Pole fitness is unique in that it is one of the only strength-based sports that isn’t marketed primarily to straight men. As the pole industry has evolved, it has created a lot of spaces for straight, white women by emphasizing the performance of feminine gender in a traditionally idealized way.
While these spaces are highly beneficial to the women they serve, they do not cover the full scope of what pole fitness can be.
Positive Spin is expanding the demographics by creating a socially conscious pole space that is for queer, non-monogamous, and plus-size individuals, and their allies. By creating a socially conscious, identity-inclusive space for exploring pole fitness, Positive Spin provides a space where those who are traditionally underrepresented in our industry can experience the benefits of pole. This space is particularly important because these same populations are also the most alienated from other dance and fitness facilities.
In accessing pole fitness, our students are finally given the opportunity to see the full potential of their bodies. They learn that their bodies are stronger and more capable than they’ve ever imagined. One of our genderqueer students explains how pole has already affected their relationship with their body, even in their first few weeks of classes.
“I have less than 10 classes under my belt, but I can already tell a difference in my work. It’s not just a difference in my strength and flexibility, but also in in confidence and trust in myself. It’s a slow relationship, but pole has helped me and my body be on the same team, and has allowed me to surprise myself in my abilities and see myself in a kind light.”
Our Future
As Positive Spin expands, we are creating more community education events. These events focus on educating both our student community and the greater Seattle community about the complex art of pole, current social-political events, and the way the two intersect. These events help create the understanding and empathy that is necessary in creating safe communities that support diversity.
Positive Spin is proud to be home to a one-of-a-kind pole leadership program, which is diversifying pole leaders in the Seattle area, and the country’s first complete teen pole program.
What can you expect when you Join Positive Spin?
You can expect that other students will be excited to learn about you, and learn how they can best support you as a person, and as a pole dancer.
Each time you walk in the studio you can expect to learn something new both on and off the pole. Sometimes about the latest in queer theory, and sometimes about wombat mating calls.
We are so excited to meet you and see what you bring to our studio community!
