What does it mean to be a part of a community? When it comes to pole fitness, it’s the shared love for anything pole: the common language, the struggles to reach a personal goal, the supportive atmosphere. One of the key words is “personal” since pole is very much an individual sport.
As a pole athlete (yes, we are athletes), each poler has his/her own pole journey. Unlike a team sport where there is a collective goal to reach, pole fitness is driven by thousands of personal goals.
For example, maybe I’ll hit that chopper, leg hang, Ayesha or handspring. Maybe I’ll be brave enough to perform a routine at a showcase or even compete! Or, maybe I’ll figure out a combo that allows me to stay on the pole for a longer time. Regardless of what the specific goals are, from one poler to another, we just know.
When I started pole fitness a little over 4 years ago, I had no idea I was signing up for a community of people that I would describe as my pole family. Many of us traveled to Polecon together, we’ve celebrated birthdays, we’ve gone rock climbing and hiking. We have our group chats. I know that if I need advice or a group to try a new class, all I’d have to do is ask and there will be at least one person, if not more, ready to go along.
With that said, my heart turns to a recent tragedy experienced by members of the BeSpun pole fitness community in California. Over a week ago, a beloved pole instructor, Tilly, was fatally struck in a hit and run outside the studio. Two reasons this event has stayed with me since it happened:
- I know the value of the members of a pole community and this must have shattered their world in an instant .
- Last spring, I had the pleasure of taking two classes at BeSpun studio while visiting family in Los Angeles (though not with Tilly).
As a member of a pole community, the bonds with instructors can be strong. I don’t know what I would do without my pole fitness instructors. So, from one community member on the east coast to the BeSpun community on the west coast, I am so very sorry for your loss. 💜
Poles & Places 