Student Spotlight: Meredith

For today's post, we are featuring another student, ​Meredith!

When did you start pole dancing?
I first took an intro series to pole dancing at Divine Movement in 2013. A friend had mentioned it being a great form of exercise and artistic expression, so I found a groupon. :-)
I couldn't commit to the classes consistently at the time so it was another 2 years before I resumed at Pole Fitness Seattle!

Favorite part about pole dancing?
I love having the space to dance freely, to improv. It has been fulfilling to observe how, over time, I have gravitated towards certain movements and shapes that accentuate my strengths and more powerful parts of me that don't get recognized elsewhere. I also love to see the diversity of the dancers in our studio, how everyone finds their movement and are constantly creating new shapes. 

When did you first come to Pole Fitness Seattle? 
September 2015, after a long hiatus from dance...I had been getting burned out on rock climbing and needed a little more grace and flow in my life. :-)

Favorite class(es) to take at the studio?
This has been a bit of an evolution, depending on what my spirit seems to need. I started out taking a lot of free style flow, which allowed me to really play and enjoy my movements...I have lately gravitated towards the strength required to execute moves in inversion classes. And when I feel up to a challenge, Climbs and spins have taught me elegance and self-patience...spinning pole kicks my butt!

Favorite songs to dance to?
I have an ever growing "Pole Play" spotify list but right now, probably Smile More (Deep Vally), Billie Jean (The Civil Wars cover), Break the Fall (Laura Welsh) and, If I Go (Ella Eyre).

What are your pole necessities?
For Pole: Dry hands II, haut attire and booty popping music
For Floorwerk: leg warmers/liquid motion knee pads, strippable layers and a sassy disposition :-)

Favorite pole move?
I haven't nailed it yet, but my current obsession is Devil's Point Shuffle into inverted brass monkey

Nemesis move?
Inside leg hang to allegra on spinning pole! *growls

What do you enjoy outside of pole? (Yoga, reading, work, hiking, etc.)
Eating pho, climbing rocks (indoor/outdoor), being in the middle of a snuggle puddle, reading a good graphic novel/comic series (Sandman has been a big commitment), getting my hands muddy in my garden. :-) 

Whether you’re a local or new in town, what is your favorite part about Seattle?
I love that there is maybe more pho places than Starbux in this city and that they have just as strong of a following. :-)

Favorite food? Favorite place to eat in Seattle? Etc.
Well...since pho has made it into three of my responses already, I'll say Thai Recipe because its dank! But Pho Bac (the boat) is my go to...for a wallet incinerator though, Purple has some flavors that are out of this world!

Biggest accomplishment for yourself this year at the PFS studio.
Performing in front of an audience without vomiting! Seriously, its been a big fear and feels like a huge accomplishment. Thanks to the support of all my fellow dancing babes!

How have you grown as a student this past year?
I have gone from feeling really timid on and off the pole to feeling frustrated and and wrapped up in comparing myself to those around me, and finally I feel like I have come to a place of being more kind to myself. I try to focus on appreciating my body's strengths, challenge my perceived limitations and learning to use it more intelligently. 

Favorite thing about the PFS studio?
I really have appreciated the variety of instructors' dance skills and interests. It has really pushed my boundaries of what sort of dance I thought I could do or wanted to do. The confidence and empowering attitude that the instructors demonstrate transfers to the students whether intentional or not and it has made me a more confident dancer and person. I think this studio has done a solid job of creating a safe space for students to explore ourselves and leave any shaming the world has tagged us with, at the door. Finally, I feel really grateful for the brilliant babes that I have gotten to know and dance with over the last year. You all inspire me!

Thank you for sharing Meredith! We loved that you performed at our Holiday recital and are amazed at your dancing and flexibility!