At the age of 13, I was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident which shattered part of my left tibia, broke my left fibula, fractured both sides of my pelvis, fractured my left wrist and ruptured my bladder. To top this off, I had many lacerations. These included a deep cut into my right arm and the ‘degloving’ of my left calf. With these injuries and a number of surgeries, it took me a couple of years to relearn to walk properly again.
On top of the accident, I was also diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type 1 when I was 21, after a long history experiencing psychotic and depressive symptoms. Serious mental and physical health issues run in my family, so finding the right way to get fit, healthy and happy was vital for me to get my chronic pain under control and my sanity back.
When I first came across a MPDA video on YouTube I wanted to try pole, but I had already decided that defeat was inevitable. My accident left me with a body that struggled to walk without pain. I could not easily squat or lunge. I didn’t show my skin because of the large scars and the shame I had been taught to feel about them. Hot pants and heels? Definitely placed in the hell no category.
My partner Dave was actively going to the gym, but I couldn’t make it a habit. I needed to get active to get back some mobility to reduce my chronic pain. Much to Dave’s surprise, I booked into a beginners course at Bobbi’s. I walked into Ryder’s class with zero dance or fitness background, close to pure hate for my body’s appearance and function. I walked out of my first term of pole dance having gained a whole new appreciation for my body and outlook on my future.
I’m now an Advanced student. Pole dancing never fails to lift my mood, improve my self love and has been a complete life game changer.
I hope all your friends sign up to pole dance! I hope you never feel bad about your own progress! From my experience, pole dance can give you so much more than tricks and a routine. Pole is for you and you are amazing. Happy poling.