Miss May 2012:  Lauren

Occupation: Business / IT Consultant – I help clients organize their data. Super exciting.

Your motto:   Laughing makes everything better. So does Macaroni and Cheese.

How long have you been pole dancing at Divine? 1 year

Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole? I’ve always loved to dance but was too scared to try anything formally. My friends always make fun of me because I’m way more into the music at clubs than everyone else. Apparently the hair flip is my signature move. It can get a little awkward. As for previous fitness training, I’ve lifted weights since high school and have perfected the art of pretending to do cardio.

What made you decide to take pole dancing classes? I had just moved to Seattle and looking to try something new when I saw the Groupon for the 1-day Pole Workshop. I thought it’d be a good way to be a part of a welcoming, friendly community that also loves to dance!

Favorite class? (spins, inversions, or boudoir), and why?  I’m a boudoir bunny all the way. I love learning new spins to use in my dancing but ultimately I just end up writhing on the floor. One of the instructors told me I had “an excellent sense of public solitude.” I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing but I know that when I’m dancing in boudoir I feel like my mind steps away for a second and lets my body and my heart lead, which NEVER happens in every day life. This is why I always feel so disoriented and self-conscious when a song ends; it’s like I can’t remember what just happened in the last 4 minutes.

What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine?  I’ve spent a lot of time being grouchy in life and dancing at Divine makes me HAPPY. It’s such a supportive environment and I love watching my fellow dancers grow and push their limits. Seeing what some of the women are able to do in class, motivates me to work harder both in and out of the studio. Also, that rush of adrenaline that you don’t realize is pulsing through you until after finishing a song is so addicting that I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stop dancing at Divine.

Platforms or legwarmers? Legwarmers – when I remember to put them on. I’m usually about half way through a song when I realize sliding across the floor would be much less painful if I had remembered to put on my legwarmers.

What are you currently working on technically? Strength, strength, strength. Also flexibility. There are so many spins that would like much more polished if only my abs or arms were a little stronger or my legs could stretch a little straighter. I’m still working on building all of those core muscle groups that are integral in pole.

What are you working on artistically?  Maintaining that sense of public solitude while not hurting myself. Sometimes I get so detached that I lose track of where I am or what my body is capable of. It’s a miracle I haven’t given myself a concussion or pulled a muscle yet.

Do you have a favorite song to pole dance to?  I’ve been on this bizarre country music kick. I love songs that go between slow and fast so I can sneak attack myself with different speeds. I guess I’ve found a lot of country songs that do that. Jake Owen’s ‘Alone with You’ is great for that, also Eric Church’s ‘Springsteen’.

We LOVE music at Divine. What 3 songs would be featured on the soundtrack to YOUR life?
1.  Wilco - Jesus, Etc

2.  Neil Young – Don’t let it bring you down
3.  Old Crow Medicine Show – Wagon Wheel

(4. Modest Mouse – Missed the Boat 5. Hugo – 99 Problems 6. Any song played in Dirty Dancing)

Guilty pleasure:  Junk food. And pictures of baby animals. And shoes.

Final Question:
Any inspirational advice you would like to share with new polers?  Don’t ever compare yourself to anyone else in the studio. This is your own personal journey and everyone is at a different place, going a different pace. Wherever you are, however fast you’re going, is perfectly right for you.

Miss April 2012:  Alena

Occupation:  Software Engineer Test Lead

Your motto:  Anything PINK and If I think I can’t, then I MUST!

How long have you been pole dancing at Divine?  2 years

Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole?  I have never had any dancing experience before.

What made you decide to take pole dancing classes?  I have always wanted to learn how to pole dance, but just did not know where to begin and if any pole dances schools even exist. My very good friend Anna and we always talked and talked and joked that we should learn and take classes as it was one of our dreams in life to accomplish and learn the art of pole dancing. I finally decide to stop dreaming and took the initiative and that very same day I began researching on pole dancing to see if there were any such things as classes that teach pole dancing in the Seattle area. I found Divine Movements and after researching it more deeply, I knew this is the place I wanted to learn from. I felt like Divine will not only help me learn the art of pole dancing including all the tricks but more importantly I felt like this school will help me bring my confidence and true beauty out.

