaller person? Possibly (I’m not a Doctor nor a Physicist). But, I’ve come to realize
that everything is relative, and that there are tricks that you will love and will work for your body.
You would be amazed what you can do when you give yourself the freedom to try.
Don’t Take My Word For It
If you need further encouragement, look no further than Roz “The Diva” Mays, a plus-size
pole dancer re-imagining what it means to pole right before our eyes. She and many others in
the sport are actively working to make it a more inclusive and welcoming environment for every
person.
Go Find A Pole
Pole dancer are strong, confident people (yes, men and non-binary people pole too!) who are capable of literally reaching new heights. So, if you feel like you cannot pole because it’s ‘not for people like you,’ I challenge you to reconsider. I know there is nothing further from the truth!
This is so inspirational!!
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