Last summer, I had the privilege of traveling to Spain and Italy on a cruise. Before heading overseas, I asked Google for pole fitness studio suggestions in the cities we would be visiting.
While Google managed to show me several options, calculating the distances between the cruise ports proved challenging. Would I have enough time to disembark from the ship and make it to my destination and still possibly get some sightseeing in?
The answer turned out to be “yes!” To make it work though, it took a lot of time to analyze all the possible excursions to Florence from the cruise port of La Spezia, a 2-hour commute, each way.
Google maps was somewhat helpful, but I needed more reassurance so I emailed some studios and Alessandra, an assistant with Florence Pole Dance Studio, answered. Luckily, she communicated in English and let me know that only one of their studio locations would be open in August.
For 25 euros (about $29 USD) I signed up for a level 2/3 class at the studio on San Gervasio street with the instructor, Francesca Prini.
Fortunately, our cruise line offered an excursion called “Explore Florence” which provided precisely 3 hours of free exploration in the ancient city. If everything timed perfectly, I would be at the doorstep of Florence Pole Dance Studio at noon.
Little did I know, the tour bus would make a stop at a leather outlet along the way. While I enjoyed seeing the leather factory, I also hoped I would not be late for the pole class.
Now, if you’re reading this thinking that it’s ridiculous that I was in Italy surrounded by luxurious Italian leather, yet on the verge of stressing out about making it to a pole class on time, then you may not understand how much it means to me. Being able to do something I love in another country is the icing on the cake (or the grip on the pole)!
As the bus made it to Florence, I was the first one off. Climbing down the steps with the guide, she pointed me to a taxi she had arranged and wished me a good class.
There I was, on my own, in the middle of Florence, not speaking the language, yet comfortable knowing that there would soon be a common language of pole. And sure enough, I was exactly on time. In fact, everyone seemed so relaxed that it probably would have been okay had I been a little late.
Most importantly, I learned some new pole tricks and felt right at home. Interacting with the other students in class was a highlight, and most of them spoke some English. Being immersed in the Italian culture was truly a special memory of my trip to Italy.
As a result of this experience and several others that I’ve had in different countries, the idea for Poles & Places was born. With Poles & Places, the goal is to showcase studios around the globe, providing helpful information for travelers, exactly the kind of information I had been looking for.
Ultimately, I did have time to explore the city of Florence. I met up with my family at the Piazza del Duomo which was absolutely stunning. I also enjoyed some gelato because we all know how much work goes into pole and we sure deserve a treat, especially when in Italy!
Poles & Places 