Favorite class? (spins, inversions, or boudoir), and why?  Honestly, I loved all of the classes I ever attended since day 1, but right now I attend Advanced Spins and Inversions classes and I love them both because I get to learn new moves in both classes. They are both different and both exciting me to be in!

What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine?   The atmosphere is friendly and respectful and the environment makes me very comfortable and safe and more importantly I love the feeling of being part of the family!  I also love the encouragements that I always get from all of the instructors to be more confident, beautiful and sexy.

Platforms or legwarmers?  Definitely legwarmers. I feel cozier and more comfortable when I dance in legwarmers. I can explore the floor in the room more when I freestyle in legwarmers. I love platforms too but I guess I just never took the time to practice to feel comfortable dancing in them.

What are you currently working on technically?   I’m trying to improve my inversions and pole holds so that I can start using those tricks in my freestyle more often. I’m also working on my splits. Without them, I’m missing out on some of the tricks I could start learning and I feel like some of the moves I already know are hard for me to execute without being flexible enough.

What are you working on artistically?  Relax more, stop thinking about outside world when I come to the class. Start enjoying myself when I dance more often and stop wondering what others think of my dancing and me.

Do you have a favorite song to pole dance to?  Massive Attack – Paradise Circus Or Freestylers – Cracks

We LOVE music at Divine. What 3 songs would be featured on the soundtrack to YOUR life?  Pick only 3 songs? Impossible!

1. Nichole Alden – Baby Now
2. Christina Aguilera – You Lost me

3. Nichole Alden – Home

4. David Guetta ft. MAKEBA – If We Ever
5. Kings Of Leon – Closer

6. Imogen Heap – Hide and Seek (Enigma Remix)

Guilty pleasure:  Pizza, Mimosas, Cheese, and sleeping in on the weekends.

Final Question:
Any inspirational advice you would like to share with new polers?  You can do it! Just take that the first step and I guarantee you will never regret it or look back! Your will change your life and your lifestyle as it will promote not only fitness but mental challenges and we can all use that in our lives and you will get addicted to dancing J.  Be patient with yourself and give your body time to learn you will soon discover how your favorite songs will come to life and sound different when you make it come alive through your body. It feels so good to express every song you love through your body! And always remember to shut your brain off when you dance and never worry about what everyone else is doing or if anybody is looking at you!

Remember that old saying,

Sing like no one is listening and the biggest

Dance like no one is watching!

Miss March 2012:  Heather

Miss February 2012:  Beth

Occupation:  Sales Executive

Your motto: Yes, you can!

How long have you been pole dancing at Divine? March 2011.  It all started with the 1-Day Pole Workshop and the rest has been Divine (so to speak).

Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole?  Dance?–Not!  I have always been athletic and did various sports as a kid (gymnastics, swimming, softball, snow and water skiing).  As an adult I dabbled here and there with the occasional gym membership, snowboarding, and wake-boarding,  Then came two kids, though I was probably in the best “gym” shape of my life for the births of both my boys, but that was 7 and 9 years ago.   This past year has been a revival of getting moving again with pole, stair-climbs and fun runs.

What made you decide to take pole dancing classes?  I needed something to shake up the day-to-day routine, and what better than doing something considered a little racy. A girlfriend and I decided it would be fun to try it together.  We knew that if we flopped, at least we would have something to laugh about for years to come.  What was so surprising is that you really can’t flop; the teachers are incredibly supportive and continue to remind us that we all have our own unique way of moving.

Favorite class? (spins, inversions, or boudoir), and why? 
That’s like asking me if I prefer vodka or wine…LOL.  Pole for me is strength and physical power, garnished with sensuality.  Boudoir is pure richness with varying bursts of flavor.  I currently feel more comfortable in spins because I can be consistently strong, and therefore experience fairly consistent successes.  Since I am so much in my head, Boudoir is a real challenge.  I really like how it pushes me as a person.  The rewards are fewer, but when they come they are indescribable.

