How Pole Dancing Promotes Body Positivity and Self-Love
Our bodies deserve a lot of gratitude. They get us from point A to point B, they provide comfort to loved ones with a hug after a hard day, and they help us express our creativity through movement. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to practice radical self-love. Accepting our bodies takes work – work made easier by building a diverse community of like-minded individuals.
Pole dancing welcomes everyone. It is an art form, a creative outlet, and a rigorous physical activity. Among the benefits of pole dancing are improved mental health, stress relief, and increased confidence. Pole dancing promotes Body Positivity and will guide you along your journey to self-love.
What Is Body Positivity?
Body Positivity is a social movement that advocates the acceptance of all bodies regardless of size, shape, skin color, and physical ability.
The origins of body positivity reach back to the 1960s and the Fat Rights Movement. Then and now, activists champion Fat Acceptance, Liberation, and equal rights in all areas. The internet was another stepping stone in the Body Positivity movement. Individuals connected through social media to engage with body acceptance as a radical act. Thus, Body Positivity was born.
Body Positivity is best understood through an intersectional lens. We must acknowledge the achievements and unique difficulties of fat women, women of color, and people with disabilities. Body Positivity must be contextualized alongside the greater goal of equal rights for all.
Benefits of Pole Dancing for Body Positivity
Body image influences mental health and well-being. Body Positivity is one of many movements that seeks to improve our relationship with our bodies. Reconnecting with the physicality of your body is one way to develop a healthier relationship with it.
The benefits of physical activity on your mental and physical health are well-documented. Exercise gives you more energy to take care of yourself. When you engage in regular physical activity, you become more attune to your body’s needs – focusing on what makes you feel healthy instead of how your body looks.
Pole dancing combines physical activity with creativity. Pole dancing is a full-body workout: it engages your arms, shoulders, core, and legs. Pole dancing requires flexibility and concentration, so it’s a great way to rest and reset. Working on choreography for your routine will also engage your creative muscles!
Getting Started on Your Body Positive Pole Dancing Journey
Getting started on your journey toward body positivity through pole dancing can be as easy as an internet search! Look for pole dancing classes in your local community to connect with other pole enthusiasts or search for online classes to get you started with the basics. You’re sure to find classes to take either remotely or with a studio near you that fit your style and skill level.
Once you’ve found your pole community, it’s time to dress the part! Pole dancing shoes can help make your tricks look even more impressive. They also provide practical stability on the floor and act as a counterweight for spins.
Beginner pole dancers will benefit from boots like the Adore-1020 featuring a 7”, the recommended height for those new to pole dancing. Boots help keep your ankles sturdy and protect your toes during floor work. More advanced pole dancers should check out the Flamingo silhouette. Available in many colors, this style features 8” heels and 4” platforms. The platforms on Pleaser Shoes are just one of the benefits of our high-quality heels. They are sturdy and made with angled fronts to make it easier to distribute your weight for balance and stability.
