I will be teaching myself to pole. Is that safe?

With all aerial arts you run the risk of serious injury, so pole dancing is inherently a risky sport.

However, there are lots of ways to mitigate that risk – including lots of fun, beautiful moves that never require you to be upside-down. Heck, there are plenty where your feet don’t even leave the ground!

If you are learning by yourself – or even just practicing at home – I recommend you:

• Structure your learning so you build strength where you need it – DVDs and online lessons can help. Pole requires a very specific shoulder position and posture or you will damage your shoulders; this should be the first thing your lessons show you.
• Go VERY slowly – learn each move thoroughly before progressing. You should
• Listen to your body. It is VERY easy to damage your shoulders pole dancing. If they hurt, STOP. When learned properly, you should feel your shoulders getting stronger. If they feel tender and sore, you are not in the right posture and need to get more information before continuing (I can help direct you – please email me).
• Start on the ground. Small spins with your feet on the ground are the first step. Even inverts are first learned on the ground.
• NEVER go upside down without someone spotting you. NEVER. If you are learning on your own, you need to be extra careful. And if you’re just learning, you shouldn’t be going upside down at all. At all. (I don’t care how easy it looks on Youtube.)
• Do not use moisturizers, lotions, or oils prior to pole dancing. They will block grip and make the pole slippery, which puts you at risk for serious injury.
• Set your pole up correctly. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation. Check before each use to make sure it is still tightened properly and positioned correctly (use a level to make sure).

The inherent risk involved in pole dancing is not for everyone. Only you can decide your own comfort level with that risk.