I used to ride horses, and was really into dressage, which focuses focuses on precision and ease of movement.  I would get so into my head trying to figure it all out that we would become a mess.  To give us a break I would take some jumping lessons.  I discovered that what I learned in Dressage made me a solid jumper which build my confidence.   When I went back to Dressage, I was relaxed and ready to go again.

I see similarities with my dance at Divine — Boudoir helps me relax for pole, and pole to gives me confidence for Boudoir.

What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine? 
The gym is just boring.  With a stair-climb  or a fun-runs there is an end goal.  With pole once I accomplish one goal, the next challenge is right there waiting for me.  I love that.  It keeps me coming back.  I also love how that sexy confidence leaves the studio with me, and pops-up throughout the week.     

Platforms or legwarmers?  Legwarmers are a comfy sofa, platforms are that occasional fun night out.  When I do wear my platforms they can can do one of two things, make me fierce or make me frightened.  I find they both help me with my dance.  I am sure you get the fierce part, but frightened of falling makes me slow down and forces me to be dainty in my landings.

What are you currently working on technically?
Making my basic spins strong and pretty.  Proud to say that this month I will also be working on advanced spins & inversions.  I just got cleared for my next challenges!!!

What are you working on artistically?  Moving, I am neither graceful nor flexible.

Do you have a favorite song to pole dance to? 
I have not found my favorite song, but just danced to Michael Jackson’s Dirty Diana, and loved it.  I good change from the ”prettier” songs that I normally get into.

We LOVE music at Divine. What 3 songs would be featured on the soundtrack to YOUR life?  
1. I Will Die For You –Prince (or is it the Artist formerly known as Prince…wish he whould make up his mind)

2. Radio Free Europe–REM

3. Historia de Taxi–Ricardo Arjona

Guilty pleasure: 
Me time.  (Those of you with kids know what I am talking about)

This can come in many forms:

• Divine–Its my little escape from the rest of the world, and I get to feel sexy even though I don’t normally see myself that way.  And not many people know that I am doing it, so its still my dirty little secret.
• TV–Big Bang Theory, Gray’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Parenthood, So You Think You can Dance, and dare I say it….yes, Glee.
• A late night out with friends, on a weeknight.

Valentines Day – Are you a lover, or a hater?  Lover.  I don’t have the time, nor the energy, to be a hater.

Final Question: 
Any inspirational advice you would like to share with new polers? 
It is the same advice that I have to give myself every time I walk into the studio…Just let go, and don’t worry about what it looks like to others.

I am not a dancer, and dancing does not come natural to me.  So for me some days have to be ”technical” days, and I think about every movement, which helps me commit them to memory.   But the real fun comes when I just let go and those moves that were once so contrived just flow without thinking about them.

Miss January 2012:  Kira

Occupation: Author, artist, dog trainer.

Your motto:“Champagne and truffles for everyone!”  and “The greatest oak was once just a little nut who held it’s ground.” – Author Unknown.

How long have you been pole dancing at Divine?  I have been a Divine poler bear for a magical year and a half.

Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole?  Absolutely none unless busting loose to ‘Lil Wayne while doing housework counts.  I’m a domestic gangsta.

4.  Marilyn Manson – Last Day On Earth (I cheated and put 4.  This was hard!)

Guilty pleasure(s):Champagne.  And truffles. Oh dear…there seems to be a theme here.  Also, I TiVo anything with a dog in it.  It’s kind of weird.

New Years resolution(s):  More poling!  More champagne! More truffles!

Final Question: Any inspirational advice you would like to share with new polers?
Hang in there! (tee hee!)  Leave your reservations at the door (with your muddy shoes) and dive in…heart first!  We are all here to support each other with our pole journeys.  Have fun, be free and dance with reckless abandon! (unless you are wearing stilettos).

Miss December 2011:  Kären

Occupation: Project Manager

Your motto: “Move on”, beautifully articulated in the Stephen Sondheim song of the same name:

“I chose, and my world was shaken – so what?

