Guys & Pole - Ajay's Journey; Boosting morale and growing confidence through pole dance at Altitude

This blog was written by Ajay, one of our members from our studio in Takapuna, Auckland

However, at the time, there were very few dance studios that catered to adults. I tried Jive (it's kinda like ballroom dance) for a few months but I didn't enjoy it that much. Then one day a simple google search led me to discover pole dance.

After a great conversation with the studio manager, I signed up for a 28-Day Challenge at Altitude Takapuna back in October 2016 to see if Pole was for me and never looked back.

My first class was scary and a bit nerve-wracking as I was the only male student in the class, plus I was a bit uncomfortable with my own skin. However, as the class progressed I picked up a few moves after superb motivation from my instructor; this boosted my morale and decided to stick through the 28-day challenge.

During my 28-Day Challenge, I went to see Pole Legends 2016 (an elite level pole dancing competition) at Sky City Theatre. After watching a fellow male pole dancer, Larry, perform I was inspired to sign up for a full-year membership.

Now the classes overall are amazing! Some days I struggle to do any moves in the class, and some days I nail all of them - that's part of the joy of learning pole dance. For a long time, Superman was my favourite pole trick. It took me over a year to learn and when I got it, I started using it in almost all my pole performances (even to this day!). Ayesha's & Handsprings are my current favourite moves and I'm working towards making them solid!

As for my own style, I think I enjoy the artistic style of pole more. I try to depict a story every now and then when I'm performing; usually, those are personal experiences or the things that I've been through. I've also done a few performances just for the sake of having fun, no story just entertainment.

Overall, I would say pole has boosted my morale! I've grown from a shy person to a more confident one, and I have learned to appreciate myself and my body more.

Pole is for every gender, every body type! Every pole dancer I've met has been positive and accepting. You build great friendships while working out - come along to Altitude and see it for yourself!