Amelia's Journey - Inspiration, Dedication & Finding a Second Fam

My journey began with a Youtube recommendation: a video of a phenomenal pole routine by Amy Hazel (thank you Amy!). That was all it took for me to tell a friend I wanted to start pole dancing. They told me “Go on, do it.”

And so I did! From the sheer amount of awe I felt from watching that routine, and the inspiration I received from visiting the studio, I knew that it would be more than just a hobby. Now it’s a lifestyle that I’ve been pursuing and loving for over a year and a half.

After watching the fluency, strength, flexibility, and coordination of the amazing dancers at the studio, I knew that was what I wanted to accomplish.

My first level 1 class with Anna was so liberating - I knew I was surrounded by badass people who were all there for similar reasons to me. I still remember attempting to do my first fan kick and my first outside and inside step arounds and making an absolute fool of myself! Now I can’t do a freestyle without adding a step around or two!

While training and learning at Altitude I found inspiration everywhere: in instructors, students, and especially myself. I was surprised by how my strength grew, how my flexibility developed, and how my coordination quickly went from ‘baby deer learning to walk’ to flowing and smooth!

It’s good to have inspiration from all corners, but I’m now a firm believer in myself. Set out to inspire yourself daily and you’ll be surprised with what you can accomplish. Changing your mindset from “I wish I could do that but I’m not strong/flexible/good enough” to “this is what I want to do and I am doing everything I can to get there” is the best way to set goals.

For me, pole is the best gift that keeps on giving. The pole dance community is the most wonderful, tight knit group of people you could ask for. The support is overwhelming, and everyone is so welcoming. My studio is my second home, and everyone in it is like my family.

Curious about the video that inspired Amelia? Find it here