The choice may have been mistaken, the choosing was not.

You have to move on.”

How long have you been pole dancing at Divine?  15 months

Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole?  The only formal dance training I have is a year’s worth of ballet when I was four…it was not a good fit. I am told I threw a tantrum on the day of our end of year recital.  After that, just your typical school sports – swimming, netball, soccer – and for the past seven years I’ve been pretty serious about Pilates mat, reformer, and apparatus.

What made you decide to take pole dancing classes?  I’ve always been fascinated by the grace, strength and freedom of aerial arts. When I was a kid I could spend hours spinning around monkey bars or the bike racks outside supermarkets (It was the Eighties. You could leave your kid outside a supermarket back then.) and pole seemed like a grown-up activity that would provide the same exhilaration.

Favorite class? (spins, inversions, or boudoir), and why?  I really can’t choose!  I love the technical aspects of Spins, the physicality of Inversions, and the expressiveness of Boudoir.  I find the classes to be very complementary and that anything I learn in one helps me in the others.

What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine?  There’s plenty I love about pole dancing – the physical challenge, the sense of achievement, the simple joy of moving and appreciating what my body’s capable of – but what I love about dancing *at Divine* is the community of students and teachers.  Having the opportunity to share in each other’s evolution is humbling and inspiring.

Platforms or legwarmers?  I go back and forth…mostly because I keep breaking the straps on my shoes.  Did I mention grace?

What are you currently working on technically?  The spinning Scorpio dismount.  Right now there’s a whole lot of dismount, not a lot of spin.

What are you working on artistically?  “Public solitude”, which for me means letting myself finish each movement without worrying what anyone might think of my execution.

Do you have a favorite song to pole dance to?  “Sail” by AWOLNATION.

We LOVE music at Divine. What 3 songs would be featured on the soundtrack to YOUR life?  So I guess I get a freebie as I already mentioned “Move On”.

1. “Halycon and On and On” by Orbital

2. “I Am The Highway” by Audioslave

3. “It Was A Very Good Year” by Lizzy Parks

Guilty pleasure:  I’ll say “Grease 2” but I really don’t feel guilty about that at all.  Best. Movie Musical. Ever.

We hear you are from Australia! Out of all the other places in the world, why did you choose Seattle to live?  Ah, l’amour – but I stayed for the weather

Final Question: 

Any inspirational advice you would like to share with new polers?  Give yourself permission to play. Opportunities to let go and just enjoy being ourselves are so rare we should grab them whenever we can.

Miss November 2011: Dawn

Occupation: Certified Sign Language Interpreter/ Behavior Tech/ Bouncer

Your motto: ACCEPT SURRENDER BREATH and BALANCE.

How long have you been pole dancing at Divine? I started May of 2010

Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole? I have always taken classes and moved somehow - I have kick boxed, belly danced, yoga, been involved in meditation and drumming groups. Pole has been something that I have made the longest committment to, and that each week I look forward to going. If I miss a class it seems to effect my body and mind till the next class.

What made you decide to take pole dancing classes? A dear friend asked if I wanted to go – Pole sounded fun and challenging. I was at a crossroad in my life , I needed to do something for myself- this seemed out of the box for me.

Favorite class? (Spins, Inversions, or Boudoir), and why? I love Boudoir then Spins. If I take the Boudoir class first I get a chance to get out of my head and let my body warn up. I like Spins because I get my exercise and strength. I have not been able to take an Inversions class due to my schedule. I hope I can incorporate it somehow soon.

What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine? There are so many things. I found a different way to accept myself. After each class I feel calm, energized, sexy, womanly, strong, & confident in myself and my body. The atmosphere is always warm, inviting, and supportive. All the Divine instructors and students are encouraging and fun.

Platforms or legwarmers? Both – I always wear my leg warmers, and love to slide around on the floor, get messy and be comfortable. I’m a high heal challenged kinda girl . The platforms make my legs look fantastic and sexy and help me to climb. So I switch it up according to my mood.

What are you currently working on technically? Trusting myself and building strength. Each class these are skills I really focus on. Being graceful, making climbs and what few spin I have mastered fluid.

What are you working on artistically? Slowing down my body and my mind. Throwing in a bit of fire into my dance and Getting out of my head. Letting go enough to be confident in how my body wants to move. Not thinking about the stresses of the day.

Do you have a favorite song to pole dance to? There are so many, and I feel a connection to so many different types of songs. I’m currently stuck on the following….Hearts a Mess – Gotye, Hometown Glory – Loreleis, Skin – Rihanna, Sail – Awolnation, and always Bloodstream – Stateless.

We LOVE music at Divine. What 3 songs would be featured on the soundtrack to YOUR life?
1. Brick House – Commadores
2. I’m Gonna Be – The Proclaimers
3. She Talks To Angles – Black Crows

Guilty pleasure(s): Any thing with fat & sugar! A hot cup a tea or a class of milk to go with it. Preferably at night when everyone is sleeping, then I don’t have to share.

Any inspirational advice you would like to share with newcomers? DONT GIVE UP! I really is a journey – find your dance, let go of your inhabitions, find the liberation in the movement, connect with the music and your body. Feel the encouragement from the Divine women in the class.

How long have you been pole dancing at Divine?  Since April 2009.

Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole?  I was a singer in musical theater so I had to take classes in ballet, jazz, and hip hop.

Why did you first decide to start taking pole dancing classes?  I really wanted to find a form of exercise that distracted my brain from thinking that it was “exercise”. I wanted to do something physical that engaged both my brain and body in a fun and challenging way. And because Divine combines both pole dancing and pole as a sport it really appealed to me. I wanted to do something that was totally unrelated to work, but still stay active and have a lot of fun doing it.

What kept you coming back for more?  I loved that there were no mirrors in the studio. There was just the low lighting and soft candle light. I didn’t have to look at a mirror and judge my body as it moved. It was as if I was finally given permission to just “be”. There was no one judging me on how I danced. If anything, I remember we were told not to perform. Instead we were taught to let our bodies listen to the music…find the wave…and then move if our bodies felt like it. Everything in my life (especially when I used to perform on stage) has always been so “choreographed.” I’m a total list-maker and planner! So for the first time I didn’t know or plan what my next move was going to be. And it was the most liberating feeling. It’s something that still surprises me to this day!

Favorite class? (spins, inversions, or boudoir), and why?  Inversions! I love all the classes, but there’s something so exciting and challenging about discovering new ways to hang upside down on a pole that you never thought possible and somehow making it look pretty!

What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine?  One of the first things that attracted me to Divine was their website. I loved the site’s feminine and playful look and feel. It motivated me to learn more about their philosophy and what they had to offer. Everything that attracted me to their site was exactly what I experienced when I started their classes. The community of teachers and students is not only supportive and fun, but it’s also inspiring! How can you go wrong in a room filled with other women who are cheering you on! I learned how to celebrate being a woman (and enjoy whatever shape I was feeling that day!). I discovered my own femininity and was encouraged to give myself the permission to be playful…sensual…and even sassy… when I danced. No matter what level I was at in class, I never felt out of place. And I have to say I love the way I feel after a class. I feel invigorated and energized, as if my soul has been pampered with a little TLC. When life is tipping just a little too heavily to one side, Divine is my sanctuary…my therapy session. I always feel grounded after I’ve put myself through an inversions class and danced my little heart out. 

Platforms or legwarmers?  I love platforms and how they make your legs look long, but I just love being in legwarmers. There’s something so cozy about them. And they also help me dance messy!

What are you currently working on technically?  I’m trying to relax into the reverse shoulder mount. I’m still really tense and trying to avoid the pain! I’m also working on any of the handstands…for some reason they really freak me out and I feel like I’m going to fall over the wrong way!

What are you working on artistically?  I’m working on how to stay in the wave while making the transition from the floor to an inversion. I need to practice slowing them down and not rushing through each position. My head likes to get in the way and takeover when I’m inverting.

Do you have a favorite song to pole dance to? If so, what is it, and why?  Skin by Rihanna. There’s something very moody about the music and since it’s about intense physical yearning it helps me stay connected to my body, so I don’t let my head get in the way of the dance. But Bloodstream by Stateless is always a favorite! Maybe it’s because it’s one of the first songs I really danced to and got lost in.

We LOVE all music at Divine. What 3 songs would be featured on the soundtrack to YOUR life?
Haha! In this phase right now it would have to be…

1. Adele – Make You Feel My Love
2. Lil Wayne – How to Love
3. Mandy Moore – Gardenia

Double-tall, whole milk, caramel macchiato…wish I could have one every day!

What is your favorite thing about fall in Seattle?  When the leaves change color and the streets are lined with the brilliant red colored trees. Since I’m a romantic, it would also be walking in the rain under an umbrella on a dark Seattle street with the one that makes my heart flutter. Oh and of course…it’s the arrival of Boot season!

<sup>Miss September 2011: Lindsy
　
Occupation: Medical Lab Scientist (“Med Tech”)
　
Your motto: Chocolate makes everything better
　
How long have you been pole dancing at Divine?　About 10 months!
 
Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole? I’ve been into running since jr high, and I did gymnastics for a couple years growing up. I’ve done a little weight lifting in the last few years, but no real dance experience.
　
What made you decide to take pole dancing classes?　I have no idea, the thought just occurred to me one day to try it. I had actually already bought my own pole when I started at Divine… didn’t take me long to figure out that I was going to need some actual instruction, the youtube videos weren’t cutting it for me!
 
Favorite class? (spins, inversions, or boudoir), and why?  Inversions! I love the challenge of learning each new move or combo, the total body workout I get from it, and how completely exhausted I am at the end.
　
What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine? The freedom to play and not think, it’s a place where mistakes are ok to make and learn from. As a “lab rat”, I spend a lot of time in a world of procedures, rules, and critical thinking, and there is even a semi-facetious sign in the lab that says: “Don’t make any mistakes!”… but at Divine I can shut that out. It feels good to let my body surprise my brain, speak for itself and remind me that the left-brain is not in charge of everything.
　
Platforms or legwarmers?  I like them both! Or sometimes neither. I do seem to be exceptionally high-heel challenged, so it’s a little harder for me to get out of my head in platforms when I’m worrying about falling, but I love how they look!! Legwarmers are great when I want to spend a lot of time on the floor, I love how they let me slide around.
　
What are you currently working on technically? Transitioning from one inversion to another more fluidly, and building the strength to do some of the more difficult moves. And Twisted Ballerina… I’ve got a long way to go on that one, but the day is coming…
　
What are you working on artistically? Just getting out of my head more completely, and not getting knocked out of my wave so easily.
　
Do you have a favorite song to pole dance to?  Right now I’m loving “Set Fire to the Rain” – Adele, and “Oasis” – Tarja.
　
We LOVE all music at Divine.  What 3 songs would be featured on the soundtrack to YOUR life?　Haha I think this changes constantly, but for right now…
1. “I Will Be Here” – Steven Curtis Chapman
2. “Stay Strong” – Newsboys
3. Something by Nickelback
　
Guilty pleasure(s):</sup>

^{-”Homemade Reeses” (put a big glob of peanut butter on a plate and dip chocolate chips in it – yummy!)}

^{- Eating so much of the raw cookie dough that I don’t have enough left to make the cookies,
-Ice cream for breakfast
-Kenny G}

^{Tell us about what you like to call…”The Furries”…: My babies! They’re furry. Between Sharkie, Sugar, Luke, Leia and Peach, I live in a house full of fur! If it weren’t for my husband, I’d be a crazy cat lady and have turned my house into a cat shelter. One of these wonderful furries has been in my lap the entire time I’ve been answering these questions. I wake up in the morning to find at least 2 or 3 furries on the bed with me, usually my 16-pound Sharkie cat is close enough for me to reach out and snuggle.  They wait up for me when I get home from work at night, and provide a convenient, snuggly alternative to doing housework…
　
Any inspirational advice you would like to share with newcomers? Repetition, repetition. You *can* do those moves that are eluding you, it just takes doing it over and over to convince your body.  Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing, let your own body take its time and find its own way in each new song. And lastly, don’t fight the addiction. Pole is a great addiction!}

Miss August 2011: Ale

 Occupation:  Project manager, and being a brand-new mommy! 

Your motto:  The truth will set you free

How long have you been pole dancing at Divine?   Since October of 2009 (almost two years now, wow!)

Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole?  I’ve always liked being an active person, but I’m not very consistent. I took dance lessons when I was a little girl, but that’s pretty much my entire dancing history. I also played tennis and volleyball throughout high school and college.

What made you decide to take pole dancing classes?  Trying something new! And it was also out of curiosity… When I heard about pole dancing I suddenly really wanted to try it. I NEVER imagined how much I was going to love it! It is way different of what I expected, and it’s literally the only type of workout I’ve been able to consistently stick to for the past couple of years.

Favorite class? (spins, inversions, or boudoir), and why?  Inversions, because I like the challenge of it! I also love the warm-up of the basic spins class. 

What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine?  I love the philosophy of Divine Movement, which is transmitted by the instructors (Thanks Angie, Jamie and Trisha! I really think you guys don’t even realize how much good you’ve done to me and to so many others). Divine has taught me to love myself for who I am, and to not be afraid of being sexy and feminine. Divine also helps us women realize how unique we all are, regardless of shape or size. Being a woman is such a beautiful gift, and at Divine we learn to embrace this precious gift by being ourselves, and feeling DIVINE without worrying about what others may think. 

Platforms or legwarmers?  Both! It really depends on the mood, but I love how my legs look with both platforms AND legwarmers.

What are you currently working on technically?  Strengthening my body to the way it was before having a baby!

What are you working on artistically?  I’m working on not thinking too much about where I am technically, and just feeling the music and enjoying myself.

Do you have a favorite song to pole dance to?  This is an old one, but I just love dancing to “Falling in Love At a Coffee Shop” by Landon Pigg, because it reminds me of my first pole dance lessons at Divine. 

We LOVE music at Divine. What 3 songs would be featured on the soundtrack to YOUR life? 

1. “Amazed” by Lonestar

2. “I’m a Believer” by Smash Mouth

3. “She’s in Love with the Boy” by Trisha Yearwood

4. “Nada en comun” by Coda

 Guilty pleasure(s):

1. Waking up reeeally late! 

2. I don’t spend a lot of money buying “things”, but I don’t mind splurging on “experiences” such as traveling, spa services, and restaurants!

We hear you recently welcomed a handsome baby boy to this world ~ congratulations! What was it like poling while pregnant?  Yes! Baby Rod arrived into my world just two months ago, and I just love being a mommy! It was a lot of fun to pole dance while pregnant, and I found that it helped me have a much healthier pregnancy. I was able to do most of the warm-up exercises, which really strengthened my pelvic muscles; this was especially helpful during the birthing process. Also, pole dancing helped me fall in love with my pregnant body, with my brand-new shape and curves! I felt sexy and beautiful, and I can also attribute this to all the great support and compliments I received from students and teachers at Divine – so THANK YOU ALL for your support and friendship! 

Any inspirational/informational advice you would like to share with other new mommies considering taking pole classes?  Go for it! If I could do it, you can too! I continued going to class until I was past 7 months pregnant (only spins; I had to give up inversions at 4 months!), and went back after 6 weeks of giving birth. Talk to your doctor about it, and make sure you skip any exercises that don’t feel right. Other than that, dance away! Pole dancing can be a GREAT workout during pregnancy. It is also a special time for yourself when you can relax, feel beautiful, and enjoy great music and company – at Divine you will find a group of women who will support you and cheer for you, no matter what stage of life you’re at.